Does Weight Distribution System for 2008 Ford Explorer Increase Towing Capacity

Question

Question:

I am in the process of buying a Travel Trailer. Towing with a 2008 Ford Exp. EL. with factory installed tow package. GVWR: 7900 Front Axel 3700 / Rear 4250 Max Payload: 1498 GCWR: 15000 Max Tow: 8700 Max Hitch 910 Travel Trailer: UGW: 6300 Hitch weight 789. We are a family of 5 + a dog. Current total weight of 580 lbs. Without anything else My payload for the Ford Exp would be as I understand it: 580 family + 780 hitch = 1360 lbs. They are telling me that by installing a weight distribution system it will transfer some of the vehicle weight and some of the trailers tung weight to the trailers axles and that this would not be a problem even though I am probably adding another 100-120 lbs to the hitch from the weight dist. sys. I also, like most, would probably add 500-700 lbs in stuff inside the trailer. My initial understanding was that I would basically run out of Payload for the Expedition, due to: 1498 max Exp payload - 580 family - 780 hitch weight /12.3 of UGW - 110 weight dist. sys. = 32 lbs. left of the 1498 load capacity. Can a weight distribution system really move enough weight to the trailers axles to make this a safe tow. Thank you.....

asked by: Erik

0

Expert Reply:

The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your fully loaded 2008 Ford Explorer and travel trailer so the hitch weight (tongue weight) would not factor into that. If you looked in your owner's manual and are sure that your GCWR is 15,000 lbs, that would be the total weight that your loaded vehicle and trailer could weigh; additionally, tongue weight does not factor into payload capacity, and a weight distribution system does not factor into the tongue weight.

What you need to do is make sure you are under your Explorer's GCWR and the cargo capacity which will be on a placard on your door jamb and you will be perfectly fine.

A weight distribution system will not transfer any payload but it is still a very, very good idea to use one because it will level your trailer, transferring the load more equally so your Explorer has better traction, steering and overall control. A unit that controls sway is an even better option and there are a couple units I recommend checking out.

The best option is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37100ET because this system uses 4 points of sway control via friction in the spring bars to ensure you never have to worry about your trailer swaying. The Equal-i-zer fights sway before it begins due to its 4 points of sway control (at the brackets and head unit), and it also uses clamp-on brackets so you won't have to drill along your trailer frame, and allows you to back up with the system on.

A more cost-effective option is the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-1000 which is similar to the Equal-i-zer but, as its name suggests, only uses 2 points of sway control, at the brackets, which makes it an effective unit but not quite on the level of the Equal-i-zer.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET comes with everything you need for installation, including a 2-5/16" hitch ball, though if your travel trailer has a coupler that accepts a 2" ball you would need the 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ91-00-6080

The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA92-00-1000 does not come with a hitch ball, so it will require either the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6100 or 2" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6080. For both systems it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help install the hitch ball.

I have added links to video reviews of both systems as well as links to a couple help articles on weight distribution I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Does Weight Distribution System for 2008 Ford Explorer Increase Towing Capacity

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