When to Use Weight Distribution Hitch Setup When Towing Trailer with 2017 Ford Escape

Published 01/30/2018

Question:

Hi there Adam sent me a ton of information for the WDHs My trailer is 3068 uvw my Escape is 3511 He recommended I get the wdh , but I called four ford dealers two said yes I need it two said no called two RV dealers both said yes My RV guy said it’s my choice Amd finally a fifth ford dealer said no I don’t need one Plus I have a class two towing package even if I wanted it it can’t be installed right I need the class three ?? beside it’s jist my wife and I Honestly we’re gonna put about 100-120 lbs of stuff in the trailer I really don’t think it will sag or fish tail with that little weight do you ? Plus I have sway control I’m so confused I need to give my guy an answer by Friday if I’m to install the wdh Please help !!!! I have a Ameri lire from gulf Stream 189dd single axle Helpppp!!!!!

asked by: Peter

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your trailer's unloaded weight (3068-lbs) relative to your 2017 Ford Escape's curb weight (3645-lbs) DOES in our experience absolutely merit a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch set-up. But you are correct that to use one you would have to replace your 1-1/4-inch Class II factory hitch.

Certainly you can make this yes-or-no determination yourself - you can be the tie-breaker - by towing the trailer "a la carte" without a WD/SC hitch and deciding if its handling is to your satisfaction. The nature of your travel distance, the specific terrain you're driving on and how well you load the trailer all make a difference in how you'll feel after a day of driving.

To give you the best shot at towing without any white-knuckle moments you can follow some basic towing guidelines.

Make sure the trailer frame is level with the ground when it is hitched; the correct ball mount rise or drop will allow this easily. Use a tongue weight scale # e99044 to ensure you load the trailer so it has a tongue weight (TW) of 12- to 14-percent of the trailer gross weight. Make sure your vehicle and trailer tires are all inflated to the correct cold psi pressure; trailer tires should ALWAYS be inflated to the maximum psi pressure indicated on their sidewalls.

A trip or two should tell the tale. Safe travels.

expert reply by: Adam R