Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for 12000-lbs Boat Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Typically any time the trailer weighs more than half of the GVWR of the tow vehicle, you'll get into a range where weight distribution hitches can be helpful at reducing stress on your vehicle's suspension system and reducing sway events. Your air bags will help with reducing sag, but they don't do anything to help evenly distribute the weight of the trailer over the axles of the tow vehicle, which is going to be imperative in helping reduce the possibility of sway events or other unsafe towing conditions.

To start, you will want to choose your weight distribution hitch based off of the tongue weight of your trailer and your tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer. If you've got a 12,000-lbs trailer your tongue weight should fall into the 1200-lbs to 1800-lbs range and because you've got a boat trailer with a straight tongue you're likely going to need an adapter to allow you to use one. I do encourage you to use a tongue weight scale like the Sherline # 5780 to get an accurate tongue weight of your trailer since you're likely going to be right on the cusp between two systems.

If your tongue weight is under 1200-lbs and your trailer under 12k, I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # EQ37120ET. If you're over 1200-lbs tongue weight then I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW # EQ64FR. Both of these systems would require using the Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW # EQ95-01-5950. Both of these hitches provide sway control in addition to weight distribution, so they're a great solution for both issues.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.

expert reply by: Erik B

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