Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for Lance 1685 Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The key to selecting a weight distribution/sway control system (WD/SC) is to know your trailer's actual tongue weight (TW) when it is fully loaded for a trip, with all gear and supplies loaded and the 45-galllon water tank full. Knowing the dry hitch weight (435-lbs) is not enough to determine the best match. We offer a TW scale # e99044 to make measuring easy but other methods for determining TW are noted in the linked article.

To the actual trailer TW you must add the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, say a loaded cooler or generator. This total combined weight is what you need to pick out a system. A 600-lb total TW is a reasonable estimate for your loaded trailer.

You can use the linked page to review WD/SC systems for your Lance. I do suggest a system with built-in sway control (not the add-on friction bar type) as this will give the best performance. The system I recommend is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 which works for TW from 400- to 800-lbs, making it a great fit for a 600-lb TW trailer. This system actually prevents sway from starting in the first place. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286.

For a brake controller to operate the Lance's electric drum brakes I recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90885. This controller is easy to set up and operate, and it is among the highest-rated such products we offer.

To use this in the Highlander you will need the controller itself, of course, plus just our install kit # ETBC7 since you already have a 4-pole. To use the P2 in the Ford all you need to add is the quick-connect wiring adapter # 3035-P. You will be able to transfer the P2 between vehicles easily just by unplugging it from one vehicle and plugging it in to the other.

expert reply by: Adam R

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