New to the TT world in general. Iv got a 20' TT loaded weight of 3500lbs pulling with an Excursion.

I was looking at getting an anit sway hitch. I was wonderin if these things are necessary for all TTs or are they only necessary when pulling heavier TTs. Also if they are recommended for all TTs should I use it at all times or just when pulling on long road trips. I have pretty basic understanding of how the hitch works and have attached them a few times before on friends trailers but not sure on the "need" of one and kind of applications its called for.

I was also looking at replacing my mounted trailer jack with a rotational one. Are these type recomended for TTs or is it a bad idea. Also if I can replace it with one, are there any recommendations for a good manufacture of these and should I try and find a jack rated at 4000lbs or lower. The reason I ask about the rating is because Im pretty sure I read on the jack itself that its a 2000lbs rated jack. I understand that the full weight of the TT is not all sitting on the jack but I just dont feel comfortable with that small of a jack on it with me and my family using it. Unless im told otherwise I will at least be replacing it with a higher rated jack regardless.

Thanks for the info.

 

No, not all campers require anti sway.
I use weight distribution and anti sway bars on my 7000 pound camper, but not on my little 2500 pound camper.
However, it is still important to have the camper properly loaded. Too much weight behind the axle (not enough tongue weight) and you won't be able to keep even the smallest trailer from swaying.

A fold away tongue jack is not recommended. While the entire weight of the camper is not carried by the tongue jack, very often a bit of the weight of the tow vehicle is, especially when disconnecting. Since you aren't using a weight distribution system, you won't need to lift the rear of the vehicle to lift the snap hooks up.

 

Iv read some into keeping the weight of thrailer distributed correctly. What I understand is keeping the tongue weight around 10% of the max tongue weight allowed of your hitch and you should be good, right? While also keeping in mind that your trailer is level. Once I do my lift im expecting about 4" of lift and will need to get a longer drop ball mount for my trailer?

 

Tongue weight should be kept at 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight.
Yes, you'll need more drop on your hitch. You also need a 2 5/16" ball.

 

While not necessarily necessary, a weight distribution hitch with an anti sway bar is nice to have while traveling on the interstate highways. Big rig trucks will buffer, or push a travel trailer around a little bit. Just makes for a more stable, safe ride. Less finger imprints in the steering wheel when one blows by you doing about 95.

 

I would recommend it as well. Although the Excursion is fairly well beefy, the combo will handle more predictably with a properly installed and set up weight distributing and anti sway hitch.

 

At approximately 350 to 400 pounds tongue weight, his trailer is within the 500 pound bumper ball limits. In which case there is no provision for mounting weight distribution bars or anti sway devices.
Again, ensure your trailer is not overloaded, and your tongue weight is within limits. Do be aware that a camper is going to have a larger sail area than a low profile utility trailer and act accordingly.
Having weight distribution/anti sway equipment is no substitute for situational awareness and intelligent operation of your equipment.

 

If your travel trailer weighs over 5,000 lbs, then Ford recommends (actually, requires, to meet the factory hitch ratings) a weight distribution system.

Since you are thinking of lifting your Excursion 4 inches, you might be interested in what I observed when I started regularly using a tongue weight scale a decade ago. The gauge needle on the scale clearly demonstrated the tongue weight getting lighter, as I raised the tongue higher.

As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts of pumpkin pie come to mind, and a light tongue weight makes a great recipe for whipped cream... as in the trailer gets triggered into a yaw induced oscillating sway event, whipping the tow vehicle around until the combination gets creamed on the side of the highway. Not very tasty!

So yes, get a hitch drop. But before you do, chose your weight distribution system first, so that you can get a drop that is sure to work with the trunion or socket ball head of your WD system of choice. And recognize that drops do amplify the leverage and strain applied to your receiver hitch.