Ball Mount and Weight Distribution Recommendation for 8500 lb Travel Trailer
Updated 01/05/2010 | Published 01/03/2010
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Question:
I have 2006 F-250 diesel. Im rated to pull 11,500lbs. I am looking for a travel trailer to pull that will probably be around 8-8500lbs dry weight. I have the trailer tow package for the truck. Ill need to pick up a ballmount and will probably go with one that has TW rating of 1,200lbs to be safe. Ive seen some ballmounts that were hollow and some that were solid. Also, Ive seen some aluminum ones. Is there a better one among them if they are rated at 12,000lbs/1,200TW? Also, should I consider a Weight Distributing ballmount as well when pulling a 33 ft trailer with this truck? Thanks.
asked by: Darin A
Expert Reply:
The hollow shank ball mounts typically carry a lower weight rating than what you are looking for. You do not mention what kind of rise/drop you are needing, but for a 12,000 pound rating I would recommend a forged ball mount. Part # BWBMHD30010 offers a 1 inch rise or 2 inch drop, part # 40331 has a 3 inch rise or 4 inch drop, and part # 40332 features a 5 inch rise or a 6 inch drop.
Anytime the loaded trailer weighs 50 percent or more than the weight of the vehicle, weight distribution is recommended. In addition to eliminating the rear end squat, using weight distribution can lead to performance increases in steering, traction, and braking while also decreasing trailer sway.
For a trailer such as yours, I would recommend the High Performance Trunnion System, part # RP66022. This system is designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600 to 1200 lbs, the tongue weight of your trailer falls right in the middle of this range. We also offer the same Weight Distribution System in conjunction with the Dual Cam Sway Control system, part # RP66074. If you are concerned about trailer sway, or for longer trailers like yours, the dual cam system will stop trailer sway before it can start.
