Recommended Weight Distribution System for Forest River E-Pro 20BHS

Updated 05/14/2024 | Published 09/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2626)

$23.25

HitchGrip Carrying Tool for Weight Distribution Head Assembly with 2-5/16" Ball

(379)

$29.69

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

(3881)

$20.93

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(281)

$19.37

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(179)

$522.50

Question:

Im looking for a valueinch priced WDH/anti-sway hitch such as Fastway E2 trunnion or Husky Centerline trunnion, but Im wondering about the weights of the WDHs themselves that will add to the total vehicle weight, or the weight of the WDH head that I will have to strain my back over lifting on and off the vehicle? Ive seen my neighbor struggling with one of those chunks of metal and want to know what Id be getting myself into with the various options out there. The main factors for me are ease of lifting, noise and clearance, and a desire to stay in the valueinch level pricing or below. Other suggestions welcome, as Im new to trailering. Planning to tow Forest River E-Pro 20BHS 21-ft, ~3500 lbs. dry, ~4500 lbs. max. loaded, with F-150 SuperCrew. A related question is, several of these WDHs seem to have cut-off weights at 600 lbs., whereas the expected tongue weight of this setup could be either well below or considerably above 600 lbs. depending on dry vs. loaded and how weight ends up being distributed for a given trip which tanks are full, etc., so Im not sure which weight rating range of WDH would be most appropriate. Thank you.

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

You are correct that you want to be within the weight range of a particular system and that has to do with the total tongue weight. That includes the loaded trailer tongue weight along with any cargo behind the rear axle of your truck. You want the total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the range of a weight distribution system ideally. If you travel with water tanks full, which most people don't unless you'll be dry dock camping, that will add significant weight.

For your Forest River E-Pro 20BHS, from my research has a dry tongue weight of 455 lbs. If you do not fill the water tanks, then I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA94-00-0800 which is rated for 400 to 800 lbs and the head and shank will weigh about 60 lbs once you add the hitch ball. The hitch ball can be a 2 inch ball like # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch ball like # 19286. You will also need the socket # ALL643216 for installing your hitch ball.

If you were to fill the 37 gallon freshwater tank that would add almost 300 lbs. So for that I'd recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 10K GTW # FA94-00-1061 rated for 600-1000 lbs. This system weighs 90 lbs and about 60 lbs of that is in the head and shank assembly you referenced lifting.

If you're using the 2-5/16 inch ball we do carry the HitchGrip tool # 303-HG-712 that makes lifting the head assembly easier. Unfortunately, we don't have a HitchGrip for the 2 inch ball.