Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 5800 Pound Trailer and 2013 Ford F-150 with Tow Package
Question:
Going to buy a 2013 F-150 with trailer tow package brake controller/anti sway built in with max loaded trailer weight of 9500 lbs. Plan on pulling a 23ft trailer with GVWR of 5800 What size of weight distribution hitch do I need and do I need added sway control bars?
asked by: Jacqueline W
Expert Reply:
When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the truck. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so for a 5800 pound trailer the range would be 580 to 870 pound tongue weight (if the truck bed is empty).
If you find that you will be inside of that range then a system rated for 600 to 1200 pounds tongue weight, # RP66022, would work well. You will also need to add a shank like # RP54970 which has a drop of 1-1/4 inches, and a properly sized ball. For a 2 inch ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. I have included a video review and instructions links for this system.
The sway control the truck has works by applying more or less power to the drive wheels as needed to correct sway. Using friction bar style sway control # 83660 would help to reduce sway on the trailer side before the truck starts to sway. I have also included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control 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 >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Installing Trailer Brake Controller on 2018 Ford Transit T250 with Factory 7-Way
- Q&A: Will Lift Bracket RP6637 and Chains 3216 Fit on Pro Series RB3 Weight Distribution System
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: How Does Brake Controller Install in Tiffin Phaeton 40AH
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Weight Distribution System Spring Bars Are Needed
- Q&A: How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System For 12K Equipment Trailer
- Article: How to Survive the Winter In Your RV
- Q&A: Trunnion Spring Bars On Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System Fall Out During Turns
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight