Recommended Weight Distribution System for 5,000 Pound Trailer

Question:

Im looking for a weight distribution and sway system for my camper, which is a 23, 5,000# unit. It will be pulled by a 2019 F-150 with tow package. Im looking at 2 blue ox products and wonder which is best? The sales guy at the camper store recommends this one: https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Blue-Ox/BXW1000.html I found this one before I got his recommendation. The guy in the video makes some good points about why bars may be better than chains. https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Blue-Ox/BLU87FR.html Can I get an expert opinion?

asked by: Corey C

Expert Reply:

When it comes to choosing a weight distribution hitch, the most important factor is the tongue weight. This includes the loaded tongue weight of your trailer as well as any weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. If you choose a system that is too light it won't be effective. If it is too heavy, you will have a rigid ride and bouncy trailer.

Assuming your gross vehicle weight rating is 5,000 lbs, we can take a guess and say that your tongue weight is 500-750 lbs, which would be 10-15% of the weight of your trailer. The Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW1000 has a tongue weight range of 750-1,000 lbs and the Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU87FR is 800-1,000 lbs. Ideally you want to be in the middle of that capacity range. Based on the 5,000 lbs, you are either right at the bottom of that range or not at all in the case of the TrackPro. As for a quick comparison of the Blue Ox, I would choose the TrackPro system with the L-brackets. This style provides superior sway control when compared to the chain-and-bracket system.

If I were to recommend a system based on this information, I would choose the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0800. Fastway is made by Equal-i-zer who makes some of the best weight distribution hitches available. This system is rated for a tongue weight of 400-800 lbs. You would also need a ball like the # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2" ball and the # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16" ball.

If 5,000 lbs is the dry weight of your trailer, and your tongue weight ends up being higher, the Blue Ox TrackPro would be a fine choice as long as your tongue weight isn't over 1,000 lbs.

I am including an article on how to measure tongue weight for you to check out. I would make sure to find the actual tongue weight before making a decision on a WDH. I have also attached review videos on the Fastway and Blue Ox TrackPro, along with some other articles on how to choose a WDH for your reference.