Best Weight Distribution Size for 1,200 lb Loaded Trailer Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a e4 12000, 1200 trundle hitch, hitch weight 726 empty, actual weight 1100, 8000 gvrw, actual 7700 loaded, with full water just over 1200 tongue weight, is this sized right, if not can the bats only be changed to heavier size?

asked by: Rex S

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out!

Ideally your total tongue weight (loaded trailer tongue plus weight of cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle) will fall in the middle of your weight distribution tongue weight range. Your 12K e4, which is essentially the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37120ET, has a tongue weight range of 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs. Since the loaded tongue weight of just your trailer already exceeds this, the system isn't really doing much for you and you need to upgrade.

You can upgrade different parts of your system but you would need an entirely new head AND arms. If you want to stick with the e4 system and your shank is rated high enough then you can simply get the 14K Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37141ET which has a higher tongue weight range of 1,000 lbs - 1,400 lbs.

Please note that the loaded tongue weight of your trailer needs to be 10%-15% of the weight of your loaded trailer. With your loaded trailer weighing in at 7,700 lbs the tongue weight of your trailer alone should not be exceeding 1,155 lbs. Too much tongue weight or too little tongue weight can negatively impact your towing performance so I recommend moving some stuff around in your trailer if you plan on towing with full water (which is only recommended if you're overlanding...if you're going to a park with a water hookup it's much safer to travel with empty water tanks).

Attached are some videos and helpful articles on weight distribution for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G