Recommended Weight Distribution for Rockwood Ultra Lite 2604WS Towed By 2015 Ford F150  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your truck most likely has plenty of capacity for the TT you mention, but I'd recommend determining its towing capacity. On the drivers side door jamb, you find the ratings sticker. Find the GCWR, which stands for gross combined weight rating. This is the maximum amount that the vehicle and the trailer can weigh. From the GCWR, subtract the curb weight of the vehicle and the weight of passengers and gear typically carried in the truck. Your remaining amount is the maximum trailer weight.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

The fact that you don't know what the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of the trailer will put me at a bit of a disadvantage in recommending a system. If you can determine the GVWR of the trailer, and split the difference between the GVWR and the TT's dry weight, you've got a pretty plausible fully loaded and ready to tow weight. 10 to 15 percent of that is a pretty good guesstimate of the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. You'll be looking at something between 770-975 lbs for your as-towed tongue weight, which is what I'll base my recommendation on.

A 30 foot long, relatively long TT like your Rockwood Ultra Lite will be susceptible to cross winds and turbulence caused by passing traffic, therefore, I'd recommend going with a W/D system that incorporates sway control. The Reese Strait-Line, part # RP66084 would be ideal, as it's designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs, which is perfect for your TT.

The # RP66084 includes a weight distributing shank, but a 2-5/16 trailer ball, part # 19286 is sold separately.

expert reply by: Mike L

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