Recommended Weight Distribution System When Loaded Trailer is 50% of Tow Vehicle Weight

Published 11/28/2018

Question:

If you find that you are able to tow the trailer, but it weighs more than 50 percent of the weight of your 1997 F-150, you will want to look at a weight distribution system. From your websit. My trailer will be a hauling trailer - flat bed. Above comment I assume with trailer loaded?

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

Yes. With your trailer loaded, if the weight is 50% or more than your vehicle's weight (GVWR) then you would benefit from utilizing a weight distribution system. I've attached an article on weight distribution systems to assist. You want to choose a system based on the total tongue weight of the trailer which is the loaded tongue weight along with any cargo behind the rear axle of your truck. This total tongue weight range needs to fall in the middle of the weight range of the weight distribution system.

For instance a 1997 Ford F-150 has a GVWR between 5,550 and 6,000 lbs. So if your loaded trailer is over 3,000 lbs you would want to use a weight distribution system. Then if the total tongue weight is 15% of that at 450 lbs, you would benefit from using the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0600 rated for weights between 250 and 600 lbs or the round bar # FA94-00-0600 rated for 400-600 lbs.

I've attached the link to all our WD systems so you can determine a best fit for your trailer and vehicle combination.

expert reply by: Jason S