Recommendation for Pulling Heavier Trailer with Under-Rated Weight Distribution System
Question:
I have weight distribution system which has the 600 pound tongue weight reading I just purchased a trailer and I need to pick it up and has a 1000 pound tongue weight and the Trailer and the 6040 pounds and the equalizer system is ready for 6000 can I use it for a local tow
asked by: Steve M
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET, which has a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. This will be quite a bit under-rated for your new trailer that has a tongue weight of around 1,000 pounds. I am not sure if this tongue weight is with the trailer fully loaded or empty. If this reading is with the trailer empty, this number will increase even further once the trailer is loaded and ready for a trip.
I definitely recommend upgrading your existing weight distribution system to one that is properly rated for your new trailer. If you are just needing to tow the trailer locally in order to pick it up, and do not intend on towing it regularly with your existing setup, then this should be okay to do. Just note that using an under-rated weight distribution system will essentially be the same as not having one at all. It should not cause any damage to the system, but it is not going to fight sway at all and it will not help to evenly distribute weight between the axles of the trailer and vehicle.
Once you pick up the trailer, I highly recommend looking at a higher-rated system like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET, which has a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,200 pounds. The most important factor in choosing the best weight distribution system for your trailer is the total tongue weight of your setup. This will include both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Yukon XL. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere around the middle of the tongue weight operating range for the system you choose.
Instead of getting an entirely new system, you can also upgrade your existing system to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight capacity. To do this, you will simply need to replace the spring bars with # EQ90-01-1299 and the head with # EQ90-02-1200.
Products Referenced in This Question
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Replacement Spring Bars for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 2 - 1,200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Spring Bars
- 1200 lbs TW
- Square Bar
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Replacement Head for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 1,200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Head
- Square Bar
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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