Recommended Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for 2013 Ford Flex Towing a TrailManor 3023
Question:
Hello! I own a 2013 Ford Flex Ecoboost with factory trailer package. I am looking to purchase a 2005 3023 TrailManor trailer. From what I have read online an electric brake controller and a weight distribution hitch would both be ideal. What brake controller do you recommend? I would need the pigtail/wire as well as, though factory tow package equipped, it appears I need a wire that plugs into the dashboard. What weight distribution do you recommend? I was on your site but all I found were actual hitches but, because I have the factory tow package, I presume there is a WDH that will bolt on so to speak rather than my exhaust and add a new one. Thanks so much!
asked by: Brian
Helpful Expert Reply:
To actuate the brakes on your Trailmanor camper, you would indeed need to install a brake controller. If the factory tow package on your Flex includes the OEM 7-way on the back bumper, the install would be plug-and-play, using the # 22292 Brake Controller Wiring Adapter. The wiring adapter would plug into the connector located under the dash pretty much directly below the steering column as shown in the photos I have edited for you. You can't go wrong with the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. The P2 is very highly rated by our customers, because of how easy it is to install and use.
Which weight distribution system you need would be based on the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer PLUS the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of your Flex behind the rear axle. My research indicates that the dry weight of the Trailmanor 3023 comes in at about 3000 lbs and its dry tongue weight is about 400 lbs, while the Flex has a rather respectable 4500 lb towing capacity, but you will need to check the capacity sticker affixed to your hitch for its precise capacities. There are a few different methods of confirming your trailer tongue weight, see the FAQ article I have linked you to.
The system you choose should have a trailer tongue weight capacity a hundred or two pounds greater than the tongue weight of the trailer, allowing some wiggle room. Since your tongue weight will almost certainly be below 500 lbs, the Reese system # RP66558 with its 600 lb tongue weight capacity would be an effective choice for you. The system combines proven weight distribution function along with sway control as well as the increased ground clearance provided by a trunnion-type system.
For a less-expensive system that does not provide sway control I recommend the Reese # RP66540. Using a system that is rated too highly would cause a very rough ride on your trailer, because the trailer would not be exerting enough tongue weight for the spring bars to be effective.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 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
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
