Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for Towing a 23 Foot Travel Trailer with a 2004 Ford F-250

Updated 09/07/2010 | Published 09/06/2010

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2626)

$23.25

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1797)

$17.81

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(663)

$31.52

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2776)

$159.43

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

(3881)

$20.93

Question:

Would this be a good choice to install on a 2004 ford heavy duty F 250 pick up towing a 23 travel trailer with a empty weight of 4500 lbs/ full weight of 5500 ? Also do I need a brake control installed inside the cab? Do they have a package for all items?

asked by: jim j

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System item # RP66086, would work with the trailer weight fully loaded at 5,500 pounds, but you will be very close to the maximum recommended tongue weight rating for the spring bars in the weight distribution system.

A better option would be the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, item # RP66087, which will allow for more tongue weight should your trailer load get heavier in the future. I have included links to the installation details below.

Along with either of these systems you will need a properly sized hitch ball to complete the setup. Either the Hitch Ball with 2 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 8,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, item # A-90, and the Hitch Ball with 2-5/16 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 12,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, item # 19286, depending on your coupler size.

Installing a brake controller in the cab of your truck is required for use of the electric brakes on the trailer. For you 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty, I would recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller item # 90885 to be used with wiring harness for the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty, 2004, item # 3035-P. This wiring harness plugs into a port located on the right side of the steering column under the dash (see video link). If your truck has the factory installed 7-Way connector, most do, this will be all that is needed. If you do not have the factory 7-Way at the rear of the vehicle, I have linked an article on how to complete the 7-Way connection, item # 37185.