Best Weight Distribution System for a Loaded Trailer Weight of 6,500 lbs

Question:

I recently purchased a Coachment Apex 215RBX travel trailer. I wanted to get a Weight distribution hitch. The hitch weight of trailer is 450 pounds and the Trailer loaded is 6500 pounds. I put in my info and with 500 pound tongue weight it only rated for 6000 lb trailer. If I went up to 600lb tongue weight it put a 800lb tongue weight with a 8000lb trailer. Is this too much? I drive 14 GMC Sierra 1500 and want to get the right hitch.

asked by: Dennis E

Expert Reply:

When looking at Weight Distribution (WD) systems you will want to choose one with a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. To find the TTW of your towing setup you will need to add the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer.

Since most people will have some equipment behind the rear axle of their tow vehicle we set up our fit guide system to accommodate for that extra weight.

If your loaded trailer is 6,500 lbs then your TW should be between 650 lbs - 975 lbs so you will need to adjust the weight of your trailer accordingly. A trailer that isn't loaded properly will cause more sway and TW issues than one that has the proper TW.

With the 650 lbs - 975 lbs TW range in mind I can make a recommendation of a WD system for you. Your TW lands in a range where it can really go a few different ways. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET is a great system that has a built-in sway control and has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs.

If your TW range is on the higher end of that then you will want to go with part # EQ37120ET instead which has a TW range of 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs.

Both systems come with a 2-5/16" hitch ball and a shank. To install the hitch ball a thin walled socket like part # EQ70-00-4800 is recommended to accommodate the lack of room.

I have attached some review videos and helpful articles for you to check out.