Recommended Weight Distribution System For A 2018 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 248RBS

Question:

Hoping you can help point me in the right direction. Tow vehicle is a 2018 Ford Expedition MAX and TT is 2018 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 248RBS with Dry weight of 5380lbs and rated hitch weight of 705lbs. Im between 3 WD hitches: Curt 17500, Blue Ox BLU77FR, and Fastway E2 92-00-1065. Looks like Curt might be 4pt sway and Blue Ox and Fastway are 2pt sway. Not sure if that makes a big difference. Also looks like tilt is easily achieved with Curt, and seems pre-set at factory for Blue Ox which seems nice, and old washer system with Fastway - but not sure if thats really all that important or not? Whats important to me is safety, ease of installation, maneuverability while backing up and tight turns. Can you help me decide between these 3? Is one of these far and above better than the others? Or am I splitting hairs? Also, if there is an obvious choice you would recommend thats not one of these 3, please let me know. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Eric

Helpful Expert Reply:

With the max tongue weight of your 2018 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 248RBS being 705 pounds, I do have to immediately rule out the Curt TruTrack # C17500 and Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU77FR weight distribution systems. This is due to both systems have a tongue weight range of 800 pounds at the minimum and 1,000 pounds at the maximum. When choosing the best weight distribution system for a trailer, you want to get the tongue weight (hitch weight) as close to the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight range as possible. The Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000 (same as 92-00-1065, just without the ball), will have a tongue weight range of 600 pounds to 1,000 pounds, so it will be the best option out of these three.

With that said, the best option I can recommend is the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559. This will be the most expensive option, but it gives you 4-point sway control, uses preset positions on the head for easy adjusting, allows for backing up, and is easy to set up and use. I have actually used one of these before and found the sway control to be superior to other brands as well. The 500 pound to 1,000 pound tongue weight range also puts you smack dab in the middle of this system's capacity. Like the Fastway # FA92-00-1000, this will not include a ball so you will need something like the # 19286 to complete the set up.