Weight Distribution Recommendation for a Ford Expedition and 21 Foot Toy Hauler

Expert Reply:

Tongue weight on a toy hauler tends to be on the heavy side, even as much as 20 percent of the gross trailer weight. You will need to get an accurate measurement of the tongue weight of the trailer loaded and ready to tow to get the correct weight distribution system. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help you.

When calculating tongue weight you also have to add to the trailer tongue weight the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This can increase the overall tongue weight so it is critical in choosing the correct system.

If your trailer does weight on the heavy side of the tongue weight spectrum then I recommend going with a system rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight like # RP66157. This system comes with friction sway control and a shank. You will just need a properly sized ball for the coupler on the trailer like # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # C40041 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.

If you can get the actual tongue weight of the trailer and then add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the vehicle, that will tell us if the higher rated system is needed, or if you can go with the 750 to 1,000 pound Pro Series system you referenced, # PS49903.

I have included a link to the instructions for RP66157 and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution.

Some companies list a tongue weight capacity range because the spring bars are designed to handle weight within a specific spectrum. If used on a system that falls outside of that range the system will be ineffective. If too light you will experience a stiff ride. If too heavy the spring bars could bend and damage the trailer.

Systems that do not have a range still usually have a minimum amount of weight that they can accept but the critical factor is not to exceed the maximum rating. The design of these types of systems allows you to make adjustments to put less tension in the weight distribution system to allow for the empty weight of a trailer. On these systems and ones with a range of tongue weights you can remove the spring bars to get a better ride with an unloaded trailer.

Removing the friction sway control on the Pro Series system is easy. You just need to have the trailer straight and you can pull the pin on the system and lift it off of the small ball (included). There are systems that will allow you to leave them installed and back up like the SC system I recommended and Dual-Cam systems.

expert reply by: Michael H