Recommended Weight Distribution System for 5,300 Pound Car Hauler

Question:

Just need some clarification on a weight distributing hitch. Currently Im pulling an open car trailer with car with a total weight of 5300 lbs, so TW between 530-795. What range WDH should I be looking at? 800 max? Is 600 too low? There is a local private seller with a used Equalizer in good shape with 1000 TW. I expect this is too much for my current set up, yes? Thanks!

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

When choosing the right weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your towing setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer, along with any additional cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

If the loaded weight of your car trailer is 5,300 pounds, then the estimated loaded tongue weight you mentioned of 530 to 795 pounds is spot-on, as a trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. It sounds like you have done your research.

With this range, remembering to also leave some wiggle room for added weight coming from the back of your tow vehicle, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET that you referenced might be a bit over-rated if your total tongue weight falls on the lighter end of the above mentioned range. With that being said, if you find that the loaded, total tongue weight ends up closer to the high end of that range, this system will actually be a great option. The system features a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,000 pounds. Since the estimated tongue weight for your setup falls a bit in-between the capacities of the available systems, it might be best to use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 to get an accurate number.

Otherwise, a better option will be a system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083, which has a tongue weight capacity of 400 to 800 pounds. This is a great system that will evenly distribute weight over the axles of your trailer and tow vehicle, while also keeping the trailer in line with its self-adjusting, self-centering sway control.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on both of these systems that you can take a look at. I have also included a great FAQ on weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.