How to Select Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for Concession Trailer

Question:

Looking for a recommendation for a equalizer or weight distribution for my 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Liter Hemi 4x2 3.55 Axle Ratio Towing capacity is between 8800-9100. I am towing a 20foot concession trailer approximately 7500 - 8000 lbs. The diesel generator that powers the concession trailer with full tank weighs approximately 1300lbs. What would be recommended on how to tow this? Hitch? Distribution? Looking for guidance on what to use to tow this safely.

asked by: Charity C

Expert Reply:

Trailer weight distribution/sway control systems (WD/SC) need to be tuned to the trailer's actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW), with all gear and supplies loaded, water and propane tanks filled, just as when you head out for an event. You also need to factor in the weight of any cargo in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle since this too will act like TW. The weight of an item like a fully packed cooler sitting behind the rear axle must be added to the trailer's actual TW to get the total weight the system will have to handle.

Generally speaking a well-loaded trailer's TW should be 12 to 15 percent of its gross weight. Any more or less TW and there can be issues with sway.

We offer a handy TW scale # e99044, but other methods for measuring trailer TW are outlined in the linked article. I also linked an article and video with general WD info you can check out if you like.

The linked WD/SC page displays all systems that include sway prevention and the required 2-inch shank. Your TW is likely to be in the range of 1200-lbs, so if you click on that TW figure you'll see systems rated appropriately. Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's range. For instance, the Equal-i-zer 4-Point System # EQ37140ET works over a TW range of 1000- to 1400-lbs and its smaller lift brackets can be easier to fit on many trailer frames.

expert reply by: Adam R