Weight Distribution Hitch for 400-600 lbs and 800-1000 lbs Tongue Weight

Published 06/07/2021

Question:

Can I use an over ratedinch weight distribution hitch? If not, how would it affect the driving/towing if I do. Im planning on renting a couple of different camping trailers this season and they vary on tongue weight. One trailer category would be in the 400-600 Lbs range of tongue weight 2,500 Lbs 4,000 Lbs trailer weight and the other in the 800-1000 Lbs range up to 10,000 Lbs trailer weight. Id be using different trucks depending on which trailer category Ill be towing Tacoma or F-150. Id love to buy a single weigh distribution hitch that would work on both scenarios. Would the Curt C17063, C17057 or C17052 work for me?

asked by: Vinicius L

Expert Reply:

If you choose a hitch that is too light for your application it will not be effective. If you choose a hitch that is too heavy, you'll suffer a rigid ride and a bouncy trailer. Ideally you want a system that has a tongue weight capacity where your tongue weight falls in the middle.

Since you are renting different trailers, I would not recommend these Curt models. All of these require drilling in the frame in order to be installed. Instead, consider a system that uses clamp-on brackets. I recommend the # EQ37100ET Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control. The tongue weight for this system is 600-1000 lbs. If you are dead set on only purchasing a single system, you should consider the weight of any cargo behind your rear axle. This is also a factor when calculating the tongue weight, so it should be possible to hit that low end of 600 lbs depending on the trailer and what you are carrying in the truck. This system does top out at the high end of what you may be towing, so you would want to be aware of that as well and once again consider what may be sitting behind your rear axle.

I have attached a video of the Equal-i-zer system for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H