Should Weight Distribution be Set Up for When Trailer Is Fully Loaded or Partially Loaded

Published 04/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(840)

$863.11

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(279)

$19.52

Question:

I have a 2015 Heartland 24BHS, with a GVWR of 6900 lbs, and my tow vehicle is a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 cummins. I have brought the camper to a certified weigh station, and determined the actual weight to be 6350lbs and TW of the travel trailer to be right around 790-800 lbs with water, LP tanks, battery, and gear that we would typically bring with us in the camper. That being said, 50 of the time, we tow with nothing in the bed of the truck, and the other 50 of the time, we haul a dirt bike, generator, 55 qt cooler with ice and drinks, 10 gallons of gas for the generator, and 12 gallons of additional water for the trailer. It is a long bed pickup, but I estimate approximately 200-250 lbs will be behind the rear axle. If I really tried, I could probably get that number down to 100-150lbs by removing my truck toolbox and sliding everything forward 1.5 ft. The question I have is, would the equalizer 1000 lbs or 1200 lbs system be better for our situation? I would hate for the bars to be inadequate, but also do not want a stiff ride or potentially damage the frame of the travel trailer with a system that is rated too high. You advise is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

asked by: Brian A

Expert Reply:

Best option for you is going to be to get the optimum weight distribution setup for when you are loaded to the max and then when not loaded either use less spring bar tension or not use the system at all. Reason being when you need the system the most will be when you are maxed out so you need it to be ideal for that situation.

Based on that the 1,200 lb Equalizer kit part # EQ37120ET would be the better option. It has a range of 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs.

You'll need a thin walled socket like part # ALL643216 to install the hitch ball as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C