Ranking Weight Distribution Systems for 8,000 lb Trailer

Question

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 F150 with the 5.0 Engine which is rated to tow up to 11,600. I bought a 27 foot boat that has a dry weight of 5,659 lb. So if I add in the weight of the Gas tank, Water tank and waste tank and the 1,410 lb trailer I think I am close to 8,200 lbs total which is 3,400 lbs less than the max for the truck. I towed the boat home on a 6 hour trip and the boat pulled very good and I saw no swaying. The issues I have is that the truck squats down 4,5 to 5 inches and the hitch on the truck states 5000/500 without a WDH and 10,000/1000 with a WDH I asked the service people at 2 ford dealers and was told that ford uses the same hitch on multiple vehicles and that I am good to tow my boat based on the trucks towing capacity. So for my truck, boat and trailer combination, do I need a WHD or can I just add Air bags to raise the height of the truck in the rear? If I do need a WHD, then which will work best for my situation? If there are multiples that would work could you rank them? Thanks

asked by: Mike

0

Expert Reply:

Based on what you said and the photo you added a weight distribution system is absolutely the best route for your 2018 Ford F-150; air bags will help to a degree but would be a band-aid that would not remedy your situation. The prices would be similar depending on the weight distribution system you use, and if you added a compressor to air bags you are looking at something that would be more expensive and less effective than a weight distribution system.

The correct weight distribution system will depend on your total tongue weight, which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your F-150. Since you mentioned your loaded trailer weighs 8,200 lbs that puts your tongue weight somewhere in the range of 1,000 lbs to 1,100 lbs and any cargo you have behind the rear axle would add to that.

There are a number of weight distribution systems that will work for your set-up, and I'll rank them in order for you, as well as any parts you would need in addition to the system itself.

- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW # EQ37140ET. This system comes with everything you need but it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help install the hitch ball.

- Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW # RP66130. This will require Shank # RP54970 and 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # C40030.

- Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW # RP66561. This system will require 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # 19286

- Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW # C17501

I have also added links to video reviews of these systems for you to take a look at.