What Would Cause Bouncy Ride Quality When Towing Trailer with Weight Distribution System

Updated 06/03/2019 | Published 06/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit

(503)

$539.00

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2612)

$18.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3836)

$17.63

Question:

I have a 2018 F150 3.5 Ecoboost, it is 2 wheel drive with a locking axle capability at least I think that is what it is called. I pull a 6000# TT using a Hensley Hitch so I do not really have a sway control issue any longer but I still get more bounce than I like on some road conditions. Would you recommend the Roadmaster Active Suspension Kit to work with my setup to alleviate some of this bounce? If yes, which one would I need to order? Thanks

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

If you are experiencing a bouncy ride condition with your weight distribution system that indicates that you have a WD system that is rated too high for the tongue weight of your setup. If you use a system rated to high you end up with a harsh or bumpy ride quality and if you go with a system rated too low you end up with an ineffective system. There isn't a product out there that will fix this like the Roadmaster kit you mentioned.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

For your trailer that weighs 6,000 lbs you most likely have a tongue weight between 600 and 800 lbs which for that I recommend the Strait Line system part # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400 and 800 lbs. This is the only recommendation I can make that will help with the bounce you are experiencing.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C