Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for V-Nose Trailer

Question:

Hello, I am looking for a weight distribution hitch with sway control but am lost in alk the available options. I am towing a 7x12 v-nose trailer with 7000# gvwr. My tow vehicle is a 2018 Ford F-150 xl, 4x4, with the 2.7 ecoboost. My hitch is rated for 500# without weight distribution, and 1000# with weight distribution. From the ground to the top of the hitch is 20. Ground to bottom of trailer coupler is 15.5 The trailer empty weight is 2000#, and its designated use is to haul a 1000# motorcycle infrequently. Occasionally I haul heavier loads. When loaded with the bike, my tongue weight is aboit 450#. From center of trailer coupler back to the front trailer wall, measuring along the a-frame of the trailer nose is about 26. Currently, I am using a height adjustable hitch. When loaded with the bike, I am set for a 4.5 . When empty, the trailer rides level at about a 5 . I am looking for an affordable solution that will handle both the typical intended use when hauling the bike, and the occassional heavier load. Do you have product suggestions for a weight distribution hitch with sway control, adjustle height shank, and 2 5/16 ball? Thank you

asked by: Mike E

Expert Reply:

The adjustable height, sway control, and 2-5/16" ball are something you can get on most weight distribution hitches. The main issue for you is the V-nose trailer. This typically limits the installation of a WDH because of the amount of space on the frame. However, with 26" you could use the Fastway system you were looking at.

The # FA94-00-1033 is for 600-1,000 lbs of tongue weight so it is a bit much for your setup, instead you will need the # FA94-00-0800. This hitch works for 400-800 lbs of tongue weight so it will cover you at the low end with the motorcycle and can also handle a higher tongue weight with the heavier loads as well as your GVWR.

The brackets can be installed 24" back so you will be able to fit them on the frame assuming nothing else interferes. You will also need the 2-5/16" ball # 19286 and a 1-7/8" thin walled socket # ALL643216 for installation. It sounds like you're talking about drop when you said 4.5 and 5 so if you need more than the 3-1/2" drop you can use the # FA92-02-4213 with a 5-1/4" drop or # FA92-02-4214 with a 7-1/4" drop if you think you might need more.

Since you said "about" 26" I will give you an additional option just in case. When there is no room for the brackets to be mounted, a chain hanger style is typically used with the hangers bolted onto the side of the frame. For this setup you could use the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083 along with the chain hangers # RP58305. You can use the same hitch ball listed above for this setup.