Best Weight Distribution Hitch And Suspension Enhancement For 2014 Ford F-150 4x4

Question

Question:

Hello, I have a 2014 f150 4x4 off road ext cab with 6.2. I tow a 16fq wolf pup weight probably 4500 I’m guessing. I’ve been using just the Reese friction sway at the moment. My truck does sag pretty good when hooked up fully loaded. Wondering what I should do. Should I put timbrens on with a Reese weight distribution kit or one of the 2 stated or both. If I do a weight distribution kit I wanna make sure it’s rated for upgrade camper someday. On a side note I have an old Reese weight distribution system with chains it’s probably from the 90s. I’ve been told the new bars are better. Ideally I’d like something easy to connect and disconnect. I appreciate any feedback you have.

asked by: Matt H

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Matt, thanks for reaching out. You're thinking about this the right way. Those friction bars do an ok job reducing sway, but they do nothing for preventing sagging. A weight distribution hitch will help prevent sway and also help level out your ride. Beefing up the rear suspension will also help stabilize things and reduce sway.

If it were me, I would start by adding a solid weight distribution hitch and see where that gets you. The ride will be noticeably improved so that should get you where you need to be. If you want to do more on top of that, SumoSpring helper springs are an easy, relatively inexpensive add on that will complement the WD hitch nicely.

That said, WD hitches are sized based on the tongue weight of the camper. There is a bit of range for the tongue weight but generally speaking a WD hitch for a 4,500 lb trailer would not transfer over to a much heavier camper. It might work depending on what you get, but we'd need to nail down those tongue weight numbers to say for sure.

Also, I am not a huge fan of the chain style WD hitches, so I agree getting a new system that uses solid steep frame brackets will be the best bet plus they are pretty easy to connect once you do your initial setup. Here is what I recommend:

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # FA94-00-0600

I think you'll be happy with the results you see out of this system. It works great on trailers with tongue weight between 400 and 600 lbs and your trailer should be right within that range.

If you want to add a bit more stability, I suggest adding the following:

- SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle # SSR-117-47

I prefer the Sumos over Timbrens because they are more of a progressive spring. They add support without making the ride too rough. Timbrens are great for support, but they can make the unloaded ride a bit rough. Plus the Sumos have a 1,500 lb capacity so they will work even if you upgrade to a larger camper.

Did you have your eye on a camper you wanted to upgrade to? Has your truck been swaying really bad, or are you more wanting to address just the sway?

expert reply by: Jesse M

0

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
(click to enlarge)

Matt H.

3/31/2026

I actually have a Reese distribution hitch from the 90s that is rated 10,000 and it has chains could I use that?

Matt H.

3/31/2026

I just saw that e2 is noisier than a Reese rated for 6k but see that the e2 can be left on when backing up or making tight turns. I’m looking for something that is easy to use, easy to disconnect and hookup as I’m usually alone. Our camper is a 16fq wolf pup so If we update we someday I might be able to use my chain version. I just wanna make sure what I buy now holds up.

Jesse M.

4/1/2026

@MattH I wouldn't recommend using a 10K rated hitch with a 4,500 lb trailer the bars would be overrated and the trailer tongue weight would not put enough tension on the bars. You likely would see little to no difference.

Jesse M.

4/1/2026

@MattH So the E2 isn't bad for noise but you do have metal on metal contact with the brackets. It isn't terrible, but you'll definitely hear it especially when backing up or making tight turns. The Reese system is solid but honestly the noise would be similar. This will be the case with really any non-chain style WD hitch. Also, the Reese doesn't allow backing up at an angle whereas the E2 allows backing up at any angle. I do agree it's a good idea to hang on to your Reese hitch in case you upgrade trailers down the road. Honestly, I'd still lean towards the E2. It's going to give you the results you want and will work well as long as the noise doesn't bother you. Once you do your initial setup, it will be easy to set up and take down as needed. Marking where the frame brackets go on the tongue will help. From there all you really need to do it jack the tongue up and put everything in place. Just keep in mind the frame brackets for the E2 must be placed between 24" and 27" back from the hitch ball so please measure the trailer tongue and make sure there are no obstructions in this area. Also, the ball is sold separately so assuming you need a 2" ball you'll need part # A-90 as well. As a side note, the only truly quiet WD hitch B&W Continuum # BW78FR. This is good for weight distribution but does really nothing to stop sway. Some of the chain style WD hitches can be a bit quieter Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW0750. So, if noise is a key factor that might be worth looking into. The price point is something to consider too. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Best Weight Distribution Hitch And Suspension Enhancement For 2014 Ford F-150 4x4

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