Weight distribution

[edd210]

I have a 2017 F250 with tow package and I am pulling a 2017 Coleman 192RD approx. weight 5500 pounds. I have a sway bar but no weight distribution. The truck pulls it with no problem. I have read that in some states sway control is required by law, does anyone know if that includes weight distribution?

[ScottG]

There's no way the truck can do weight distribution itself and the sway control is not what you think it is.
If so equipped, the trucks various sensors detect CATASTROPHIC sway, something it believes will cause you to lose control and crash. At that point it applies individual brakes to bring the entire rig to a stop.
It is not a system to keep any minor sway form starting. For that you need traditional sway control.

[edd210]

To answer myredracer I have a class five hitch factory installed. The truck says it has built in weight distribution and sway control. The added sway control is attached to a small ball on the hitch.

[DutchmenSport]

I think chains are the only requirement in every state. After that, it's all up the individual and their unique rig. Laws about WD would cause a total nightmare. Where and when does it begin and end? A 3500 towing a tear drop? or a pop-up camper? Um... you get the idea?

NO. Never heard of state requirement anywhere for weight distribution ... chains and length of rig, yes. Number of trailers that can be towed, and which type of trailer, yes. Which type of rig and special drivers license, yes. But never Weight Distribution.

[Lwiddis]

Good point, myred. My Tahoe is 600 without a WDH and 1000 with.

[downtheroad]

Good advice from the posters above. I would be interested to know what states require WD hitches???

[rbpru]

Most TT tow better with a WD hitch and many like our Blue Ox incorporate sway control in the design.

Only you can tell if you are satisfies with your setup and if your tongue weight is within the non-WD rating of your hitch.

Safe travels

[myredracer]

Won't matter as far as payload rating goes, but receivers have a rating with and without a WDH. Without a WDH typically 500 lbs. That's a small trailer but could have a TW of 600-700 lbs? Could tow nicer with a WDH and some weight back onto the steer axle. What are you using for a hitch if you have sway bars?

[Lwiddis]

Pulling with no problem isn’t the issue, while transferring some hitch weight up to the TV’s front wheels and some back to the TT’s wheels with a WDH for better control and braking is the issue. It doesn’t matter what the law is, you need both sway control and weight distribution for safe and pleasant operation.

[ScottG]

I don't believe sway control or a WDH is required by law anyplace.
If you don't find the truck being pushed around in your lane, then you probably don't need it with that light of weight.
However, you might find that it does indeed tow a lot nicer with a WDH.