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

Question

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

1

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.

expert reply by: Victoria B

1

Answer 1

It is possible to upgrade your Fastway e2 Round bar weight distribution system by using higher rated spring bars. I assume you have the 600 lb system, part #FA92-00-0600, so you can upgrade to a 800 lb tongue weight or 1,000 lb tongue weight system.…

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Answer 2

When choosing the best weight distribution system for your trailer you will want your total tongue weight (TTW) which is composed of the loaded ready to tow weight of the trailer by any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to fall in…

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Answer 3

Yes, you can upgrade your Fastway e2 weight distribution hitch with trunnion spring bars to the 1,200 lb system with new spring bars because these systems use the same head unit. So what you need is the following: - Replacement Trunnion Spring Bars…

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Answer 4

With your trailer you should have been sold a Fastway e2 Weight Distribution #FA92-00-1000 as it is for trailers with a tongue weight of 600-1,000lbs. The dealer should have accounted for the additional weight of the battery and propane plus…

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Answer 5

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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Answer 6

The Equil-i-zer Weight Distribution with 4-Point Sway Control, like #EQ37041ET, differs from the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control #FA92-00-0450, because it does utilize 2 more points of steel-on-steel friction at the head of…

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Answer 7

The difference between the two systems is basically the attachment point. One is not better than the other except that the trunnion bars are a little easier to install than the round bars that require a clip to hold them into the head. For the round…

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Answer 8

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

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Answer 9

Yes, you would just tie into the battery at the rear of your 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with the 7-Way Wiring Harness #22119 for the different circuits that need the constant 12V power. The fuses are required for the installation to protect the…

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Answer 10

In order to use the brakes on your trailer you will need to start by adding a 7-way to your 2018 Toyota Highlander. In order to add this you can use the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer…

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Answer 11

For a trailer that weighs 3,000 lbs the Rack'em Trailer Dolly #RA20 is what I recommend. It's only capacity is 500 lbs tongue weight which would be more than what your 3,000 lb trailer would have. It also has an adjustable ball height to make…

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Answer 12

When using an 18 inch long hitch extender like the Curt #C45796 you can certainly use two sets of chains like you mentioned, one set from the truck to the extender's receiver and one from the receiver to the trailer. Technically only the chains…

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

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