Weight Distribution System for a 2004 Ford F-350 Towing a Travel Trailer

Published 09/10/2008

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

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$717.08

Question:

I have a 2004 Ford F-350, 4x4, 6.8L engine, 3.73 rear axle ratio. The manual says the maximum trailer weight for this combination is 10,400 lbs. The truck has a factory installed hitch whose label says weight distrubuting 15,000 lbs, tongue weight 1,500 lbs, weight carrying 6,000 lbs., tongue weight 600 lbs. This truck also has air bags on it, as I was carrying a truck camper. I will be replacing the truck camper with a 2009 Jayco Feather EXP 213 travel trailer. The trailer exterior length is 23 9, exterior height 116, Unloaded Trailer weight 4,260 lbs., Dry Hitch Weight 475 lbs., Gross Trailer Weight 5,500 lbs. Do I need to consider getting a weight distribution hitch?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

As you are currently set up, you should have no problem towing a trailer of that particular weight, but the trailer you mention is pretty long. I would consider going with a weight distribution system because of the improvements in ride, steering and braking that the system would give you. The Reese High Performance Trunnion System, part # RP66020, would work just fine. This system is designed to work with tongue weights ranging from 200-600 lbs.

If your loaded tongue weight is more than 600 pounds, you should use a system with heavier spring bars. Part # RP66021 is almost the same kit, except the spring bars are loaded for tongue weights ranging from 400-800 pounds. This would allow some more breathing room and would be acceptable to use.

I've linked you to an FAQ article that goes into full detail about how weight distribution works.

expert reply by: Mike L