What Should I get to Improve Towing My Hideout Camper with My 2023 F-150 XLT?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello George,

Thanks for writing in!

I took a look at your Hideout 242LHS and saw it has a GVWR right around 7,650 lbs. When you get it loaded up for a trip, you’ll want your tongue weight to fall in that 10–15% range, which puts you roughly between 765 lbs and about 1,150 lbs. Staying in that range is key for improving ride quality, reducing sway, and keeping your 2023 F-150 sitting level while towing. When picking out the correct weight distribution system, it’s important to focus on your loaded tongue weight, not just the trailer’s dry specs, since that’s what determines how the system will perform.

A really great option for your setup is the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch, part # WS94RR for a 2" receiver, or part # WS59MR if your truck has the larger 2-1/2" receiver. This system is rated for 12,500 lbs GTW and 1,200 lbs tongue weight, which lines up really well with where your trailer should be when it’s fully loaded, so you’re getting a system that’s properly matched for both performance and comfort.

One of the biggest advantages with the Weigh Safe system is how easy it makes dialing everything in. It has a built-in tongue weight scale (see attached image) right in the hitch so you can actually see your tongue weight and make adjustments instead of guessing. It also has integrated sway control to help keep your trailer tracking straight in crosswinds and when passing trucks, and the spring bars redistribute weight back to the front axle of your F-150 to reduce squat and improve steering and braking. All of that works together to give you a smoother, more controlled ride while towing.

Another feature that really sets this system apart is the Weigh Safe app. After you take a couple simple measurements, the app walks you through exactly how to set up the hitch for optimal performance. When you pair that with the built-in scale, it really takes the guesswork out of both installation and adjustment so you know your setup is right every time.

Installation itself is pretty straightforward. You’ll insert the shank into your receiver, attach the hitch head, and mount the brackets onto your trailer’s A-frame. From there, you connect the spring bars and use the scale and app to fine-tune the system. Once it’s set up the first time, hooking up for future trips is quick and repeatable.

I attached a great video that my buddy Brad put together, he does a fantastic job going over this system.

Have you had this camper for a while and just trying to get it dialed in right? What are your main concerns while towing it now, what main issues are you dealing with?

expert reply by: Kate F

0

Weigh Safe Built-In Scale
(click to enlarge)