Weight Distribution for a 2013 Ford Edge and R-Pod Trailer

Question:

I have a 2013 Ford Edge and will be towing an 188inch R-pod. Please recommend the best ball mount, level, and sway bar. I have a factory-installed receiver hitch. The dealer will install the digital brake control and the tow plug. I appreciate any suggestions you have for anything else I might need. This is my first trailer. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jan L

Expert Reply:

For the factory-installed hitch receiver on your 2013 Ford Edge, I recommend the Brophy Ball Mount # BM20. It has a 3/4 inch rise and a 2 inch drop with a weight capacity of 10,000 lbs, which should be more than sufficient for your 188 inch R-Pod. You will also need a pin and clip for this mount and I recommend the # PC3. For more information, I have provided a link to our FAQ page on how to choose the correct ball mount.

For a weight distribution system with sway control, I recommend the Blue Ox Sway Pro, # BXW0553. After some research, I found the tongue weight of your R-Pod is approximately 350 lbs, so this system is a good fit with a tongue weight capacity of 550 lbs and an overall weight capacity of 6000 lbs. It also comes with an adjustable shank. This Sway Pro unit is for underslung, sometimes called bottom mount couplers which are common on RPod trailers. If your coupler is NOT underslung then use # BXW0550.

You will need to add a ball to either system, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

I would advise checking with your R-Pod dealer or your owners manual to find the exact tongue weight of your R-Pod. I am providing a link to our FAQ page on determining tongue weight.

I have also provided links to the installation instructions for this product and to our FAQ page on weight distribution and sway control.

I would recommend the Hopkins Trailer Hitch Level # HM09715. It offers front-to-back and side-to-side measurements for your R-Pod and will permanently mount to your trailer tongue.

Finally, I have added a link to our FAQ page on what you will need to tow a trailer.