Is Weight Distribution Necessary for Towing 10500 GVWR Travel Trailer With 2021 Ford F350
Question:
Can you please help me? I have a 2021 Ford F350 Platinum with the 6.7 diesel and 8 foot bed, Crew Cab with the 12400lb towing package, front snow plow package. I am trying to find out If I can do without a weight distribution hitch and only purchase a 3inch ball holder with a weight clock in it My camper is a 2021 Keyston Outback 340BH as follows: Unloaded Vehicle weight 8740LB GVWR 10,500LB MODEL OB340BH21
asked by: Sigfrido R
Expert Reply:
Anytime the weight of a trailer is greater than 50% of the vehicle weight, we recommend using weight distribution. Weight distribution uses spring bars to transfer a portion of the trailer's tongue weight from the rear truck axle to the front. Too much weight of the trailer hitch can unspring the front suspension, which can lead to improper aim of the headlights and reduced steering and braking response.
Your Keystone Outback 340BH is a big boy, at almost 40 feet long. With a cross section that large, the sides of your travel trailer will act like a large sail on a boat and will be very susceptible to trailer sway caused by cross winds and turbulence from oncoming or passing traffic. Because of this, I'd highly recommend going with a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control component.
Given the specs of your travel trailer, your tongue weight will range from a low of about 875 lbs when completely unloaded and could potentially be as high as 1500 lbs if loaded all the way up to the 10500 GVWR.
Because of this, it's important to determine what the actual trailer tongue weight is when it's loaded up as it would be when you tow it. I'll link to an article that explains a few methods of doing this, but the easiest way to find the tongue weight would be to use a tongue weight/payload scale like the # e99044. I'll also link to a demonstration video showing how the scale works.
If your fully loaded tongue weight is greater than 1200 lbs, I'd recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ64FR weight distribution/sway control hitch which is rated for 1200-1500 lbs of tongue weight. If the tongue weight is less than 1200 lbs, use # EQ37120ET which is rated for 800-1200 lbs of tongue weight. Both systems include the 2-5/16 inch hitch ball. You will need to use the hitch reducer included with your factory hitch as we don't offer systems compatible with a 3 inch receiver hitch.
I've also linked to a video that walks you through the process of setting up the Equal-i-zer hitch.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1400 lbs
- 1500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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