How to Verify Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System is Properly Rated for Trailer Tongue Weight

Question:

I have an Equal-i-zer brand WDH 10000 Ib tow with 1000lb tongue. I noticed after the first time or two that the paint was flaking off the shank and it looks like it flexed to the point of bending. This was installed by the the dealer when I bought the camper. I have been very careful when packing to keep as much as I can behind the trailer wheels. The trailer 2015 Vibe Extreme Lite 312bhs and my tow vehicle is a 2015 Ford Expedition XL

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

The 2015 Forest River Vibe Extreme Lite 312BHS travel trailer has a dry weight spec of 7805-lbs according to the NADA Guide. Once the trailer is loaded the gross weight and tongue weight will naturally be higher.

All weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) systems are designed to work over a range of trailer tongue weight (TW). The ideal is that your trailer's actual total loaded TW will fall in the middle of the system's range.

This total TW includes the measured TW of the trailer itself, which is most easily determined with a scale like # e99044, plus the weight of cargo items in the tow vehicle that sit behind the rear axle, such as a big loaded cooler or generator. The weight of any such behind-the-axle items has to be accounted for since the WD system will "see" it. Please refer to the linked video and article for more.

You did not mention if you are referring to the main 2-inch shank that suspends the whole system from your hitch or if it is the shank of the spring bar that is bent. I will presume it is the spring bar shank that you are concerned with. Some flaking of paint is not in itself an issue necessarily but if the spring bars were overloaded and their shanks bent then the total TW of the whole set-up may be too high.

Equal-I-zer system # EQ37100ET works over the TW range from 600- to 1000-lbs maximum. If your actual total TW is at or above this 1000-lb maximum then that could explain the bars bending. You can swap out the spring bars to those from a higher-rated kit like # EQ37120ET which works with TW from 800- to 1200-lbs. The bars only for this system are part # EQ90-01-1299. We also have bar set # EQ90-01-1499 which handle TW from 1000- to 1400-lbs.