Which Weight Distribution for a 26 Ft. Travel Trailer Behind a 2005 Ford Expedition

Updated 06/22/2010 | Published 06/21/2010

Question:

Patrick The UVW (unloaded weight) of the trailer is 4995, the GVWR is 7790.

asked by: Carol

Expert Reply:

The 2005 Ford Expedition should have a 2 inch hitch installed from the factory.

5,000 pounds is a little low for a gross trailer weight on a 26 foot travel trailer.

Dual-cam sway control will perform better than friction sway control systems, especially with heavier loads. If you can write back with the gross weight of the trailer when loaded, or the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and level, I can make more specific recommendations about which weight distribution system would best serve your needs.

expert reply by: Patrick B

Carol

6/21/2010

Patrick The UVW (unloaded weight) of the trailer is 4995, the GVWR is 7790.

Patrick B.

6/22/2010

That sounds better. For the sake of simplifying the math, we will call the GVWR 7,800 pounds. A properly loaded trailer will have a tongue weight of 10-15 percent of the gross weight. Based on 7,800 pounds gross, the tongue weight should be 780-1,170 pounds. A weight distribution system with a tongue weight rating range of 600-1,200 pounds would be perfect for your trailer weight. You want the tongue weight of your trailer to fall within the tongue weight range of your WD system to yield the best ride quality and allow the spring bars to be effective. Since you asked about which sway control system, friction or dual-cam, performs better, I assume you are interested in the better performing system. The Reese Trunnion Bar Strait-Line System, part # RP66084, would be a great fit for your setup. It is a complete weight distribution system with the dual-cam sway control included. It is everything you will need to set up a weight distribution system and the dual-cam sway control that will work to prevent the trailer from swaying behind your Expedition. I have included a link to the part below, as well as to a video of a similar kit being installed on a Ford full-size van. It will walk you through the installation and get your system set up.