Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Without Shank For Forest River Vibe Trailer w/ 840 lb Tongue Weight

Question:

I think I like this kit. I’ve done a good amount of research seems like it’s perfect for my “leveled” 2013 Ford F150 eco-boost 3.5 with slightly bigger than stock tires and air bags pulling a 2021 FR vibe with right around 840 tongue weight. Getting a little bit of sway with the 8000 pound E2 and concerned about over TW kept from my old lighter trailer setup. I am wanting more sway control, lower and able to handle more tongue weight. 1. Is this the best kit for me? EQ37100ET 2. How can I buy/get this kit and get a lower down shank WITHOUT having 2 shanks 3. Is ball able to be pre installed? Trailer weighs 7,000 lbs, payload capacity is 1,284 lbs we typically leave back of truck bed empty or close to empty. Total wet weight of truck, trailer, passengers, fuel and cargo is 13,820 LBs Within GCVR Thanks in advance

asked by: Jamie B

Expert Reply:

We can absolutely help you out here, and it makes sense that you'd be getting more sway than you want with an 8,000 lb Fastway system since it isn't rated quite high enough for the 840 lb tongue weight of your loaded 2021 Forest River Vibe. You did make a great choice with the Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch with a tongue weight capacity of between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs, which is exactly what you'll need for your tongue weight.

The Equal-i-zer's four points of sway control is double that of the Fastway so it will absolutely be an upgrade for you. And you can also get that Equal-i-zer hitch without a shank, so you can add one separately; the Equal-i-zer hitch you need is the following:

- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # EQ37101ET

Then you will just need to get the shank with the right amount of drop for your set up. Weight distribution shanks are largely interchangeable, so you can choose from the following options depending on the drop you need:

- Up to 9" of Drop: Curt Weight Distribution Shank # C17124

- Up to 9" of Drop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Shank # EQ90-02-4400

- Up to 12" of Drop: Equalizer Weight Distribution Shank # EQ44FR

The hitch ball cannot come pre-installed with this hitch, however, but there is a way to make the install of the hitch ball a bit easier, which is by adding the 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216.