Forum Discussion

CrowsnestGuy's avatar
CrowsnestGuy
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015

Weight distribution or no?

Recently bought a new trailer (18ft Retro 177) and I don't know if I need a weight distribution hitch for it? I have a Blue Ox Sway Pro from my old 30ft trailer but the 1000# bars are way to much. The new trailer has a 550 pound tongue weight after propane and batteries and the max trailer weight is 3500#.
I pull this with a 2013 F150 Ecoboost Max tow package.
I looked at the Anderson Hitch but I think the trailer frame is to small for this hitch.
Any help would be great.
  • A properly built trailer, towed with a properly set up tow vehicle, with proper tires on both, that is properly loaded with 12 to 15% of the GVW on the tongue, should not sway. If a "sway control" gadget will make the driver feel better, then one should be installed.
    As for a WD hitch, if the front of the tow rig does not rise to the point where the headlights are blinding oncoming drivers when on low beam, it is not needed. If the headlights ARE blinding oncoming drivers, then the WD hitch is absolutely necessary!
    The WD hitch is also necessary if the weight of the trailer takes too much weight off of the tow vehicle steering. I have read of that happening, although I have never experienced it.
  • Defiantly want some sway control.
    The one time I pulled it the wind was howling and I could see the trailer blowing over the centre line with the gusts. That's really what I would like to stop.
  • You may not need weight distribution, but you will probably like having some sort of sway control.
  • Take a look at your hitch and see what it says. Most are 5K weight carrying 10K Weight dist. If that is the case and you like how the truck and trailer sit without it you should be just fine without the bars. You absolutely need more like a 600lb bar for that little guy

    Chris