Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for 3500-lbs Trailer

Question:

my name is Mike Hinton and i have a 2010 ford edge that i will be towing a 3500 lb max camper trailer with one axle. Is it recommended to have a stabilizer bar? if so, do you sell those and how do they work?

asked by: Mike W

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you're looking for a weight distribution hitch for your camper, which we do recommend any time the trailer that you'll be towing weighs more than 50% of the weight of your vehicle. When it comes to choosing a weight distribution hitch, you're going to want one where your tongue weight (10-15% of the trailer's total weight) falls towards the middle of the range for the system.

With a 3500-lbs trailer, your tongue weight should be between 350-lbs and 525-lbs, so a system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66086 would work well for you. This system also gives you built in sway control, so it's a great choice to not only redistribute the weight of your trailer more equally across your vehicle's axles, but also fight trailer sway and help improve your towing experience.

I've linked a short review video of this system for you to have a look at, as well as some helpful articles we've done on weight distribution systems and how to set them up.

expert reply by: Erik B

Sean B.

1/25/2025

I have 2013 Ford Edge Limited, trailer is 2884 pounds, I could not locate the hitch recommended above.

Kevin C.

1/25/2025

@SeanB 10-15% of 2,884lbs would give you roughly 288lbs - 432lbs. The Reese Strait-Line mentioned above has been discontinued, but we do have some other options that would work for your tongue weight. I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # FA92-00-0450 since it has a 450lb max tongue weight capacity and 2-point sway control to help keep the trailer tracking straight behind you. This hitch doesn't come with a hitch ball so you'd need the # 40038 as well. Did you have any preferences for the hitch style? Have you used one before?

Sean B.

1/27/2025

@KevinC I don't have a preference, I have used WD hitches in the past. I was hoping to not spend that much but I also don't want one that's over rated for my needs.

Kevin C.

1/30/2025

@SeanB The Fastway brand is a great option for quality without breaking the bank. With where your tongue weight is sitting at the # FA92-00-0450 would be the only option close to it with enough capacity. You'd have to go up a weight class to have enough capacity if you went with a different branded weight distribution hitch.