Which is Better Weight Distribution System Reese Strait Line or Equal-i-zer

Published 01/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW

(843)

$918.75

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

(843)

$758.44

Question:

I asked your experts previously about the difference in Equalizer 4 point Hitch and the Reese Strait Line with dual cam setup. They recommended the Equalizer 1600/16000 hitch because I have a 2017 Cherokee 304BH travel trailer. My question now is why the 1600/16000 hitch and not the 1400/14000. The max weight for this trailer is 11,175 lbs and the dry tongue weight is 1015lbs. We never tow with water tanks filled and always empty gray and black tanks before leaving campgrounds so I can’t ever see the tongue weight exceeding the 1400 lb rating of the smaller hitch setup. Just don’t want to purchase the 16k version and then the ride be so stiff and also don’t want to spend the extra money if not needed.

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

The Equal-i-zer weight distribution systems and the Reese Strait Line systems are widely considered to be the best two systems you can get. The sway control of the Strait Line setup is better than the Equal-i-zer, but the Equal-i-zer weight distribution has yet to be improved upon so it has the edge. So if you are wanting the best WD the Equal-i-zer is the way to go but if you want the best sway control the Strait Line is the way to go.

Since you haven't had issues with sway I'd go with the Equal-izer part # EQ64FR that you referenced and you'd be set. Based on the GVWR of your 2017 Cherokee 304BH this is the correct weight rated setup too!

expert reply by: Jameson C

James

1/6/2020

Jameson C.

1/6/2020

If you are sure the tongue weight would never exceed 1,400 lbs the lower rated system would be the way to go. Like you said, if you go with a system rated too high the ride quality will be rough. So instead your best option would be the part # EQ37140ET.