Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Trailer that Weighs 9,800 lb

Question:

I am trying to decide if it is better to get a weight distribution hitch that is at its limit or get a larger version of one. I am looking at a travel trailer with a gvw of 9800 lbs and and looking at the equilizer brand and dont know if the 10k or the 12 k would be better . Any information you can provide would be great.

asked by: Steven M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Typically tongue weight is between 10 and 15 percent of total trailer weight. So if your trailer weighs 9,800 lbs that would mean that your tongue weight would be most likely 980 to 1,400 lbs. So you'd want to go with a system rated for up to 1,500 lbs tongue weight like the Reese Titan part # RP66006. Then for a shank you'd want the part # RP54976.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C