Weight Distribution for Different Trailer Weights and a 2005 Ford Expedition
Question:
I have a 2005 5.4L V8 4x4 Ford Expedition with the factory tow package and a 3,000 lb empty weight steel two horse trailer. I am not sure what the tongue weight is or how to calculate it, but there is no dressing room so the weight is closer to the tongue if that matters. I typically haul one horse 1,200 lb and about 200 lb of gear in the back of the SUV and maybe 100lb additional gear in the trailer. However, on rare occasions I may haul a second horse they range approx. 1,000-1,300 lbs in weight. This knocks me over 5,000lbs. Additionally, we often use the trailer to haul furniture, loads to the dump, etc. and I dont need any additional sway/weight help then. 2 5/16 ball. I would like a WD hitch and sway control. I am used to diesel trucks and feel that the rear end is a bit soft in this setup. I hook up by myself female and need to be able to handle whatever mechanism is added on my own. Convenience and ease of use will be a factor. I have been told to look at the Equalizer hitch, but saw the Pro Series on your website at a much cheaper price. I am willing to pay for something if it is worth it, however. I am not sure what size WD hitch to get in light of the different loads I use on a regular basis? 90 of the time is is shorter trips with one horse, but I would like the ability to haul 2 if possible. Those would be long distance hauls on the interstate semis passing.
asked by: Laura B
Expert Reply:
First, thank you for the information you have provided. I can make some good recommendations with this information. The key to choosing the right weight distribution system is tongue weight. To calculate tongue weight there are several methods you could employ. I have included a link to an FAQ article that explains them for you.
Typically tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For a trailer weighing 3,000 pounds, a 1,200 pound horse, and up to 100 pounds additional gear, you are looking at about 4,300 pounds gross trailer weight. given that most of the weight is further forward on the trailer you are probably on the high end of tongue weight, 645 pounds or more. To that you would add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the Expedition so that could bring it to 845 pounds or more.
Adding another horse of the same weight you are looking at a gross trailer weight of 5,500 pounds. That would put the tongue weight around 825 pounds to 1,025 pounds when the gear is added to the vehicle.
For these 2 applications you would need something with a wide tongue weight capacity range. Like Reese system # 49570 rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds.
This system also comes with a shank so you will just need a properly sized ball, # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. You can also add to this system a friction sway control bar, # 83660, for times that you will be driving on the highway and sway will be a factor.
For the short trips hauling furniture or trips to the dump this system may not be ideal unless the tongue weight gets up into the 600 to 1,200 pound range. When loaded, though, it is better to have a system rated too high than none at all. Once you have unloaded the trailer you can unhook the spring bars so the ride will not be stiff with the empty trailer.
This set up will give you the widest range and will be the easiest to hook up and unhook. I have included some links that will help including a video and an FAQ on weight distribution for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
