How to Choose the Correct Weight Distribution Hitch Rating When Looking for a Trailer

Updated 07/04/2024 | Published 06/26/2024

Question:

Looking to buy a travel trailer. Never had a trailer before. Looking at around a 26 foot one. Need to buy a weight distribution hitch with sway control. I have a 2021 ram bighorn 5.7 ertorque with 3.92 gears and the towing package. Which hitch with sway control do you recommend? Or do you need more specific trailer info? I’ve been looking at equalizer, camco and blue ox.

asked by: Eric P

Expert Reply:

Hey Eric, thanks for reaching out!

Ultimately, I'll need more specific info on your trailer (the GVWR would be best), but I can still help you figure out how to choose a weight distribution hitch (WDH).

What you'll need to look for is the max loaded tongue weight of the trailer and then choose a WDH with a range that your tongue weight falls in the middle of. For example, the 10K Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET you were looking at has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs so you'll need a trailer tongue weight in that range.

A few things to note are that any cargo sitting behind the rear axle of your truck will count towards the loaded tongue weight, and then a properly loaded trailer will have a tongue weight that is 10-15% the weight of the loaded trailer.

I really like the Equal-i-zer systems because they are tried-and-true. So much so, a lot of people call a WDH an equalizer hitch.

expert reply by: Jon G

Eric

7/3/2024

Looking at a couple trailers right now. A 2024 Springdale 261bhcwe. Hitch weight 810, dry weight 6090, and capacity 1720. Also looking at a 2019 keystone cougar half ton 27reswe. Hitch weight 650, dry 6440, and capacity 2360. Which hitches would u suggest and is my truck within capacity to tow these safely with the truck specs I gave you?

Jon G.

7/4/2024

@Eric Your truck will be able to carry either trailer just fine: - 2024 Springdale GVWR 7,810 lbs - 2018 Cougar GVWR 8,800 lbs According to my research your truck can tow at least 12,000 lbs but you'll want to refer to your owner's manual for any specifics on that. With this being the case, I recommend going with the 12K Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET so your tongue weight range is larger at 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs.

Eric

7/4/2024

@JonG great info! Related to tongue weight. When i get a tongue scale can I move around the cargo while it’s installed or do you have to remove the scale every time you move cargo around? And which one do you recommend for ease of use?

Eric

7/4/2024

@JonG so with upgrading to the 800 to 1200lb hitch what if the tongue weight doesn’t reach 800lbs?