Recommended Distribution Hitch For 1480 lb Dry Trailer Tongue Weight

Updated 03/05/2018 | Published 03/03/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 17K GTW, 1,700 lbs TW

(70)

$954.61

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(3881)

$36.21

Curt Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2"

(589)

$34.53

Question:

Hi, we have a 2016 Ford F-350 Lariat crew cab 6.5 ft box with the 6.7 and we are buying a new trailer Stryker 2916 made by Cruiser RV that the dry tongue weight is 1480 and the gross trailer weight is 12800. The dealer told us all we need is a equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch rated at 1200/12000. When I questioned that, because the specs didnt match. He said because part of the formula for figuring it out had to do with 10 of something. They said we would be fine and that is what they have been setting everybody up with that has been buying this model trailer. Are they correct??? Because when i go to Equal-i-zers site and put in those specs is says no match found. But if i put in a 1400 pound tongue weight it shows a 1400/14000 will work. I am very confused, I want to be completely safe!! please help!!!

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

I do understand your situation and I am here to help. What the dealer was trying to say is that trailer Tongue Weight (TW) is typically, about 10 to 15 percent of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), and a system should be picked with those figures in mind. Total Tongue Weight (TTW) also refers to the tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of the cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your vehicle.

The recommendation of a weight distribution hitch rated at 1,200 pounds tongue weight would not provide a safe tow if your Stryker 2916 Cruiser RV has a dry tongue weight of 1,480 pounds and a gross trailer weight is 12,800 pounds. You are correct that you will need something closer or above the 1,400 pounds tongue weight system that you were talking about.

The Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RP66075 can handle any TW between 1,000 lbs and 1,700 lbs and has a gross towing weight of up to 17,000 lbs. It is designed for heavy-duty towing with 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" trailer hitch receivers. You will also need adjustable shank # RP54977 and # C40008 trailer hitch ball. If you have a 2 inch hitch this product # C45405 will reduce your receiver opening (2-1/2" x 2-1/2") to a Class III or IV receiver opening (2" x 2").

If you need recommendations on wiring, brake controllers and etc, reach out to me and I will supply recommendations.

expert reply by: Timothy G