Best Weight Distribution Hitch For 450 lb and 750 lb Tongue Weights

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Question:

Hi. I have a new-to-me 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and a GVWR of 7200, a tow capacity of 9600 or maybe 8300 when I take the GCWR and subtract the GVWR, and a 145 wheelbase. I currently tow an 18 Summerland Mini 1800BH with a GVWR of 3940 lb, and a tongue weight of 440 lb. Right now, my truck squats when I attach the trailer, but I think this is probably because a previous owner installed a leveling kit in the front, and it appears as if there might be some leveling/lift blocks in the rear between the axle and the leaf springs. Not sure if those are stock. Anyway, yesterday was my first day towing with this setup previous tow vehicle was a 2009 Chevy Suburban 1500, which worked very well with this trailer. F-150 was a little squirelly on the road, and Im not sure whats causing that. I would be surprised if the F-150 really has more trouble towing this trailer than the Suburban did, so Im guessing its something else. It might be the leveling kits, or maybe I need a tonneau cover, or maybe I need a WDH with this setup 3940 lb and 440 lb seems low for a WDH. What do you think? Obviously the place to start is by removing the leveling kit parts, but should I be looking at something else here? A friend has a 25 trailer and a similar F-150 2017 and he has an Equalizer WDH. Should I consider one of those? If so, should I only consider the 4000 pound one? I want to upgrade to a 25-27 trailer, 6000 lb trailer at some point, and I expect that would still be within the limits of the truck. Would the 6000 lb Equalizer WDH be okay with this setup for now, and then have me prepared for the larger trailer? What do you think? WDH? No WDH? I would appreciate any advice you can give here. Thanks.

asked by: Daniel L

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Expert Reply:

A weight distribution hitch is definitely going to be the right move for you to help eliminate the squat and give you more control to combat the "squirrelly" aspect you mentioned (which is a very good description). A lower tongue weight can still give tow vehicles some trouble, and a tonneau cover won't do much of anything to help. Removing the leveling kit may, but you are still likely to have some sag. So a WDH is the best option, and you'll need a specific one since you mentioned you will be upgrading to a 6,000 lb trailer.

For your Summerland Mini 1800BH, the 440 lbs is the dry tongue weight, so when loaded it'll be in the 450 lb to 500 lb range, and since you mentioned a 6,000 lb trailer, assuming that is the GVWR, that will be a tongue weight in the 750 lb range. So you'll need a WDH that covers both, and the best option for that is from Fastway:

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0800

The Fastway # FA92-00-0800 is made by Equal-i-zer with the difference being it uses two points of sway control instead of four, and for lighter tongue weights, that provides more than enough control. This system is for total tongue weights between 400 lbs and 800 lbs, which is what you'll need for both trailers, and includes everything you need but the hitch ball, which will depend on your trailer coupler size:

- 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ91-00-6100

- 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ91-00-6080

Another reason I really like the Fastway is because it is easily the best value among weight distribution hitches, with a unique combination of relative cost-effectiveness and high quality. This hitch will do exactly what you need it to - level you out and improve your ride control - without having to pay for excessive features that won't benefit you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Best Weight Distribution Hitch For 450 lb and 750 lb Tongue Weights

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