Should 6,000 lb Equal-i-zer System be Used for Trailer with 550 lb Loaded Tongue Weight

Question:

Hi I currently have a 10000 lb rated equalizer hitch to tow a 7800 lb trailer. We are selling the larger trailer and buying a smaller 4500 lb 5600 lb loaded trailer. Tongue weight 550 lbs. Is our current hitch going to be too stiff for the lighter trailer, and what is the difference in head unit weight between the 6000 lb unit and the 10000 lb one? it is getting harder to lift and install the head unit on the 10000 lb rated hitch. Thank you,

asked by: Gregg B

Helpful Expert Reply:

It really depends on how much weight you plan on having in the back of your tow vehicle. Since the tongue weight (TW) range of a weight distribution (WD) system includes both the loaded TW of the trailer plus the weight of cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle the 1,000 lbs system # EQ37100ET may be better for your application because it has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs.

If you don't plan on having any weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle then you possibly could go to the lower rated system. For this you would just need the Replacement Head # EQ90-02-0600 and the Replacement Spring Bars # EQ90-01-0699. The head units and the spring bars actually weigh within 5 lbs of each other so if you are thinking the 6,000 lb system will be easier to move around it is a little lighter but not by much. I wish I had a lighter solution but most WD systems weigh a lot because they have a lot of weight to deal with.

expert reply by: Jon G