Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 22 Foot Airstream Trailer and 2002 Ford Explorer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Even though your Airstream trailer weighs about half of what your 2002 Ford Explorer can tow, you will still benefit from the use of weight distribution and sway control. Since the loaded weight of the trailer is 3,700 pounds, and tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, your trailer would have a tongue weight of 370 to 555 pounds. You would then add to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Adding weight distribution will distribute the tongue weight more evenly amongst the axles of the vehicle and trailer, take out sag at the back of the vehicle, increase braking and handling at the front end, and give you a better ride when coupled with sway control.

I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight like # RP66540. You will just need to add a ball to this system, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch, an sway control, # 83660, to complete the set up.

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

expert reply by: Michael H

0