Weight Distribution for a 2015 Ford F-150 Towing a 3,800 Pound Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution should be used any time the gross trailer weight is at least 50 percent of the gross vehicle weight. Since the trailer weighs 3,800 pounds it is likely more than half of the truck's weight so weight distribution would be a good idea.

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.

Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so a trailer weighing 3,800 pounds would have a tongue weight of 380 to 570 pounds. I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight, # 66557 to cover that whole range.

This system comes with sway control. Even though you haven't had a problem yet I still recommend it for safety and because you never know what the future holds! You will need to add a a ball, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

The included shank has a max rise of 7 inches and max drop of 1-1/4 inches. Other shanks are available separately if more rise or drop is needed. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution, sway control, and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

0