Recommended Weight Distribution System for Trailer with 4,500 Pound GVWR

Question:

I have a 2015 dodge grand caravan that will be pulling a KZ Sportsmen 180RBT. The hitch put on the van, that the company I bought the trailer from, is rated at 4000 GTW and 400 TW. The trailer itself is listed as UVW = 3116 lbs, Dry Hitch Weight = 426 lbs, GVWR = 4500 lbs. Id like to know which weight distribution with sway control I should be looking at along with the weight rating. Im quite interested in the Equilizer Hitch systems due to their high star ratings but not sure which weight type I should be looking at or if any other brands are highly recommended. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance!

asked by: Derek M

Helpful Expert Reply:

When looking at weight distribution systems, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your towing setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer (as if ready for a trip), along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Grand Caravan. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

You mentioned a dry hitch weight (tongue weight) of 426 pounds for your trailer. Since we want to account for the loaded tongue weight, we can take an estimate based on the 4,500 pound GVWR that you also provided. The GVWR indicates the most this trailer can weigh when it is fully loaded. Since a trailer's tongue weight should be between 10-15% of its total weight, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of 450 to 675 pounds.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems that you referenced are indeed excellent systems and one of our most highly regarded weight distribution products. With that in mind, they do not provide a system that would be ideal for your total tongue weight range. The closest system they offer is the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET, which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 pounds. Depending on how much you load your trailer, this might be a bit under-rated, however if you do stay within this range, this will be a great option. You can also verify the total tongue weight of your trailer with a scale like the etrailer # e99044 to ensure a compatible system.

Another option I recommend looking at is the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083. This is also an excellent system will likely be a better fit for your setup with its tongue weight capacity range of 400 to 800 pounds. It features trunnion spring bars that will flex appropriately for a controlled, even ride and self-adjusting sway control that will help to reduce trailer sway. You will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

Lastly, I just recommend checking the owner's manual for your Dodge Grand Caravan to verify its towing weight capacity. You will need to stay below whichever limit is lower, the vehicle's or the trailer hitch. Since the GVWR of your trailer exceeds the limit of your trailer hitch and also likely the vehicle itself, it is very important that you take care not to load the trailer beyond what your vehicle can handle. I have attached video demonstrations on the systems mentioned along with an article that you might also find helpful.