How to Determine Best Weight Distribution Hitch for Large Camper

Updated 05/26/2020 | Published 05/21/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(858)

$793.07

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(326)

$79.06

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(100)

$96.13

Question:

I have 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Cab with a leveling kit in the front and I need hitch to use with my sway bar control arms for my 40 foot camper. I tried towing last year with a hitch but with no luck. The camper swayed all over the place and didn't matter how tight or loose I adjusted the sway bars. Do you have a hitch that you would recommend?

asked by: Bob O

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may have had just friction sway control like # 17200 or a weight distribution hitch that wasn't rated properly for a large camper. If it was friction sway control, it would make sense those wouldn't be effective because I'm guessing your 40 foot camper is pretty beefy and those systems won't be as effective. What I recommend to control sway is a high-quality weight distribution hitch that is rated properly for your set up.

In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), 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 2019 Ford F-350.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example, if your TTW was 1,200 lbs you would want the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37140ET, which is for TTW between 1,000 lbs and 1,400 lbs. The Equal-i-zer is a fantastic system that has been widely praised for its sway control capabilities, as you can see by the reviews on the product page.

I have also added a link to our entire selection of systems as well as a video review of the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37140ET.