Recommended Weight Distribution System for Trailer with Over 1,000 Dry Tongue Weight

Updated 02/14/2017 | Published 02/13/2017

Question:

I bought a new RV, Flagstaff Classic Super Lite by Forest River. Model # 829IKRBS. And will be towed by my 2005 F250 Ford Pick-up. 214K miles With towing cap. at 8,000 pounds. per registration card. I have been using this weight dis. hitch eaz-lift 48053 on my past two much lighter rvs. Will it be ok to use on my newer and heaver RV. Also, will my F250 still be able to tow 8,000 lbs. The truck is still in good condition and runs good. New RV information: Dry weight 7,757, Hitch weight 1,035, RV length 34-9.... I guess what I really want to know is do you think this WD hitch is still OK for my heaver RV. Tongue weight is very close. Always good to have second opinion. Thank You Very Much.

asked by: Richard D

Expert Reply:

That weight distribution system is rated up to 1,000 pounds tongue weight. Your new RV has a dry tongue weight over 1,000 pounds so I recommend you upgrade.

I suggest the Reese Steadi-Flex line. It uses automotive style friction pads for the sway control and is very easy to install. Your fully loaded trailer's tongue weight should fall under 1,200 pounds so you could use the # RP66560 or if you're loading weight into the bed of your F-250 behind the rear axle go with the 1,400 pound system # RP66561. To choose a system you always want to use the tongue weight of your loaded and ready to tow trailer added to the amount of weight you have stored behind the tow vehicle's rear axle.

The most sure way to know whether your truck can pull the trailer is to load your truck in the same fashion it will be loaded when you're towing the trailer and then weigh the truck. Then subtract that weight from the truck's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) which you should be able to find on the spec sticker usually located in the driver's door jamb. As long as this number is larger than the loaded trailer then the truck is rated high enough.

expert reply by: Charles S