Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2017 Wolf Pack Trailer with 9,985 Pound GVWR

Question:

I just bought a 2017 wolf pack 24pack14. It says it has a dry weight of 6,373 lbs. Payload Capacity3,612 lbs. GVWR9,985 lbs. Hitch Weight 1,015 lbs. Will the r6 14000k tow rating and 1200 tongue rating Be an over kill? I was told more isnt always better.

asked by: Kreig

Expert Reply:

When picking out a properly rated weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your truck. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

As you mentioned in your question, more is definitely not always better, especially when dealing with weight distribution systems. An over-rated system can cause an extremely harsh ride and may even damage the trailer or tow vehicle.

You stated a hitch/tongue weight of 1,015 pounds on your trailer. I am not sure if this is the dry tongue weight or the loaded tongue weight, but based on the trailer's GVWR, I believe it might be with the trailer unloaded. A trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. Using the trailer's GVWR of 9,985 pounds (which is the most the trailer can weight when loaded), we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of around 995 pounds to 1,497 pounds.

Depending on how heavy you load your trailer, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37121ET that you referenced, which features a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,200 pounds, might actually be under-rated.

I recommend taking a look at the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66130. This is an excellent system that has a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,500 pounds, matching your potential total tongue weight pretty closely. This system will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your truck and trailer, while its self-centering sway control will work to keep the trailer in line. With this system, you would just need to add an adjustable shank like the Reese # RP54970, along with a compatible hitch ball like the 2-5/16 inch # C40030.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system that you can check out, along with an FAQ on weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.