Recommended Weight Distribution System to Tow a 11,200 lb RV

Updated 08/03/2017 | Published 08/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(473)

$878.85

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2621)

$31.32

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2-1/2" Hitch - 20K GTW, 2K TW

(473)

$934.34

Question:

What type of WDH do I need to pull a 11,200 lb 32 ft RV with a 1/2 ton truck

asked by: Lonnie

Helpful Expert Reply:

When deciding what kind of Weight Distribution (WD) system that is best for your setup, you will simply need to find your Total Tongue Weight (TTW). You can find your TTW by adding the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You will then want to pick a WD system that has a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the total loaded weight of the trailer. This will put the TW of your setup between 1,120 lbs and 1,680 lbs.

One of the best WD systems that we have is the Blue Ox SwayPro because it works to prevent sway as opposed to other WD systems that correct the sway after it has already started. If your TTW lands on the lower end of that range then I recommend going with the SwayPro # BXW1500 which has a TW range of 1,000 - 1,500 lbs. If your TTW falls on the higher end of that range then I recommend going with a bit more of a heavy-duty option. The SwayPro # BXW2000 has a TW range of 1,500 - 2,000 lbs and will work great for your application.

The lighter rated SwayPro comes with a 2 inch shank and the heavier option comes with a 2-1/2 inch shank. I have attached a link to our selection of Blue Ox WD shanks for you to look through should you require the a different shank than what comes with your system. Keep in mind that you will also need a hitch ball. For the weight capacity that you are looking at you will most likely need a 2-5/16 inch Hitch Ball like part # 63840.

The best thing about the SwayPro systems is the ability to change out the bars depending on what your TTW is. I have attached a link to our selection of these as well if you would like to have some flexibility.

Lastly, it is always important to stay within the weight capacity of your tow vehicle. You will want to make sure (if you haven't already) that your 1/2 ton truck can safely pull a heavy trailer like what you have.

Some helpful articles on towing and WD systems have also been linked for you to reference as well as some demonstration videos.