Determining If Weight Distribution Hitch Is Needed For 2013 Ford Escape Towing TT W/ 3200lb GVWR
Question:
Do I need a weight distribution hitch/sway control with my setup? Vehicle: 2013 Ford Escape Towing: 2016 Starcraft - AR-ONE Floorplan: 15RB Travel Trailer GVWR: 3200lbs I bought from an RV dealer. They included a hitch that has the vehicle and trailer level. On the drive home, I didnt notice any abnormal sway. When Im looking at hitches/sway control, it seems that it might be overkill since the trailer is small and cause a rougher ride. However, we do drive 4+ hours for some of our camping trips. If a weight distribution hitch and sway control is recommended, which one should I choose? Any recommendations there? Thank you
asked by: Josh
Expert Reply:
Thanks for the information!
Since your 2016 Starcraft AR-One 15RB Travel Trailer has a GVWR of 3200lbs and your 2013 Ford Escape weighs between 3500-3750lbs a weight distribution hitch is definetly recommended. Typically a weight distribution hitch is recommend if the trailer weight is 50% of the vehicle weight, but in this case your trailer is nearly the same weight as your Escape.
Now to determine the correct weight distribution hitch you will need to confirm the total tongue weight of your setup. Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Escape. A tongue weight scale like the # e99044 is the easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight rating, but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.
Since tongue weight is typically 10-15% of your trailers weight you should expect 320-480lbs tongue weight with the trailer loaded to the 3200lb GVWR.
If you find your total tongue weight does not exceed 450lbs then the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch # FA92-00-0450 which works with total tongue weights up to 450lbs would be the best option. This hitch has built in two point sway control to keep your trailer going straight going down the road. This hitch does not include a hitch ball so you will need 2" hitch ball # 40038
If you are over 450lbs total tongue weight then you will need the # FA92-00-0600 instead which works with total tongue weights between 250-600lbs. This hitch also does not include a hitch ball so you will need 2" hitch ball # A-90.
Keep in mind weight distribution hitches are only compatible with 2" trailer hitch receivers, so you will need to have one installed on your Escape to use the above hitches.
I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 200 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
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