Recommended Weight Distribution System for Ford Expedition and 5600-lb Dry Weight Trailer  

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The main differences between the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-1061 and the similarly-rated Equal-i-zer system # EQ37101ET are that the Fastway has 2-point sway control whereas the Equal-i-zer uses 4-point sway control, and that the Fastway e2 includes a shank and hitch ball. These must be added to the Equal-i-zer system.

The key to selecting a weight distribution (WD) and sway control (SC) system for your trailer is to know it's fully-loaded, road-ready tongue weight (TW) just as it will be loaded when you head out on the road. This means full water and propane tanks, supplies and gear loaded, and also includes the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator.

With this total TW known you can choose a system rated high enough to shift some trailer weight forward onto the front axle, but without being so stiff that it creates weird handling from the trailer. Ideally your total trailer TW will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. According to my research the trailer's dry hitch weight is 725-lbs; this means that once loaded a 900 - 1000-lb TW figure is quite probable. Ways to measure TW accurately are shown in the linked article; these include the handy etrailer scale # e99044.

The system I recommend is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084. We consider this to be the champ of WD systems. This is ideal for your 900 - 1000-lb TW. This system prevents sway from starting in the first place and it is compatible with your trailer's electric drum brakes. All you need to add is a hitch ball like # A-90. Note that the lift brackets need to mount to the trailer frame about 30-inches back from the hitch ball and each one needs about 5-inches of space on the frame. If this poses a clearance issue then you can use the alternate bolt-on hangers # RP58305.

expert reply by: Adam R

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