Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2015 Ford F-150 Towing Car Hauler

Updated 11/02/2015 | Published 11/01/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6734)

$269.36

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 14,000 lbs

(2634)

$24.95

Question:

Will this product be optimal for use of a 20ft car hauler loaded with 8000lbs 2 5/16inch hitch on 2015 F-150? If not, can you point me in right direction of a product that would be better suited for this application.

asked by: TJoshuaB

Expert Reply:

Suspension enhancement is great for vehicles that are carrying a heavy load in the cargo area of the vehicle. But if the sag is from towing a trailer a much better solution is a weight distribution system. This will take the tongue weight of the trailer and partially distribute it to the front axle of the vehicle which will give it better braking and handling characteristics than with suspension enhancement.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Tongue weight is typically 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. So your tongue weight would most likely be between 800 and 1,200 lbs.

The part # RP66542 that you looked at would be a great option as long as your tongue weight stayed under 1,200 lbs. If more than that you would need the part # RP66131 instead.

For a 2-5/16 inch ball you would want the part # 63836.

expert reply by: Jameson C