Does Weight Distribution Hitch For 4,500 lb Camper Count as Added Towing Weight

Updated 11/15/2021 | Published 11/13/2021

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(218)

$33.30

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

(169)

$526.21

Question:

Hi I bought a reese weight distribution hitch with sway bars this is the model Reese 11,500 lbs. GTW, 1,150 lbs. TW Round Bar Weight Distribution Kit w/Integrated Sway 49913 I have a 2014 Ford 150 supercab 2wd GVWR 6700 3.71 V6 145 WB Camper is a 2013 Evergreen Ascend GVWR 4549 Tongue weight 400 Im always so nervous about adding weight...this hitch is 100 lbs I would appreciate any advice Thanks

asked by: Cindy M

Expert Reply:

Not to worry, the added weight of a weight distribution hitch such as the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution # RE44FR for your 4,500 lb Evergreen camper does NOT count as added towing weight or tongue weight. There is an issue though, in that the Reese # RE44FR is likely overrated for your camper. The reason for that is the hitch is rated for tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,150 lbs, and for the best performance your tongue weight should be in the middle of the weight distribution system's range.

So your tongue weight is likely going to be in the 12 to 13 percent range of your trailer's GVWR, and for a trailer with a 4,500 lb GVWR, your tongue weight is unlikely to hit the 600 lbs of this hitch. An overrated hitch is going to give you a very stiff, bumpy ride so I do recommend a different option that is rated properly, from Fastway:

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0800

The Fastway # FA92-00-0800 is rated for tongue weights between 400 lbs and 800 lbs, which your camper will be right in the middle of, and it is a better overall hitch than the Reese as well. It has superior friction sway control, and is also a trunnion bar system so the bars have much better ground clearance than the round bar system.

The Fastway is also the best value among weight distribution hitches, with a unique combination of relative cost-effectiveness and high quality. The hitch comes with everything needed but the hitch ball, which is the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ91-00-6100.

expert reply by: Kyle S