Choosing Between 1,000 lb or 1,200 lb Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System

Updated 06/18/2019 | Published 06/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(858)

$856.11

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(858)

$850.00

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(100)

$96.13

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

(224)

$27.94

Question:

My travel trailer is relatively small 17 ft, with a dry tongue weight of 420 lbs. If I add a full fresh water tank which is located in front of the axles, that brings my tongue weight up to 740 lbs without anything else added to trailer or truck bed. Should I purchase the larger of these two hitches with the tongue range of 900-1200 lbs? Would it damage it if I had a lighter load on some trips with no fresh water and light cargo where I might only have 700 lbs tongue weight for example? Or, should I go with the lighter, knowing I need to watch the tongue weight of each trip to make sure Im not over 1000 lbs? Thanks!

asked by: Tracy

Expert Reply:

That's a very well thought-out question and the correct system will be the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # EQ37120ET because the ideal system is one in which your total tongue weight falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

Total tongue weight (TTW) 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, so because you mentioned a 740 lb tongue weight with just the fresh water tank, it is likely you will be in the 1,000 lb range when you are fully loaded. The Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET has a tongue weight capacity of 800 lbs to 1,200 lbs, so you would be right in the middle of this capacity, making it perfect for you.

The lighter option, the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET, has a tongue weight capacity of between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs which, based on the numbers you gave, will be too light of a system, making it ineffective.

It is better to go with the higher-rated system because there would be no damage to your set up when hauling a lighter load and the system will also still be effective for you, though your ride might be slightly "stiffer" when hauling less of a load that's certainly better than a system that is ineffective because it isn't rated high enough.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # EQ37120ET comes with everything needed for installation, including a 2-5/16" hitch ball, though there is also a 2" hitch ball available, the 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs # EQ91-00-6080.

Additionally, it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help ease install of the hitch ball. I have added links to video reviews of the Equal-i-zer for you to take a look at as well.