How To Choose Correct Weight Distribution System When Towing 31-Ft Trailer

Question:

Hi, I recently purchased a 31 foot trailer that has a light overall dry weight at only 5500lb. Unfortunately the tongue weight is 850lbs. At mostlyfoot full the tongue weight was exactly 1,000lb i bought a tw scale to measure. I have a 1,000lb equalizer setup and want to upgrade, but wondering if the 1,200lb system is enough? would you suggest the 1,400lb bars instead? My concern is that 1,000lbs is fully loaded weight, without including some occasional items maybe a bike, etc..., as well as filling the fresh water tank. Now, either could pull weight off the tongue i suppose, given i believe the fresh water tank is behind the trailer axle. Mostly, i am just concerned that even 1,200lbs may be too little. Flip of the coin, will 1,400lb create a harsh ride that is also undesired.

asked by: BC

Expert Reply:

Normally, the tongue weight of a trailer is somewhere between 10 and 15 percent. It sounds like your trailer is at the top of that range and possibly a bit more. To calculate the right tongue weight you will need to add in any other cargo like the fresh water, food, or any cargo carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That can run the tongue weight up. You want the fully loaded tongue weight to fall near the middle of the weight distribution tongue weight range.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37120ET is designed for tongue weight between 800 and 1200-lbs. The Equal-I-zer # EQ37140ET is designed for tongue weight between 1,000 and 1,400-lbs. Both of these systems have 4-point sway control built-in. if your fresh water tank is behind the rear axle, that can make a difference when filled.

The only sure way to select the best system is to load the trailer as if you were leaving for your trip and try to estimate how much other cargo you will have. You can be surprised how much cargo weighs like a cooler filled with ice and food. I have attached a link to a helpful article about weight distribution you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L