Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 1999 Lincoln Navigator and 2010 Ford F-250 V10
Updated 03/09/2010 | Published 03/07/2010
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I need a Weight Distribution system for my 24 enclosed car trailer being pull by 1999 Lincoln Navigator 4x2 5.4L with air suspension. My trailer weigh about 3200 and my Camaro weighs approx 3200 lbs. I will be making two trips from Dothan, AL to Fayetteville, NC with 20ft boat on the 1st trip and the car hauler on the second trip. I plan on buy a new Ford F250 V10 this summer/fall so I need something that I can transfer at a later date. Thanks
asked by: David L
Expert Reply:
Depending on the hitch on your 1999 Lincoln Navigator, you can pull between 7,500 and 10,000 pounds using a WD system. Both of these capacities will be enough to tow the load of 6,500 Camaro and trailer weight.
We have several WD systems available, but the one I recommend the most is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch System, # 66074. This WD system comes with dual cam, pro-active sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. It can handle what you need to tow now and, should you decide to pull something heavier, you will have the option to pull up to 12,000 pounds with this system. Be sure to stay within the limitations of your vehicle and hitch, though.
The Ford F-250 V10 you plan on buying probably has a higher towing capacity than your Navigator. The Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch System, # 66074, will work with it as well.
When you are pulling that much weight it is a good idea to use a brake controller if you do not already have one. Brake controllers should be used if you are pulling at least 50 percent of your vehicles weight. They improve braking performance which increases safety. For the Navigator, if you have a factory-installed 7-Way, all you will need to do is hook up the brake controller to the plug in the vehicle and mount the controller. The brake controller I recommend the most is the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885, 3035-P If the Navigator has factory 4-Flat installed, you will also need to install wiring harness Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole, # 37185 to complete installation. If you have no factory-installed tow package at all, you will need to hardwire the vehicle using Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7, along with 4-Way connector Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118344. I have included a link to instructions that explain how to hardwire below.
For the Ford you plan on buying, it will have to be hardwired unless it comes with a tow package including a connection for a brake controller. To hardwire and install a brake controller, you will need 4-Pole Hardwire Kit Including Circuit Tester, # 18252. I have included further instructions below should you end up needing to hardwire the new vehicle for a brake controller.
