Weight Distribution for a 10,000 Pound Trailer and 2004 Ford F-350 Diesel

Updated 01/13/2014 | Published 01/12/2014

Question:

Experts, We have a 2004 Ford F350 6.0L diesel and will be towing an enclosed 20ft. cargo trailer rated at 10,000lb GVWR. Our initial tow will be cross country with a trailer load of approximately 5,000lbs., tongue weight of 500 to 600 lbs. Could you recommend the proper WD and sway control products for this set-up?

asked by: Raymond C

Expert Reply:

When calculating tongue weight to choose a weight distribution system you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

So the minimum weight of the trailer is around 5,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds is the gross weight. At 10 to 15 percent that puts the range at 500 to 1,500 pounds. That is a big range. But it is probably not likely that you will be at 1,500 pounds tongue weight (correct me if I am wrong). So we can look at some other systems.

The main issue is that you are sort of in between different capacity systems. But if you never are going to tow the max 10,000 pounds then a system rated for 1,000 pounds tongue weight, such as # C17322, would work out fine. However you will experience a stiff ride at the lower tongue weight capacities. And you need a minimum of at least 10 percent of the gross trailer weight up to the 1,000 pound limit of this system.

If you can let me know a more realistic tongue weight capacity range (even if it just an educated guess) there might be a better suited system for you. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H