Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch For 2021 Ford Explorer ST Towing 2020 Keystone Passport 239ML

Updated 08/26/2024 | Published 05/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(166)

$616.18

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2601)

$22.92

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3802)

$19.92

Question:

Tow Vehicle:2021 Ford Explorer St 5600 tow, 560 tongue weight limits. Camper: 2020 Keystone Passport 239ML, Dry Weight, 4189:GVRW, 5400:Hitch 425, Length 255. Local towing maximum 50 miles to campground. What hitch would you recommend for this setup?

asked by: David P

Expert Reply:

Since your 2021 Ford Explorer ST has a 560lb tongue weight rating I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA92-00-0800 which works with tongue weights between 400-800lbs. The Fastway systems are very high quality for the cost, and the built in two point sway control does a great job of keeping your trailer going straight down the highway.

The # FA92-00-0800 does not include a hitch ball so you will also need 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.

While you mentioned your 2020 Keystone Passport 239ML has a hitch weight of 425lbs, that is unloaded so you will need to make sure once loaded you stay under the 560lb tongue weight rating of your vehicle when the trailer is loaded.

I included a video of the # FA92-00-0800 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Kevin B.

7/26/2024

Samuel, Do you have info on whether or not Ford recommends, allows, forbids, etc. the use of a WD hitch with the factory tow package? Thank you.

Samuel C.

7/29/2024

@KevinB In the owner's manual for a '21 Ford Explorer, page 292, Ford says: A weight distributing hitch is not required for your vehicle. I'd recommend checking the sticker on your hitch to make for it is rated for a weight distribution hitch if you're going to be using one, and using the above in the owner's manual to make your best judgement if one can be used or not.

Mike

8/25/2024

My trailer is about 3850 lbs tongue weight of 600 lbs towing with 2021 Ford Explorer has 305 engine eco boost What size of weight distribution hitch do I need

Samuel C.

8/26/2024

@Mike Hey Mike. # FA92-00-0800 would be right, but you're going to need to check the sticker of your hitch to make sure it's rated for use with weight distribution, because they aren't all rated for it. Also your trailer is over 15% tongue weight, so I'd recommend shifting some weight in your load too before setting up the hitch. At that weight you need to be closer to 550lbs tongue weight.