How to Select Correct Weight Distribution/Sway Control System

Updated 12/27/2024 | Published 02/07/2017

Question:

Is it a bad thing to get a weight distribution system that is rated for more tongue weight than my trailer has? My trailer weights 7000# but I was thinking of getting the 12,000# system.

asked by: Troy

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) systems need to be tuned to your trailer tongue weight in order to work properly. A system rated too low for your actual tongue weight (TW) will not have the stiffness needed to shift trailer TW forward to the vehicle's front axle - what it is intended to do - and one rated too high will be too stiff and cause the trailer to exhibit weird handling.

Ideally the total TW, which is the combination of the loaded trailer's measured TW plus that of any cargo in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. A system such as the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 works over a TW range from 600- to 1200-lbs, so a TW of 900-lbs would be a good match.

The best way to measure your trailer TW is with the etrailer scale # e99044.

expert reply by: Adam R

Steve

12/27/2024

I have a 2018 f150 supercab with 5.0 and tow pkg. pulling a 2017 forest river 24rlshl trailer,600# tw and 5400# wt. I'm using a eaz-lift r6 recurve and 1000# bars. I am getting a lot of uncontrolled bouncing up and down motion on the highway, like flexing at the hitch. Have installed heavy duty shocks, but no help. Am I using the wrong hitch. I'm scared to tow with current setup. Help! What do you recommend?

Kate F.

12/27/2024

@Steve Hello Steve, I am sorry to hear that things are pretty bouncy for you. We do not carry the eaz-lift r6 recurve so it is not a brand that I am too familiar with, I did look up the specs on it and it states that it is good with a tongue weight or up 1000 pounds, you would think that would not be the issue but it very well could be. On all of the weight distribution systems we carry there is usually a smaller range for the tongue weight, this is because you want to be as close to your tongue weight as possible. If your spring bars are too heavy duty (stiff) then it can cause the bouncing. You might want to see if they have a lower weight spring bar you can swap yours to, or if you wanted a new system the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW0750 is designed more in your weight range. Some other things to check on your current system to try to correct the issue: Hitch angle, make sure the head of the WDH is adjusted so the spring bars apply the right tension; Spring bar placement, make sure the bars are parallel with the trailer frame; Initial setup, use a tape measure to check the front and rear of your truck before and after hitching. The goal is to return the front axle to its unloaded height or slightly compressed while keeping the trailer level. Some other things to consider would be: -Uneven weight in the trailer itself, you might need to shift some of the weight to the front of the trailer to get the load more even. -Make sure all your tires on your truck and trailer are at the manufacturers recommended PSI, too much air in the trailer tires can definitely cause a lot of bouncing. Also, make sure the tires on the trailer are the right load rating, too high of a rating can cause the bouncing as well. -I know you already installed heavy duty shocks, you might want to consider getting some airbags. For your 2018 F150 the Firestone # F2582 would be a great fit! If you wanted to add an air compressor the Air Lift # AL25980 is a great system that you can control from the cab of the truck with its handy remote. I have attached 2 help articles that I think will be helpful about weight distribution hitches. I am all about fixing what you have, so hopefully as you check the couple of things I mentioned it will fix the issue. If you are still experiencing the bouncing, please let us know. Happy New Year to you and your family! May 2025 be your best year yet! From, your friends here at etrailer.

Helpful Links

faq-how-to-install-weight-distribution.aspx

faq-weightdistribution.aspx

tv-install-blue-ox-weight-distribution-2017-forest-river-grey-wolf-bxw0750.aspx

tv-review-firestone-ride-rite-air-helper-springs-f2597.aspx

Steve

12/27/2024

@KateF Thank you for the quick reply. I will check the items you have suggested and let you know if it gets better.