Best Weight Distribution/Sway Control Option for 5500 lb Travel Trailer  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically, a trailer's tongue weight will be between 10-15 % of it's loaded weight which means that if you have it loaded to the gills, all the way up to its 7600 lb GVWR, your tongue weight could be as high as 1100 or so pounds, not including the weight of anything stowed behind the rear truck axle in the bed.

A good starting point is to determine the fully loaded tongue weight when the truck and travel trailer is loaded as you'd typically have it. I'll link to an article that explains a few different ways to accomplish this but a mechanical tongue weight scale like the # e99044 would be an easy way to do it.

I consider the Equal-i-zer systems to the best available on the market today. Primarily because Equal-i-zer has been manufacturing weight distribution systems since the 1950's, and I daresay they have an excellent idea of what they're doing. Their product is durable, well built, mechanically simple and highly effective. The're also manufactured in the USA which is important to many.

If you find your fully loaded tongue weight is between 600-1000 lbs, go with the # EQ37100ET. If your tongue weight is greater than 1000 lbs, use # EQ37120ET which can handle between 800-1200 lbs of tongue weight. Both systems include the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, but you'll need a thin walled 1-7/8 socket to install it. If you don't have one, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800.

In addition to the help article mentioned above, I've linked to some product demonstration videos you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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