Recommended Weight Distribution for 5,000 Pound Trailer with Surge Brakes and Folding Coupler

Updated 09/25/2017 | Published 09/23/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(183)

$536.00

2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs

(237)

$28.95

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(237)

$32.51

Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(78)

$161.63

Question:

I have a Shorelandr 21foot boat trailer and a 2017 pathfinder. When I get up to highway speed 60+mph it rockets forward and backward and I have to slow down. My vehicle limits are 6000lbs/600lbs and my trailer loaded and fueled is right around 5000lbs. I noticed while looking at my Nissan towing guide that the 6000lb limit they advertise is only with WD and that my non-WD limit is 5000lbs. Im assuming this explains my problems.... I was looking at your surge-brake compatible WD hitches, but then noticed you have disclaimers everywhere about using WD with swing-away trailers. So now Im stuck, i have a new vehicle that theoretically should be able to tow my new boat, but the solutions Im finding to distribute the weight say I shouldnt use them because the trailer manufacturer was kind enough to save me a foot off the length when stored. Any suggestions?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

We do have a solution for adding a weight distribution system to your trailer that has surge brakes and a folding coupler.

When picking out a weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your towing setup. This will include both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer (as if ready for a trip), along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Pathfinder. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

I recommend using a scale like the etrailer # e99044 to verify your trailer's loaded tongue weight, but we can take an estimate based on the 5,000 pound total weight you provided in your question. A trailer's tongue weight should be 10-15% of its total weight. Using the trailer's 5,000 pound loaded weight, we can estimate a total tongue weight of between 500 and 750 pounds.

With this in mind, I recommend looking at the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-0800. This is a great system that features a tongue weight capacity of 400 to 800 pounds and will do an excellent job of evenly distributing the weight between your trailer and vehicle axles, as well as reducing the movement you are experiencing. This system is compatible with surge brakes and Fastway has stated that it can be used on trailers with folding couplers like what you have. If you have a pole tongue trailer, you will need to use an adapter like # EQ95-01-5950 that will allow you to properly mount the weight distribution system.

For this system, you will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # EQ91-00-6080 or the 2-5/16 inch # EQ91-00-6100.

I have attached a video demonstration on this weight distribution system that you can also check out.