Will Weight Distribution Help Level a 2009 Ford F-150 Pulling a 10,000 Pound Dump Trailer

Question:

We are currently pulling a 6x10 hydrolic dump trailer dual axel with total loaded trailer weight of 10,400 lbs behind a F350 truck.....this upcoming season Im looking to move that trailr over and pull it with our 2009 F150 truck that is rated to tow 11300.....but I know from experience that I cant pull that trailer with that truck fully loaded as it weighs the rear end down too low. Would it be recommended to use a weight distribution system to have better hauling and capacity behind that truck.

asked by: mike

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system will certainly help level the load and keep the truck from sagging. As you probably know the suspension on an F-350 is quite a bit heavier than that of an F-150. A weight distribution system will allow the truck to pull itself back up to level.

For a trailer that weighs 10,400 pounds, I would recommend the Reese High Performance Trunnion Weight Distribution system, part # RP66022. It has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 12,000 pounds which is enough to cover your load. This system has an integrated cam built into the end of the spring bars so if you decide you need a sway control system later on, you are already part-way set for it.

You will also need a shank to mount the weight distribution system to. I would recommend the Reese Weight Distributing Shank, part # RP63971. This shank will allow you to use the weight distribution system on both the F-150 and the F-350 since it has a bit more drop length than the others. If the F-350 is not a concern, then you could use part # RP54970.

I have included a link to a video of the weight distribution system I recommended being installed on a Dodge Ram so you can see how it is done.

expert reply by: Patrick B