Weight Distribution Hitch for 5,500 lb Trailer

Updated 09/14/2020 | Published 09/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$644.05

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

(2626)

$23.25

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

(3881)

$20.93

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(623)

$596.95

Question:

I am ordering a 21foot trailer that I believe will have a loaded weight of approximately 5300 lbs max GVWR for this trailer is 5500 lbs. I will be towing with a 4x4 Ford F150. I am a smaller, older woman and looking for a WDH with sway control that will not be too heavy for me to actually use and be able to hitch and unhitch. It looks like the Reese Steadi Flex 600/6000 may be one of the lightest weight systems. However, it seems to me that the tongue weight could exceed 600 lbs. Do you think this WDH will be adequate? Or do you have a recommendation for another lightinch system? Thank you

asked by: Laurel L

Expert Reply:

The tongue weight of any trailer depends on how that trailer is loaded, but typically the trailer's tongue weight will be about 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight. Note any cargo weight that is loaded behind the rear axle of your vehicle will count towards this tongue weight capacity. With that being said, a 600 lbs WD hitch might be suitable for your trailer, but to be safe I recommend a hitch that supports up to at least 800 lbs. I recommend the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System with Sway Control # C17499.

While the total weight of all the weight distribution system's components does seem quite heavy, once installed, the process of hitching and unhitching your trailer only requires removal of the spring arms, which should be manageable.

You will also need a hitch ball to go along with this weight distribution system. I recommend Curt's 2" Hitch Ball # A-90 or Draw-Tite's 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # 19286 to fit the Curt WD hitch I recommended.

I've also included an article about how to determine your trailer's tongue weight so you can make sure to find the right weight distribution hitch for you.

expert reply by: John R