weight distribution hitch?
my brother is looking at buying smaller single axle TT. Only 18 ft total length, and 3200 gross weight. He knows he will have to add a brake controller to his F150, but will he need to use WD type hit...
Forum Discussion
I agree with the person who said you will get many different answers and while this can help you understand what to look for, you should look at the specs on your door. It's simple really and with the size of that trailer, you will be well within total towable weight for an F150, but will need to pay attention to payload. Your pickup will have a sticker in the driver's door telling you your cargo/ payload limit and the manual will help with what may be ignored such as gas tank weight. Add people, gear, hitch and anything you are going to toss into the vehicle to the hitch weight of the loaded trailer, and if it is under that number on your door, you are golden. Many like to add 20% or so to your payload estimate as to be within spec. Typically tongue weight is 10-15% of the trailer weight but this varies wildly per manufacture and how you load it. It should never be under 10% though. The trailer should show a dry hitch weight within specs, but you need to know what it is loaded. You should have the dealer place batteries, full propane, water tanks and have them weight it. They WILL have a hitch with a gauge for this very task. And as others have said, they will tell you that your vehicle is fine without another word or looking at the spec with most trailers they will show you. Arguably with the trailer you are looking at being 3200 gross (loaded), you likely are Ok unless your human gross is well; gross... This also means you may have to load items in the trailer that you would normally load in the bed. Keeps the dust off anyway...
As for a WD, typically trailers weighing more than 5K require a WD for a 1/2 ton's/your vehicles spec, but again you should refer to the truck's manual, and the trailer as well. You may not need one unless your loaded weight is above 5K.
BTW being a single axel at 3200lb, the trailer will likely have surge brakes and hence not require an electric brake controller... Check with the dealer for the actual model of the trailer to get this info before you buy a controller.
As for a WD, typically trailers weighing more than 5K require a WD for a 1/2 ton's/your vehicles spec, but again you should refer to the truck's manual, and the trailer as well. You may not need one unless your loaded weight is above 5K.
BTW being a single axel at 3200lb, the trailer will likely have surge brakes and hence not require an electric brake controller... Check with the dealer for the actual model of the trailer to get this info before you buy a controller.
