Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for 2500 lb Boat Towed By 2019 Ford Flex

Published 06/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution System - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(62)

$569.69

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

(2621)

$22.57

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

(3876)

$17.67

Question:

I have a 2019 Ford Flex with the class III trailer tow package. Do I need a weight distribution hitch to tow a 2500-lb boat with 250-300 lb tongue weight? Thanks

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

We typically recommend using weight distribution when the trailer weighs more than 50% of the loaded vehicle weight. From what I read online, your Flex can weigh up to 4800 lbs, so you're likely just above that threshold.

I'd recommend hitching up the boat and see how much squat you get in the vehicle's rear suspension. If it's more than an inch or so, I'd recommend going with a weight distribution kit. Excessive rear suspension squat can cause the aim of your headlights to be off, thus blinding oncoming traffic and not illuminating the road right in front of your vehicle correctly. It can also reduce the downforce on your front suspension, which can negatively affect steering and braking performance.

The Reese # RP66022 kit you'd looked at is designed for trailers with tongue weights all the way up to 1200 lbs, so it would be rated way too high for your needs. Your trailer would have a very rough ride and the system wouldn't be very effective.

Instead, I'd go with the lower-rated Reese # RP66540 Trunnion Bar system which would be perfect for the 250-300 lb tongue weight you mentioned. You'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP3280.

The system I recommended uses a trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank which is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.