Adjusting Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System on 2016 Lexus GX

Question:

I currently am towing an Airstream with a listed tongue weight of 720. My TV is a 2016 Lexus GX. My set up includes the Equalizer WD/sway control. However when weighted at CAT Scales, I have an 1100-1200 lb increase in rear axle weight and a 300 decrease in front axle weight. The increase/decrease noted above are from when the Lexus is weighed alone, but loaded the same as when connected to trailer. Equalizer doesnt appear to be performing as expected.

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

It's possible that you just need to make some adjustments to your weight distribution system. If the hitch is transferring too little or too much weight, adjustments can be made to the system to improve this.

The goal of a weight distribution system like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET is to get the distance from the ground to the wheel well half way back to the unloaded height when compared to the height of your Lexus with the trailer connected. For example, if the distance from the ground to the wheel well on your Lexus GX is 30 inches when it is unloaded and 28 inches loaded, installing a weight distribution system with the correct adjustments will ideally bring it back up to 29 inches.

I recommend taking these measurements on your vehicle to see what your numbers look like both with and without the trailer coupled onto your Lexus' hitch.

For changes during the initial setup, Equal-i-zer recommends adding or removing spacer washers first to try and keep the spring arms parallel with the trailer frame. Once the maximum (8) or minimum (4) number of spacer washers have been reached, further adjustments can be made by raising or lowering the L-brackets. Later, minor adjustments based on trailer load changes can usually be done by just moving the L-brackets. Under adjustment, which looks like may be the case with your current setup, occurs when there is not enough weight being transferred to the front axles of the tow vehicle. To correct this, you can add more weight distribution force by adding spacer washers or raising the L-brackets.

If you have not already, I also recommend verifying the loaded tongue weight of your trailer with a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044. Keep in mind that the total tongue weight of your setup will include both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer along with any added weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You will want to make sure the weight distribution system you have is properly rated for your actual total tongue weight.

expert reply by: Chris R