Weight Distribution Recommendation for Trailer that Weighs 5,000 lb Dry

Question:

Greetings to all I have a 2016 F-250 Super Duty 4x4 with a standard cab, 8-ft bed with a factory tow package and brake controller thats powered with a 6.2 liter gas engine. The trucks GVWR is 10,000, GAWR Front Axle is 5,600, GAWR Rear Axle is 6,100 and the cargo capacity is 3,487. It has the 3.73 axle and has a Max GCWR of 19,000 lbs. Im towing a 1972 Avion Voyager-25 travel trailer that has a dry weight of +/- 5,000 lbs. The Avion is equipped with electric brakes on all four wheels and it rides on a MOR/ride twin suspension axle. Im running ST225/75D15 tires at 65-psi on the camper. My question has to do with choosing the optimum weight distribution hitch without over or under killing the hitch choice. Secondly, Im confused with the sway control for such a towing combination. Is my truck heavy enough and do I have enough towing/cargo reserve to not be concerned with purchasing such a hitch. If not, please recommend which of your hitches would work best for me and explain why. Thanks

asked by: George

Helpful Expert Reply:

With how heavy your trailer is a weight distribution system is a really good idea.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The best weight distribution system then for your trailer that weighs around 5,000 lbs when dry would be the Strait Line part # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400 to 800 lbs and features the best sway control that works to prevent sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C