Recommended Weight Distribution for 9000-lbs Travel Trailer
Question:
I recently upgraded to a larger camper, which loaded is a little over 9k pounds. A 10k hitch is in the range, but is there any advantage/disadvantage going up to a 12k equalizer?
asked by: Gerry
Expert Reply:
While the overall capacity would seem like the most important thing to look at when choosing a weight distribution hitch, the actual factor that should be focused on the most is the tongue weight of the trailer; the tongue weight of your trailer should be somewhere between 10% and 15% of the total GVWR of the trailer. When choosing a weight distribution system, you want your tongue weight to fall somewhere close to the middle of the tongue weight range recommended for that hitch. As a point of reference, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET which has a maximum gross towing weight of 10000-lbs, is suitable for trailers with a tongue weight between 600-lbs and 1000-lbs. For this system to function optimally you'll want a tongue weight on your trailer of around 800-lbs.
Now, your 9000-lbs trailer should safely operate with a tongue weight of between 900-lbs and 1350-lbs. The best way to determine which weight distribution system is the best fit for your trailer, you'll need to load your trailer as you normally would when traveling (cargo, water, propane, etc.) and then take your measurement with a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044. In most cases the # EQ37100ET is going to be insufficient for your trailer and you're going to be best served by using the 12000-lbs Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37120ET. Installing a hitch ball on the Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches require the use of a thin walled socket, which can be found with part # EQ70-00-4800; if you don't already have a 1-7/8" thin walled socket, you will need this part.
You'll want to confirm the tongue weight of your loaded trailer, but based on what is optimal for the weights you've provided, you're likely going to want to use the Equal-i-zer 12k Weight Distribution System # EQ37120ET on your trailer as opposed to the 10000-lbs Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET.
I've also linked some helpful articles on choosing and installing a weight distribution hitch that you might find informative as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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