Recommended Equal-i-zer System for Boat Trailer with 800 lb Tongue Weight

Question:

I bought a boat and trailer that weighs approximately 8000 lbs weight may increase depending on fuel and water load. My tow vehicle is a 2017 F150 with the max trailer tow package. I had it towed from Florida to North Carolina pulled by a chevy diesel powered dually. They said it towed great. I have not towed it yet since I need a weight distributing hitch. I checked the tongue weight with an etrailer tongue weight scale that I recently purchased. The tongue weight was 700 lbs, which seems somewhat light to me. My question is which weight distributing hitch is most appropriate? My research suggests the Equalizer EQ37100ET. What is your recommendation

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

Having the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 definitely comes in handy and I'm glad you were able to use it for your application because you want your loaded tongue weight to be 10-15% of the weight of the trailer. If your trailer is weighing next to 8,000 lbs and your tongue weight is only 700 lbs then that means you need to move some cargo towards the front of your trailer until your tongue weight is closer to at least the 800 lb mark otherwise you will experience some poor trailer tracking.

With all of that being said, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37100ET will be a good option as long as your loaded tongue weight and the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle on your 2017 Ford F-150 doesn't exceed that 1,000 lb mark. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37120ET that has a tongue weight range of 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs would probably give you better performance though, plus you'll be able to load a little more weight into your truck bed without having to be as careful so I would go with the higher rated option if it were up to me.

If your boat trailer has the standard pole tongue then you'll need the Adapter # EQ95-01-5950 as well.

expert reply by: Jon G