How to Determine the Correct Weight Distribution System

Published 09/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 7/8" Rear

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2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 15,000 lbs

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$26.93

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

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$925.00

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

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Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

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Question:

My tongue weight is roughly 1200. I have a e2 10k. I adjusted it from where camping world had it. He had the L bracket on the lowest and I could pretty much use my hands to put bars on. As for brakes I should be able to pull manual and lock them up correct ??

asked by: Sean D

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'll start with your last question concerning the trailer brakes - they will not stop your truck.

As for a weight distribution system it is important that you have the correctly rated system; I don't what you have but I can tell you how to figure out what you SHOULD have. In order to choose the right weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW (unless you get the BetterWeigh which measures this as well). The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Sean

9/25/2018

Kyle S.

9/25/2018

In terms of your brakes they should be able to lock up at full power which is what I believe you are asking. When setting up your brake controller you should be able to adjust the necessary power; you will want to adjust it until the power is at a point just below the wheel lock so you may need to adjust your controller. As for your weight distribution system if your total tongue weight is 1,200 lbs then the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000 that you have, which is rated for total tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs is the wrong system. An underrated system is basically not going to do anything for you in terms of controlling sway. What you need is a properly rated system that is designed to prevent sway before it begins such as the Reese Strait-Line # RP66130 I mentioned earlier which will require a shank like # RP54970 and 2-5/16" hitch ball # C40030. Another gret option is the Equal-i-zer # EQ37140ET which is for total tongue weights between 1,000 lbs and 1,400 lbs and comes with a shank and hitch ball though 1-7/8" Thin walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 is recommended for installation. Either of these systems will work for your total tongue weight but what you have now, if it is the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000 is simply inefficient.