Comparing Blue Ox, Curt, and Fastway Weight Distribution for Starcraft Launch Hybrid
Question:
Hi, Im looking at three WDHs and cant decide which one. I have a 2015 Frontier with a 6100# tow capacity and a Starcraft Launch Hybrid weighing approximately 3500# dry. Manual says the tongue weight is 310#. Loaded with water, battery, gear, etc the hitch weight will probably be 700# on a heavy trip. The Blu Ox BLU65FR comes with a pre-mounted ball but my camper requires a 2in ball. Can that be changed and would there need to be special tools to do it? This one seems to fit my weight needs right in the middle but the ball size is wrong. The other one Im looking at is the Curt C17051. It doesnt come with sway control but Im willing to purchase if needed. Finally, on the higher price point is the Fastway FA92-00-0800. I was wondering your thoughts on each and could you recommend one or do you have something else in the $500 or less category?
asked by: John A
Helpful Expert Reply:
When it comes to weight distribution, tongue weight is the most important factor. It looks like you are ahead of the game and accounted for that with each of these systems, great job. I would still recommend finding your actual tongue weight once your trailer is loaded up. You can use a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 or the bathroom scale method to find this.
Starting with the Curt # C17051, I would definitely not recommend this over the Blue Ox or Fastway. As you pointed out, this does not have sway control and would require an additional purchase to add it. You are better off with the L style bracket system and 2-point sway control when compared to this chain and bracket system and a separate friction sway control.
That leaves the Blue Ox # BLU82XR and the Fastway # FA92-00-0800. Although they share a lot of similarities, I would recommend the Fastway. Both will do well with a 700 lb tongue weight, but you are assuming that is loaded to the max. The Fastway has a wider tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs when compared to the Blue Ox at 600-800 lbs. This means if you end up on the lighter side when towing you won't have a system that is rated too high, resulting in a rigid ride and bouncy trailer.
Another advantage the Fastway system has is the trunnion bars instead of round bars. These are typically easier to connect and allow for greater ground clearance when compared to the round bars that hang down. Overall, Fastway is considered to be the best of the budget friendly weight distribution systems, and is made by Equal-i-zer who is well known and specializes in weight distribution.
For a 2" ball that will fit this system I recommend the 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs # EQ91-00-6080. You may also want the 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive # ALL643216 which is recommended for hitch ball installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 700 lbs
- 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 >
2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 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
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox 2-Point Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6-Hole Shank - Underslung - 12K GTW, 800 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
- 1100 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
