Best Weight Distribution Hitch For 2026 Brinkley Z Air 297 Travel Trailer With 980 lb Tongue Weight

Updated 10/02/2025 | Published 10/01/2025

Question:

Please recommend the best weight distributing hitch, with sway control, to use when towing a 2026 Brinkley Z Air 297 travel trailer with a Heavy Duty 2025 Ford F-250. Brinkley claims the tongue weight is about 980 pounds. This seems light, especially when the trailer is loaded, with a gross weight of more than 13,000 pounds. I prefer that it fit the 2 1/2inch receiver on my truck without an adapter. Thank you.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Hey Mark, thanks for reaching out, and congrats on the new camper! We have just the thing! Here is what I recommend:

- Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2-1/2" Hitch - 15K GTW, 1.5K TW # BLU54TR

The Blue Ox WD hitches are super solid. This is made for trailers with a tongue weight between 1,000 and 1,500 lbs, and it sounds like you would be right within this range once the trailer is loaded. Typically the tongue weights RV manufacturers list does not include batteries or fuel. The # BLU54TR comes with a shank for the 2-1/2" hitch.

The main things I like about the Blue Ox WD hitch are how easy it is to assemble and install, and how quietly it tows. It includes a lift tool that really helps get proper tension on the bars.

Please note the lift brackets must be placed 29" back from the center of the coupler. Please check the tongue of your trailer and make sure there are no obstructions in this area.

How do you like your Brinkley TT so far? Have you taken it out on any trips yet? I follow them on Facebook and some of their new models are super impressive.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control
(click to enlarge)

Mark

10/2/2025

Thanks Jesse! I am guessing the actual tongue weight will be between 1200 and 1300 pounds when loaded. Which tow bar (within the weight capacities we are talking about) provides the most anti-sway protection? This is a priority.

Jesse M.

10/2/2025

@Mark As far as the options that come with a 2-1/2" shank, the Blue Ox is a good option. If you want the best of the best as far as sway control, take a look at the following: - Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW # EQ37141ET The Equalizer systems are widely regarded as the best available. The 4-point sway control provides superior sway reduction compared to other setups. The shank is sold separately, so for that you can use part # EQ90-02-4900. Also, a special thin-walled 1-7/8" socket like part # EQ70-00-4800 will be required for installing the ball. The Equalizer is a bit more complicated to set up, but will provide better results compared to the Blue Ox. The Equalizer frame brackets must be places 27" - 32" back from the hitch ball.