Checking Installed WD System for Proper Weight Rating to Ensure Good Ride Quality  

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If your installed Equal-I-zer weight distribution hitch setup is rated appropriately for your trailer's actual loaded tongue weight, is installed correctly and is providing the desired leveling of the tow vehicle and trailer, and your remaining concern is a rough ride on bad roads then before you consider going with rear suspension enhancement I suggest first checking a few other things.

First, check to make sure that the particular WD system you have is rated for the actual measured tongue weight of the fully-loaded trailer, with all supplies and gear in place. We offer a handy scale, # e99044. You also need to account for the weight of any cargo in the truck bed that sits behind the rear axle, such as a cooler or generator. The total TW of the loaded trailer plus that truck bed cargo should fall in the middle of the system's operating range. For example, if your Equal-I-zer system is rated for 600- to 1000-lbs, such as # EQ37100ET, the your total TW should be right around 800-lbs.

If your WD system is rated for too much weight, much more than your actual towing setup, this can result in a bumpier/jumpier ride, especially on rough roads. The extra stiffness of the over-rated bars will transmit more road bumps to the tow vehicle. If your trailer and WD system do not match up in terms of weight capacity then you can swap out just the spring bars to new ones that are appropriately rated.

Second, you can have a local mechanic check that the truck's rear suspension itself is in good order. Although only 4 years old, if the truck was/is used for heavy cargo hauling on a regular basis then the rear suspension may be fatigued. If this is the case then rear axle air bags, for instance, won't give you the results you want since they cannot overcome a worn suspension; they can only help suspensions that are in good shape.

Third, check that your trailer tires, wheels and suspension are in good order. Tires should always be inflated to their maximum psi as noted on the tire outer sidewall; also make sure the tires are rated for the actual weight load on them. If your trailer leaf springs are rusted/worn you might try correcting that before you install a suspension kit on the truck.

expert reply by: Adam R

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