When to Upgrade the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System

Updated 04/25/2020 | Published 06/18/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(169)

$501.15

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(113)

$519.95

Replacement Trunnion Spring Bars for Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 2 - 1,200 lbs TW

(40)

$318.66

Question:

I am thinking I should upgrade my E2 hitch to the 1000lbs tongue weight. After discussing dilemma with my local dealer it seems there is some confusion on if I really have to or not. I was sold the 800lbs with the recent travel trailer but I feel I should have been sold the 1000lbs model. Facts: - 790 lbs Tongue weight dry 12.6 of trailer weight - 6270 lbs GVW dry - 8000 lbs GVWR - F-150 11,300 tow capacity with 1,100 receiver tongue weight rating. Using these numbers alone I was sold the 800lbs tongue, 8000 lbs square bar Fastway equalizer hitch. I was ignorant at the time of purchase. After a recent visit to the scales, I have determined that ready for camping the weights are now as follows. - 992 lbs Tongue weight 200 lbs over the recommendation of the hitch - 2 5/16 ball rated to 12,000 - 14.2 of trailer weight - 6967 lbs trailer weight 1000 lbs shy of GVWR - I want to haul water one day and a full tank will add 332 lbs of weight and the tank is centred between axels of trailer and hitch. After discussing this with the local dealer they said they will replace the current WD hitch with the next model up 1000lbs tongue but going any higher will eventually do more harm than good. I am upgrading to a 250 so the tow vehicle is not an issue. Would you mind giving me your two cents as I would like to be able to haul water with my current setup and not have any hitch malfunction due to being over the recommended tongue weights

asked by: Dustin

Expert Reply:

When choosing the best weight distribution system for your trailer you will want your total tongue weight (TTW) which is composed of the loaded ready to tow weight of the trailer by any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to fall in the middle of the weight distribution system's capacity. This will allow for the most effective distribution of tongue weight and control of trailer sway.

With a total tongue weight (TTW) of 992 lbs not including the water tank you plan to install, I recommend going up two systems to the one rated for 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs like part # FA92-00-1200. You actually do not need to replace the entire system as the spring bars are the only component that gives it varying weight ranges and you can use part # FA92-01-1299 to make the system you have now rated for the above capacity.

I see absolutely no reason as to why using a higher rated system would "do more harm than good" assuming you are within the weight range.

expert reply by: Conner L

Dana F.

4/24/2020

I am finding myself in a similar issue. I have the 450 pound hitch weight version.I recently got a new trailer and now total tongue weight will be around 850lbs. Can I just upgrade spring bars? Everything else is rated higher?

Chris R.

4/25/2020

Yep, the Fastway systems can be upgraded just by replacing the spring bars - no other component needs to be changed. The 1,000 Pound Spring Bar # FA92-02-1099 (you will need 2) will work perfectly for your new tongue weight.