Recommendation to Reduce Sway on 3,000 Pound Trailer and 13,000 Pound Trailer

Updated 02/25/2019 | Published 02/23/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Sway-Control Bracket for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution - 6,000 lbs to 14,000 lbs GTW

(246)

$80.35

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

(853)

$925.00

Question:

I would like to purchase one sway/weight distribution hitch to use on two of my trailers. I have a 20 foot travel trailer that weighs 3,000 pounds emptyi am not worried about weight on this so much, the sway bothers me. I also have a dump trailer that weighs 4,000 pounds empty, but have 9,000 pounds of rock in it frequentlytotal trailer weight 13,000 pounds . if I mount EQ95-01-5600 on each trailer can I use the same weight distributing / sway control hitch on both? which equalizer system would you suggest? i am towing with a 2012 F350 crew cab SRW 4X4 diesel.

asked by: Chris B

Expert Reply:

When looking for a properly rated weight distribution system the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your F-350. Ideally this number will fall comfortably within the operating range on the system you choose.

Since you have two trailers that differ quite a bit from each other in weight you will likely need two different model systems or one where the spring bars can be swapped out to reduce/increase its capacity as you switch it from one to the other.

If you are truly only concerned with sway on your lighter travel trailer then another option is to just equip it with a friction sway control kit like the Reese # 83660. This is a much friendlier option in terms of cost and it will just be bolted on the travel trailer to greatly reduce any side-to-side movement caused by winds or sudden maneuvers. Since your trailer is shorter than 26 feet you will only need 1 assembly.

Moving on to your dump trailer, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of around 1,300 to 1,950 pounds based on the 13,000 pound loaded weight you provided. This is because a trailer's tongue weight should fall between 10 and 15 percent of its total weight.

The highest rated Equal-i-zer System available is the 14K # EQ37140ET that has a tongue weight capacity range of 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. This may work well if your actual tongue weight falls at the lower end of the above estimate but it will likely be a bit under-rated.

For a system that more closely matches your estimated range I recommend taking a look at the Reese Strait-Line # RP66075 that has a tongue weight capacity of 1,000 to 1,700 pounds. This is designed to be used with a 2-1/2 inch adjustable shank like # RP54977 in order to utilize its full capacity. A 2 inch shank like # RP54970 can also be used but you would be limited by the shank's 1,500 pound tongue weight capacity.

I am not sure what the loaded weight of your travel trailer is but if it falls within the 1,000 to 1,700 pound range this system will work perfectly for it as well. I really like the Strait-Line systems because they use a unique dual-cam system that actually works to prevent trailer sway before it even begins. I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.