Comparing Curt C17500 and Equal-i-zer EQ37100ET Weight Distribution Systems

Question:

I am having trouble deciding between the Curt tru-trak and the Equalizer 1000/10,000# systems. I really like the ease of tilt with the Curt. I have a new Heartland 21FBS, 6900 gvwr, towing with a 2004 Tahoe with tow package. Your recommendation?

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

Both the Curt # C17500 and the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET weight distribution systems share key features. Both are compatible with electric and hydraulic surge brakes, both include a shank and hitch ball, both allow backing up the trailer and both use fairly small frame brackets for their spring bars and this can make them easier to install than other systems whose brackets could take up as much as 5 or 6-inches of space on the trailer frame.

What distinguishes these two systems is their slightly different tongue weight (TW) range. The Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET works over a TW range of 600- to 1000-lbs while the Curt # C17500 works over a range of 800- to 1000-lbs. If your actual total TW is 900-lbs then the Curt is the better option. But if your actual total TW is more like 700- or 750-lbs then the Equal-i-zer is a better choice. You want to have your total TW fall in the middle of the system's operating range.

You want to select a system based on your actual measured TW plus the weight of anything in the tow vehicle and sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator. Objects behind the axle act like trailer TW so you'll want to use the scale # 5780 to measure the loaded trailer's actual TW and then add the weight of the cargo item(s).

expert reply by: Adam R