Comparing Fastway e2 Round and Trunnion and Equal-i-zer Trunnion Weight Distribution Systems

Published 05/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(166)

$625.00

2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs

(210)

$26.12

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(210)

$31.84

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(173)

$525.00

Question:

I am shopping for a hitch and notice these have the same reviews and questions, yet are different. Trailer is 3800# empty, TW380# as stated on nameplate. TV is an F-150. I am wondering about ground clearance between the round bar vs trunnion bar? Do you also have to include hitch weight in your weight calculations, or is that already figured? Is it just a pin and clip to remove bars on trunnion style or is it a bolt and nut to remove? Will this hitch be adequate for these weights or should I buy an Equalizer? Thanks

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

Between round bar systems like # FA94-00-0600 and trunnion systems like # FA92-00-0600, I recommend going with a trunnion system because it will provide you better ground clearance than the round bar system. The trunnion bars come straight out from the hitch head, while the round bars come down from the head before moving out.

For the Fastway and Equalizer systems, the manufacturer has already factored the hitch weight into the calculation. With these systems, you will only need to ensure that your trailer's loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight plus the weight of any cargo carried behind the F-150's rear axle does not exceed the hitch's tongue weight capacity. Typically, it is best to choose the system based on the trailer's loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight rather than the dry tongue weight. The e2 round bar and trunnion bar systems you referenced are both rated for 600 pounds tongue weight and 6,000 pounds gross towing weight.

The trunnion bar is held in the hitch head by a retaining pin and the weight of the trailer pushing down on the hitch head. To remove the arm, the retaining pin must be released and the arm rotated out of the top socket, then lifted out of the bottom socket. There is no pin and clip or bolt and nut that need to be removed in order to remove the arm.

As long as your trailer's loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight is less than 600 pounds and the gross trailer weight is less than 6,000 pounds the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA92-00-0600 will work well for you. if you'd like to upgrade from the e2, the Equal-I-zer # EQ37060ET has the same weight capacities. The benefits of an Equal-I-zer hitch over the e2 is primarily the improved 4-point sway control of the Equal-I-zer. The 4-point sway control utilizes steel on steel friction at the arms as well as in the hitch head to stop sway. The e2's 2-point sway control uses the same steel on steel friction at the arms to fight sway.

Another difference in these systems is that the Equal-I-zer system includes a hitch ball, but the e2 does not. For the e2 system, you will want a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank like # EQ91-00-6100 for 2-5/16 inch diameter hitch ball or # EQ91-00-6080 for 2 inch diameter hitch ball.

I have attached review videos of both the Fastway e2 trunnion system and the Equal-I-zer trunnion system for you. If your primary concern is weight distribution, the e2 will work well for you. If you are looking for weight distribution as well as improved sway control, the Equal-I-zer system will suit your needs better.

If you'd like to let me know your trailer's loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight plus the weight of any cargo carried behind the rear axle and the gross trailer weight, I'll be happy to make a more specific recommendation for your trailer's weight.