Can a 2011 Ford Escape Tow a 2014 Jayco Jay Feather X17Z Using Weight Distribution

Question:

I just purchased a Jayco Jay Feather X17Z 2014 with a tongue weight of 342 - dry. I will be pulling it with a 2011 Ford Escape. I was told by the salesman that I did not need a weight distribution hitch and that a weight distribution hitch would not fit on the trailer because of the configuration of the battery and LP tanks on the tongue. However, when the trailer was hooked up to the car, it was clear that it needed a weight distribution hitch. Will the PS49901 work on the tongue or will modifications to the LP tank or battery holders need to be made? Thank you.

asked by: Jay H

Expert Reply:

I looked at a copy of the owners manual for the 2011 Ford Escape and it states that gross trailer weight capacity of the vehicle, with a 2.5 liter motor, is 1500 pounds, and for the 3.0 liter 3500 pounds. This would make the tongue weight capacity 150 pounds or 350 pounds (10 percent of the gross trailer weight) depending on which motor you have.

It sounds like they may have sold you more trailer than what the vehicle is capable of. The 342 pound tongue weight as the dry tongue weight means that once the trailer is loaded and ready to tow you are going to exceed the vehicle capacity. If you can keep the trailer weights under 3500 and 350 pounds (if you have the 3.0 liter Escape) then that is the only way you can tow the trailer.

The manual did not specify whether or not weight distribution could be used. Check the trailer hitch to see if it has a capacity rating for weight distribution which would be separate from the regular hitch capacity. Also weight distribution can only be used with a 2 inch, Class II or higher rated trailer hitch.

Since the maximum tongue weight the vehicle can handle is 350 pounds, I recommend Reese Steadi-Flex system # 66557. This is the most likely system that will work with the trailer. The narrow brackets can be mounted anywhere from 25 inches to 32 inches back from the center of the ball cavity on the trailer coupler. You would also need ball # A-90 for a 2 inch, or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. If there is still no free space in the 25 to 32 inch range there is another option.

You could use a chain hanging system such as # PS49901 and then instead of the regular brackets that are included, you would need chain hangers # RP58305 which bolt to the sides of the trailer frame.

Please keep in mind that when choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have included some links that should help you.