How to Select Correctly-Rated Weight Distribution System for 6300-lb Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a question about the WDH that I am using: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW. My travel trailer is rated 600lbs tw, 6,300 lbs gvwr, 4800 lbs uvw. I have a GMC Yujon Denali XL as a towing vehicle with a autoride Air Shocks. Am I overkilling it using the said WDH or am I okay.?
asked by: Noel
Expert Reply:
The key to a selecting a correctly rated weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) set-up is knowing the actual tongue weight (TW) of the loaded trailer. This means all your supplies loaded, water and propane tanks full, sporting equipment in place, etc. You can use scale # e99044 to measure the trailer TW or refer to the linked article for alternate methods.
To this actual trailer TW, you need to add the weight of any cargo in the Yukon that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler, since this cargo weight will behave just like trailer tongue weight. With this total TW known you can choose a system that is stiff enough to shift trailer TW forward to the vehicle front axle but without being so stiff that is causes weird handling fro the trailer. Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range.
If your trailer's dry hitch weight is 600-lbs, by the time you load it all up you'll be closer to 800-lbs. So the system you referenced, Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET, would be perfect since it operates over a range of 600- to 1000-lbs. Apart from the weight-shifting function this system provides it also prevents sway from starting up due to wind gusts and passing trucks. Still, it remains important to load your trailer as evenly as you can and to maintain your TW at or close to 12- to 15-percent of the gross trailer weight.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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