Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 4,000 lbs Wolf Pup Trailer

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford Explorer and am getting a 2024 Wolf Pup 16FQ trailer. Ive seen recommendations to get weight dist./sway control hitches with a 600lb max tonque weight. But my trailer will have a 450 tonque weight DRY. Loaded, Id say it may be getting too close to that 600lb. It is 3000lb dry and 4000lb gvw. And then not to mention, the hitch itself has a weight of about 100lb. So is that factored in? Then Ive also seen advice to not get too much hitch for your rig, as that would result in it being too stiff. The most cost effective WD/sway control hitch I found that I liked, and weighed even less than some lighter duty ones, was rated for 10,000gvw and 1000lb tonque weight. Is that really too much hitch for the rig? Im thinking I should go in the middle and get a 600-800lb tonque weight rated kit. Does this sound right? Im thinking about budget too, I dont want to spend $800 Im trying to keep it around $400, and I want one with sway control that I do not have to bolt to my frame. I also need a 2 inch ball instead of 2 5/16 so I will have to change that out probably.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Congrats on the new trailer. It looks like a 2024 Wolf Pup 16FQ tops out at just under 4,000 lbs when fully loaded. This would put your tongue weight between 400 lbs and 600 lbs. The hitch doesn't count towards your tongue weight. You do not want to get a heavier rated system for a 1,000 lbs tongue weight that is 100% accurate.

To have sway control, which you absolutely want, you will need to spend more than $400. In addition to that all of the chain hanging systems that clamp to your frame are way out of your price range. To stay out of the $800 range you'll need to use a system with brackets that bolt around your trailer's frame. I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control item # FA92-00-0600. This system has a tongue weight range of 250 lbs - 600 lbs which would be perfect for your trailer. Even if you were closer to the lower end of 400 lbs this would not be overrated.

The built in sway control will keep your trailer in line with your Explorer when you're going down the highway and get passed by a semi. It will also help when you make sudden movements or encounter gusts of wind. This system does not include a hitch ball so for a 2" one, I recommend the Curt item # A-90.

The Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control item # BXW0550 fits almost all of your requests but it is pretty close to the $800 range you're trying to avoid and you will need to purchase the Curt item # A-90.