Recommended Weight Distribution System for Camping Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The most important thing to know when selecting a weight distribution system is your total tongue weight, which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2016 Ram 1500. Your total tongue weight needs to be in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity in order for the system to work effectively.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET has a tongue weight capacity between 200 lbs and 600 lbs so assuming you don't have a lot of weight behind the rear axle of your 2016 Ram this would work for your initial trip with the new cargo trailer.

After the initial trip and you turn the trailer into a camping trailer your total tongue weight is going to be different and the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET will not be an effective system so I recommend planning for using a weight distribution system based on the total tongue weight for the other trips you plan to make.

Since you mentioned it will have a towed weight of 5,000 lbs, and assuming you have some cargo behind the axle of your truck when you towing the better option will be the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET because it has a tongue weight capacity of between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs, which is likely the range your total tongue weight will be after you convert the trailer to a camper.

To verify your tongue weight you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by use one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your total tongue weight.

The Equal-i-zer systems do come with everything needed for install though it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help install the hitch ball. I have added a link to a video review of the Equal-i-zer for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Will C.

11/29/2018

Read your response. Several questions The # EQ37100ET seems like overkill, being that the tongue weight is on the bottom of the scale for the range of the tongue weight. The # EQ37060ET seems to at the top of its operating range. There does not seem to be another option. What 4 point sway with weight distribution better fits my tongue weight range as buying 2 WD systems is not feasible due to costs and usage among other things. Also my trailer will have a 2x8" tubular frame so that needs to be taken into account. Let me know

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Kyle S.

11/29/2018

With your trailer having a 2" x 8" frame so you are going to need to use two of the Inner Link Plate for Equal-i-zer Sway Control Bracket - 8" Trailer Frames and two of the # EQ90-02-5208 Outer Link Plate for Equal-i-zer Sway Control Bracket - 8" Trailer Frames # EQ90-02-5378. In terms of tongue weight rating there really is no way to know what the best set up will be until you have weighed your trailer after it is fully loaded and ready to go, including the gear you have behind your rear axle. It seems very likely the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET is going to be the best option. The reason for that is tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR and adding cargo behind your rear axle can make that rise quickly. You mentioned a towed weight of 5,000 lbs so let's say it has a GVWR of 6,000 lbs. Just 12 percent of that is 720, and adding cargo behind your axle would add even more weight, which would put your total tongue weight in the 750 lbs to 800 lbs range. That would be right in the middle of the capacity of the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET, which is why I think it is likely the best option, though without weighing it first, the best we can do is make an educated guess.

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Will C.

12/3/2018

Are there any locations that need to be greased as part of maintenance? If so is generic white lithium grease suitable?

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Kyle S.

12/3/2018

There are locations on the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET that need to be lubricated before each trip. Equal-i-zer recommends lubricating the friction surfaces where the arm sockets rub against the top and bottom plates of the head unit. A multi-purpose grease is suitable but there is also a lubricant made by Equal-i-zer for this purpose, the Equal-i-zer High-Performance Lubricant # EQ91-00-4250.

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