Weight Distribution System and Pole-Tongue Adapter Recommendation for 9,500 lb Boat Trailer

Question:

I will be towing a boat and tri axle trailer at about 9500 lbs GTW with a Chevy Silverado pickup that has electric brakes. It will be a one time tow of about 2100 miles, all freeway. I would like to buy a load equalizing hitch and will need to use the Pole-Tongue adaptor on the trailer. I was thinking of the Curt 17302 hitch and the EQ95-01-5950 adaptor. I would like to know if you think that would be a good combination? Since it is one time use I would like to be economical but safe. Sorry but I don't have a better picture of the hitch at this time. Thank you.

asked by: Doug H

Expert Reply:

For your application I recommend going with the Curt MV Weight Distribution (WD) # C17057 instead of the Curt # 17302 because the part you mentioned is only rated for up to 1,000 lbs tongue weight while the MV I recommended is rated for 1,000 lbs - 1,400 lbs tongue weight. Since you take into account the loaded tongue weight of the trailer with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Chevy Silverado this would be a much more safe option. In my experience boat trailers tend to have heavier tongue weights so even if they fall within the 10-15% range, I usually see them fall more towards the 15% which means that your tongue weight alone could be 1,432.5 lbs.

You can easily verify tongue weight with a scale like part # e99044. Whether you tow for a living or it's a side job then having something like this that's really easy to take with you (it only weighs 5 lbs) is invaluable because you can adjust weight prior to towing.

We need to look at a different pole-tongue adapter because the part # EQ95-01-5950 you referenced is specifically made for Eqaul-i-zer WD systems. The best option for your application is the Blue Ox # BXW4023.