Replacement Equalizer Weight Distribution Spring Bars to Increase Capacity

Question:

Thank you for your response to my question. As you suggested, I have attached a couple pictures. If you need additional pictures let me know. I couldn't find a part number on the head itself.

asked by: Tom Z

Expert Reply:

It is usually possible to replace the spring bars in a weight distribution hitch setup so long as the two sets of bars are the same type, both trunnion style for instance, and both are from the same generation of hitch. A 10-year-old setup may not be able to use current-model replacement spring bars.

Based on your trailer dry hitch weight of 918-lbs (which I presume means the trailer's unloaded weight) bars rated for 1200-lbs may not be stiff enough. A properly-loaded 8800-lb trailer could have tongue weight (TW) ranging from a low of 950-lbs to as much as 1250-lbs.

Ideally your WD system will be rated such that your total TW, which includes the weight of cargo in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle (cooler, generator, etc), is near the middle of the system's range. I would not use a 1200-lb maximum WD hitch if your actually total TW is 1200-lbs. Instead I would use one rated for between 1000- and 1500-lbs.

Equal-I-zer setup # EQ37140ET is their highest-rated and works for TW from 1000- to 1400-lbs. The bars only for this are part # EQ90-01-1499, which is sold as a set of two.

I suggest you send us some photos of your head assembly along with any part numbers you can find so we can confirm with Equal-I-zer that you can use this set of bars.

I also recommend you use Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 to allow you to accurately measure the fully-loaded trailer TW.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Tom

2/22/2018

Thank you for your response to my question. As you suggested, I have attached a couple pictures. If you need additional pictures let me know. I couldn't find a part number on the head itself.

Adam R.

2/22/2018

Thank you for the additional photos. I sent these to my tech contact at Equal-I-zer. My contact there said that due to the age of your system current-production bars cannot be used to increase this to the tongue weight capacity you need. Equal-I-zer setup # EQ37140ET is their highest-rated and works for TW from 1000- to 1400-lbs. This is a complete system; all you might want to add is a thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 for hitch ball installation.