Recommended Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System for GMC Sierra and Keystone Outback 328RL

Question:

2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD crew cab w/Duramax diesel. Keystone Outback 328RL. Brochure lists a dry weight of 8615 lbs., hitch weight of 1075 lbs., and GTW of 10,500 lbs. Which Equal-i-zer system would be best, 12K or 14K? I assume by the time I load the trailer I will be approaching the1200 lb limit of the 12K system.

asked by: Todd D

Expert Reply:

For your particular setup the higher rated Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37140ET will definitely be the better option.

We can calculate a pretty accurate estimate of your Keystone Outback's loaded tongue weight using the GTW of 10,500 pounds that you provided, which refers to the most it can weigh when fully loaded. Since a trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight, we can predict a loaded tongue weight of around 1,000 pounds to as high as 1,575 pounds if you have the trailer loaded to its max (which is unlikely).

Also keep in mind though that when finding a properly rated weight distribution system any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Sierra will also factor into the total tongue weight of your setup.

The Equal-i-zer System # EQ37140ET features a tongue weight capacity range of 1,000 to 1,400 pounds so it should work great. As you mentioned in your question the lower rated Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET, which has a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,200 pounds, will likely be under-rated. I do recommend adding the Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 to help with installation.

The 14K Equal-i-zer system is their highest rated unit but if you find you might be exceeding its limits once you load your trailer up then you will want to move to an ever higher rated system. For this I recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66130, which has an 800 to 1,500 pound tongue weight capacity range and self-adjusting sway control that will actually work to stop trailer sway before it even begins.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these systems that you can check out as well.