Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2011 Ford F-150 and 24 Foot Car Hauler Trailer

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford F150 4x4 Super Crew with HD tow package, and a 24foot car hauler trailer that rides fairly low to the ground. With the trailer fully loaded, tongue weight is 700-800 on the Sherline tongue scale and total trailer weight is usually around 7500, but varies from about 6000 to 9000 total depending on what we carry. Last trip I towed with just a ball mount, and had excessive white knuckle sway and it sagged about 3inch in the rear. I also tow the trailer with my motorhome which doesnt need or use a WD hitch, so whichever hitch I buy, it cannot have loose/unsecured parts when towing with the motorhome. Really like the Reese Dual Cam, but it seems as if the dual cam links that bolt to the trailer may hang too low for my trailer and cannot be easily removed when towing with the motorhome. The 4 point sway control seems like it would solve these concerns, but Im not sure about the steel on steel sway control, the noise it would generate, or whether this product would actually stop the really bad sway problem. Hoping to buy quickly, and advise on the recommended products from your experts would be great.

asked by: Brian M

Expert Reply:

Based on everything that you need a system to do going with a Reese Steadi-Flex system will be the best bet. You are correct about the dual-cam system being closer to the ground and not as easy to remove to tow with the motor home.

The Steadi-Flex systems use metal on brake pad-like material to prevent sway. With any sway control system there is going to be some noise but it is not constant noise unless it is constantly working to prevent sway. The dual-cam system would offer the best sway control but the Steadi-Flex system will work well for you too.

Based on the numbers it looks like you will have anywhere between 700 and 900 pounds of tongue weight if not more. A system rated for 600 to 1200 pounds tongue weight and 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight should do the trick. A system like # RP66560 includes a shank but you will need to add a ball using # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

I have included links to the instructions and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.

expert reply by: Michael H