Jump to content

Using a Weight Distribution Hitch on a 2012 Edge Factory Tow Setup


Recommended Posts

I have a 2012 Ford Edge Ltd with the factory tow package. I'm planning on towing a 3500 lb Airstream, twin axle travel trailer. I just purchased and will be installing a Tekonsha brake controller.

 

My question is regarding using weight distribution bars on this hitch. Is anyone doing this, and if so what has your experience been like?

 

thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I have the same question for my 2014 Edge with the factory towing option. From what I've read at etrailer,com, the hitch should have a label with two towing ratings for tongue weight and towing capacity, 1) for hitch only and 2) for use with a weight distribution hitch (WDH). If it only shows one tow rating (tongue weight and towing capacity) then the hitch is not designed for use with a WDH. My label only shows one rating: tongue weight 350 lbs, towing capacity 3500 lbs, so it does not appear to be designed for use with a WDH. The label is located on the bottom of the hitch. I've also looked through my owners manual and there is no mention about using a WDH.

 

I tow a 2400 lb tent trailer. The back of the car doesn't drop much, but just enough to raise the front end, which causes on-coming cars to flash their lights (thinking I have my hi-beams on). I'm not sure what qualifies a hitch for use with a WDH, but it probably has something to do with the way it attaches to the frame, or that it's a class II hitch.. Or maybe Ford did not want to provide this info for fear of owners overloading their vehicles.

Any comments about using a WDH would be welcome.

 

Thanks

Denis - Anaheim, CA

2014 Edge SEL

1997 Coleman/Fleetwood tent trailer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been researching this for my 14 Edge with the factory tow package (class II hitch) and came up with the following:

 

The Ford Edge trailer towing guide states this:
(1) Hitch receivers do not include a hitch ball or ball mounting. The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting, weight- distributing equipment (i.e., equalizing arms and snap-up brackets, sway control system) and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and its cargo load.

No where can I find where Ford outright says DO NOT USE A WDH.

 

With that info I went to my local Ford dealership and asked the Service Manager about a WDH. His reply was that Ford's only concern is that you stay within the parameters of the weight limits of the hitch/vehicle.

 

With that said, I'll get a WDH for my Edge. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Denis

Anaheim, CA

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...