Recommended Weight Distribution for 7600 lb Travel Trailer Pulled By Multiple Vehicles

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(814)

$825.00

etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity

(797)

$215.27

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(814)

$850.00

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(98)

$80.19

Question:

Hello, Im looking for some advice when picking a weight distribution hitch. I will be using a half ton to tow a 31-ft travel trailer with a GVWR of 7600 lb, with a tongue weight of 680. Im looking at the possibility of sometimes towing with a Ford, sometimes towing with a Chevy, and perhaps sometimes towing with a large SUV, and Im looking for a hitch that would allow me to adjust for all of these different types of vehicles. Do you offer anything with such adjustments? Thank you

asked by: Christian

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first step in choosing the correctly rated weight distribution system for your needs is to identify the tongue weight of the trailer when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. This figure should include the weight of anything stowed in the bed or cargo area of the tow vehicle behind the rear axle. Given the7600 lb GVWR of the travel trailer, the tongue weight could potentially be as high as 1100 lbs, if the trailer is loaded to capacity. I'll link to an article that explains how to definitively find the as-towed tongue weight, but the easiest method would be to use a tongue weight/payload scale like the # e99044.

Due to their height and length, travel trailers are especially susceptible to trailer sway caused by passing traffic or cross winds, so using a weight distribution system with an integral sway control component is highly recommended. The Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET system you'd looked at would be an excellent choice for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1000 lbs which is very likely where your tongue weight falls. The next-highest-rated system is part # EQ37120ET which would be rated for 800-1200 lbs of tongue weight. Either option includes the 2-5/16 inch hitch ball, but a 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket is needed to install the trailer ball. If you don't have one or can't borrow one from a friend or neighbor, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800.

You might need a weight distribution shank with a longer drop in order to cover all the various vehicle's you'll be using. The included shank offers up to a 3 inch drop, but others are available as you can see by using the provided link. I'll also link to an installation/setup video that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L