Should I use a weight distribution hitch / sway control?

[WildlifeTag]

I have a question for those experience TT towers.

I have a 2013 Ford F150 Ecoboost Supercrew 4x4 with a Tow Package.

The F150 specifications are as follows:
GVWR: 7,200 lbs
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight: 9,200 lbs
GCWR: 15,100 lbs

Factory F150 Hitch Ratings:(without a weight distribution hitch)
Weight Carrying Max Trailer Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Max Tongue Weight: 500 lbs

I am going to be towing a Jay Flight 23MB.

The Jay Flight Specification are as follows:
Unloaded Weight: 4,200 lbs
Dry Hitch Weight: 425 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings: 6,500 lbs
Cargo Capacity: 2,300 lbs

According to Ford and the owners manual, if I want to tow the Max Trailer Capacity of 9,200 lbs I have to use a weight distribution hitch. In my scenario the 23MB weights in at 4,200 lbs. Without the weight distribution hitch I would have to keep my cargo weight to 700 lbs so I don't go over the 5,000 lb mark. I'm new to TT's and I have no idea how much all of our gear will weight but I assume that it would be under 700lbs. Do you think that this is a good assumption or do things add up quicker than I am thinking?

Do you think that I should get the weight distribution hitch anyway?

How about the sway control assembly, is it necessary? ( My F150 has the trailer sway control built in but I have heard that people think the physical assembly is best practice.)

I appreciate any input. This stuff starts to add up in price! That being said, I would rather tow the TT the safest way possible since I have little ones.

[fielro]

My wdh makes a huge difference in towing. I won't tow my tt without it. Good luck and welcome to the forum....You are right, just keeps adding up

[wags999]

What the WD hitch will do is put more weight on the front of the truck.. if you have ever towed anything that causes the rear of the TW to drop, taking weight off the front end, you will understand the importance of a WD hitch. Your front end will tend to "float" when weight is taken off it. Also how you load your trailer will make a difference. Adding propane, water, batteries have to be figured into the weight, plus, all the gear you place in your unit. If you load your front storage compartment, that will add additional weight to the tongue load also. I would go with the WD hitch and know your not near the limitations of your rig.

[Flyrotor]

Yes you should

[pawpaw]

Get the wd hitch - you won't reget it.

[eldermike]

I have a few trailers and I have a dual axle enclosed trailer that comes close to the specs you posted. I tow it all the time without WDH. However, I suggest you get one, and one that has sway control. Sway from various sources such as passing trucks, and towing in wind will make you glad to own a good hitch with sway control.

[ninjahbob]

I basically have the same truck and the system makes a big difference in the feel of the truck. I felt like it was more flat on the ground if that makes sense. We also did the sway bar. I didn’t like the tail wagging the dog.

[Brownie]

When I purchased my TT, I wondered about the same question. After all, my truck already had sway control. So, I negotiated an upgraded hitch insert (but not a W/D Hitch) as part of my purchase through the dealer. Then I got to thinking, "I'll be pulling a $XX,XXX trailer with a $XX,XXX truck! Do I really want to cheap out on the only thing holding the two together?"

My answer was a resounding NO! I renegotiated for a properly-sized W/D Hitch with sway control. Since my trailer is a little longer than yours, I ended up getting a second (left-side) sway control. What a difference the proper set-up makes!

I would strongly recommend you include a properly sized W/D Hitch with sway control in yours, as well.

[Camper_bob]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned that you shouldn't be using the "dry hitch weight" for reference. That weight does not include battery(ies) or propane tank(s). So my answer, like the others, is yes, you should use a WDH. They're not that expensive, and certainly worth the cost. Get one with integrated sway control and you're GTG.

[WildlifeTag]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I have decided to go ahead and get a W/D hitch. It just makes more sense and gives me better piece of mind that I have everything setup correctly.

[WildlifeTag]

I have another question for you all. So I have located a W/D hitch setup online. They are asking $200 for it. It's the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System. It seems like this is a great deal since these run around 500 or more. Any thoughts?

[WVDusty]

That is A great PRICE for that hitch. However it is way to big for your TT at 17000-1700 lbs

[WildlifeTag]

Will that make a difference? Can you go larger or do you have to stay within the matching weight specifications?

[WVDusty]

You can go a step or so up in size. But that hitch is rated to more than double the gross weight of your TT . I am sure other can and will explain why better than I can.

[Ustabslim]

In my opinion this is everything you need. All in one package.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Round-Bar-We...3b5a91&vxp=mtr

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by WildlifeTag

I have another question for you all. So I have located a W/D hitch setup online. They are asking $200 for it. It's the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System. It seems like this is a great deal since these run around 500 or more. Any thoughts?

If I'm not mistaken, that looks like a 2.5" Reese Titan shank. Is your hitch receiver a 2" or 2.5". I have a 2.5" on my F-250 and I have yet to see a 2.5" hitch on a 1/2 ton. You'd have to change the shank to a 2" to fit your hitch.

[WildlifeTag]

Your right! I didn't notice that! Thank you!

[WildlifeTag]

Originally Posted by Ustabslim

In my opinion this is everything you need. All in one package.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Round-Bar-We...3b5a91&vxp=mtr

Thank you! That price doesn't seem that bad.

[WildlifeTag]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

If I'm not mistaken, that looks like a 2.5" Reese Titan shank. Is your hitch receiver a 2" or 2.5". I have a 2.5" on my F-250 and I have yet to see a 2.5" hitch on a 1/2 ton. You'd have to change the shank to a 2" to fit your hitch.

Your right! Good catch!

[ninjahbob]

Ustabslim found a great price and it is a good setup that has worked good for us. Good luck with your decision.