Determining the Correct Weight Distribution Hitch System for Light Trailer and Loaded Truck Bed

Updated 09/21/2020 | Published 09/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(178)

$550.00

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

(3933)

$20.94

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

(290)

$19.44

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

(181)

$504.40

Question:

I have a 2017 Jayco Jay Feather 16XRB. It lists as a 280 pound tongue weight. At times, I may also have dirt bikes in my truck bed adding approximately 500 pounds to the equation. So I was thinking that this FA94-00-1000 was a good fit for a WDH with sway control. Would you concur?

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

Based on your explanation, I think the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA94-00-1000 will be large a system for your application giving you too stiff a ride. The light tongue weight of your trailer will obviously be slightly increased when you load the trailer, but the dirt bikes in the truck bed will only add a portion of that 500 lbs to your total tongue weight as only cargo weight behind the rear axle gets added to the total tongue weight for your weight distribution system. So this is too large for that application and way too large if you weren't bringing your dirt bikes for some reason.

Instead, I recommend using the similar # FA94-00-0800 which is rated for total tongue weights between 400 and 800 lbs. This will allow you to add some weight to the back of your truck bed if you aren't carrying the bikes and get you within the loaded range and will provide the support you need when bringing the dirt bikes. If you have a 2 inch ball coupler then use # A-90 and if you have a 2-5/16 inch ball coupler then use # 63840. You will also need thin walled socket # ALL643216 for installation.

I've attached an article to help with total tongue weight as that is what is used for determining the correct weight distribution system for your truck and trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S