Weight Distribution for a 2012 Ford Expedition and 29 Foot, 6K Dry Travel Trailer

Updated 05/18/2015 | Published 05/16/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2634)

$20.89

Question:

Hello, we just purchased a 29foot TT, just under 6000lbs dry. Were pulling it behind a 2012 ford expedition which has a tow capacity of 9200lbs. Were trying to decide on a hitch. Some have suggested the Equalizer 4 point hitch with sway control which has a maximum weight of 10,000lbs or some other dual cam system with sway control. Is the equalizer hitch above too big and if so how will it affect our towing?! We just want the safest hitch option as were not pulling with a big diesel. Thanks.

asked by: Charlene

Expert Reply:

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

The dry weight of 6,000 pounds helps but we really need to know the weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow. You will likely be in the 600 to 1,200 pound tongue weight range.

Equal-I-Zer brand systems work just fine and are popular but I find that the Reese Strait-Line systems with dual-cam sway control are superior in terms of preventing sway from even starting. If you are in the 600 to 1,200 pound tongue weight range then I recommend # RP66084 which is a dual-cam system.

The included shank has a max rise of 6-1/2 inches and max drop of 1-1/4 inches. Other shanks are available separately if more rise or drop is needed. You will need to add a properly sized ball to this system. Use # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. I have included some helpful links on determining tongue weight and on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H