Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch Set-Up for 4400 lb Trailer Towed by 2014 Ford Explorer  

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Expert Reply:

For best performance, before you choose a system you really should determine the exact fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer. To this figure, add the weight of any gear stowed behind the rear vehicle axle in the cargo area of your Explorer. Those two weights added together will equal the total tongue weight (TTW) of your trailer. This is the figure you use to choose a system. Ideally, the TTW of your set up will fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the system you choose. If you click the provided link, you'll see a few methods of finding your TTW.

Using the 4400 weight you mentioned, and multiplying by 15 percent gives you 660 lbs, which is a pretty good guess (but still only a guess) of the max tongue weight that you'll be dealing with. If this represents your actual TTW, the # PS49901 system you mentioned would be an appropriate choice.

The Pro Series system you mentioned provides a friction sway control, which works well on trailers shorter than 26 feet in length. However, given the relatively short wheelbase of an Explorer, you'll be more susceptible to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and oncoming traffic. I would seriously consider a system with a more effective sway control component, such as the Reese Steadi-Flex. If you determine your tongue weight is between 400-600 lbs, go with # RP66558 or # RP66559 for tongue weights between 500-1000 lbs.

The Steadi-Flex system's spring bars push down on brackets mounted on the trailer. The brackets are lined with the same type of material automotive brake pads are constructed of, so the downward force of the bars applied to the brake pad material provides quite a bit of sway resistance. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # 63845 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

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