How to Adapt Weight Distribution System for Higher Trailer Tongue Weights

Question:

We are purchasing a trailer with 960# TW and 10,000# trailer weight gross. Should I slightly oversize my hitch see below or get one size smaller? Pulling trailer with 2013 GMC half ton with 5.3L and tow package. Is my truck too light? Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW Item # EQ37120ET

asked by: Randall K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The key to selecting the right weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system is knowing the fully-loaded trailer's actual measured tongue weight (TW) when it is loaded just as it will be when you use the system, and to this loaded trailer TW adding the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle since this too acts just like trailer TW. We offer a TW scale # e99044 but other methods for measuring are outlined in the linked article.

The ideal is that your total TW figure will fall right near the middle of the system's operating range. For instance, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37120ET works for a TW range from 800- to 1200-lbs, which would make it ideal for a total TW of 1000-lbs.

If your trailer has widely varying TWs depending on the particular load you can just pick up a second set of spring bars for that other TW range. For instance we offer bar set # EQ90-01-1499 for when your trailer TW is more like 1200-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R