Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2013 Ford F250 Towing 12000 lb Covered Trailer

Updated 04/16/2014 | Published 04/15/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(70)

$896.45

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

(2621)

$22.77

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(64)

$179.77

Question:

Is this the best option to use on my 2013 Ford F250 pulling a 12000lb covered trailer. I just need some advise on the best unit to purchase. http://www.etrailer.com/product.aspx?pc=RP66074 The trailer gross weight is 12000 lbs. (loaded) There will not be any load behind the rear axle. The truck I will be using has both options on the receiver. I may be using my RV to pull this trailer and it only has the 2" receiver. Is there the possibility to set it up for both sizes? My other option is the change the RV hitch to 2.5"

asked by: Doug

Expert Reply:

Before deciding on a weight distribution system, I recommend determining the tongue weight of your trailer. I am including an article which may be of help to you.

The Reese Distribution System, # RP66074, that you mentioned has a 12,000 pound gross tow weight (GTW) rating with a tongue weight (TW) rating of 1,200 pounds. The tongue weight of a trailer is typically 10 - 15 percent of the trailer's fully loaded weight. When towing a 12,000 pound covered trailer with your 2013 Ford F250, I am going to estimate that your tongue weight falls somewhere between 1,200 - 1,800. In this case, you would be using the system to it's fullest possible capabilities or exceeding it and this is not recommended.

Just a reminder, you will want to follow the weight limitations of the component with the lowest weight rating. This would include the vehicle or RV, the hitch, and the weight distribution system. Also double check that the hitch you plan to use is compatible with a weight distribution system. The sticker on the hitch should give you two different capacities, one for gross trailer weight, one for GTW with weight distribution.

The use of the Reese Weight Distribution Systems, # RP66130, offers a TW capacity of up to 1,500 pounds and GTW of 15,000 pounds. System can be used with a 2 inch receiver and Weight Distribution Shank like, # RP54970, or 2-1/2 inch receiver and Weight Distribution Shank, # RP54976.

I do not have a 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver available for use on a RV. My best recommendation would be to go with the weight distribution system and shank that fits the 2 inch hitch. This will accommodate both vehicles and gives you the flexibility to use either vehicle.

To complete your set-up, you will need a Trailer Hitch Ball, # 19286.