Question:
I have a 2007 Jayco 31BHDS travel trailer. 34 feet long, 7365 lb dry weight, 800 lb dry hitch weight. I just purchased a 2020 F250 SRW with the high capacity towing option 20,000 lb towing capacity and the trailer sway control option. Also purchased a BandW TS30037B hitch 21,000 lb GTW and 2,100 lb VTW. Do I need a weight distribution hitch and do I need sway control on the hitch for this setup? Trying to determine if I need to replace my Reese weight distribution hitch and sway bar or if I can use the BandW hitch.
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
You're in a situation where weight distribution won't be absolutely necessary but you would have a better overall towing experience with a system installed. They say (the "all knowing they") that any time your trailer weighs more than half the weight of the tow vehicle weight distribution is recommended. Even on a vehicle built for towing like your 2020 Ford F-250. If you were planning on towing quite a bit with that RV I think you'll be much happier with a WD system. You'll have reduced sag, better handling, a better ride, and better braking in the event of an emergency.
For the amount of tongue weight you mentioned having dry the best setup is the Reese Strait Line part # RP66084 which has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs and features best sway control that works to fight sway before it starts.
For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.
Question:
Thank you for the quick reply. Based off your feedback, I may simply replace my existing Reese hitch bar (54970) with a bar that has more drop and will work with the rest of my setup.
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
What size hitch do you have?
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
