Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution part # RP66074 Work With 2001 Ford F-150 Towing 23ft Trailer

Question:

Looking for WDH with sway bars. Tow vehicle is 2001 F-150 4x4 with 3.55 rear end. Tow capacity 7600-7900 lb. 3-4inch lift kit and oversized tires, currently using a 3 or 4inch hitch I cant remember which it is...sorry Travel trailer is 23foot with 3500-6500 weight rating. I have not weighed the trailer to get actual weight, but Id guess it at about 5000. Looking at Reese Strait-Line 66073 or 66074. I calculate my max tongue weight at 975 lbs, so not sure which would be advisable since 66073 TW is 800 and 66074 TW is 1200. Also which shank is recommended with this hitch to accomodate the 3-4inch needed? Thanks!

asked by: Bradley B

Helpful Expert Reply:

You definitely want to go with the Reese Strait-Line part # RP66074 that has a 1200 pound tongue weight for your travel trailer since your tongue weight will be over 800 lbs. When towing, if your weight distribution system is not rated high enough, there will be too much force on your spring bar and the weight will not be distributed evenly which can create sway and an un-level ride.

The purpose of the weight distribution system is to distribute the weight on the rear axle to the front and trailer axles. The weight distribution system will have to lift not only the tongue weight of the trailer, but also the load in the truck bed that is behind the rear axle.

To determine which shank you need the following steps should be taken, (I have attached the FAQ referencing choosing the correct ball mount which shows you how to determine the proper shank) first, with your truck parked on a level surface, measure the hitch height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the trailer hitch. Next, with your trailer parked on a level surface, measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailers coupler.

If the hitch height is greater than your trailer height, then you need a ball mount with a drop. If your trailer height is taller than your hitch height, then you need a ball mount with a rise.

Taking into consideration the model of your truck, lift kit, oversized tires and the weight distribution system you are installing, I am not comfortable suggesting a shank until the measurements are done because of the amount of variables, however, I did attach the link taking you directly to available shanks after the measurements are completed.

I have attached two short videos - one is demonstrating the installation process and the other is general information regarding weight distribution systems. The third attachment is a FAQ regarding weight distribution and sway control.

expert reply by: Lori W