Best Weight Distribution/Sway Control Option for 5500 lb Travel Trailer

Updated 06/20/2020 | Published 06/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(840)

$697.65

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

(840)

$863.09

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(100)

$90.07

Question:

Hi, I have a 2016 RAM 1500. GVWR 6,900 lbs. with max tow capacity of 8,015 lbs. I just bought a 30foot travel trailer with a dry weight of 5,500 lbs. and a gvwr of 7,600 lbs. TW is 650 lbs. I calculate that the loaded tongue weight of the vehicle will be between 800 and 1,000 lbs using the 10 rule and the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of my towing vehicle. Which WD hitch would you recommend for this setup? 10,000 lbs or 12,000 lbs?

asked by: GARY W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically, a trailer's tongue weight will be between 10-15 % of it's loaded weight which means that if you have it loaded to the gills, all the way up to its 7600 lb GVWR, your tongue weight could be as high as 1100 or so pounds, not including the weight of anything stowed behind the rear truck axle in the bed.

A good starting point is to determine the fully loaded tongue weight when the truck and travel trailer is loaded as you'd typically have it. I'll link to an article that explains a few different ways to accomplish this but a mechanical tongue weight scale like the # e99044 would be an easy way to do it.

I consider the Equal-i-zer systems to the best available on the market today. Primarily because Equal-i-zer has been manufacturing weight distribution systems since the 1950's, and I daresay they have an excellent idea of what they're doing. Their product is durable, well built, mechanically simple and highly effective. The're also manufactured in the USA which is important to many.

If you find your fully loaded tongue weight is between 600-1000 lbs, go with the # EQ37100ET. If your tongue weight is greater than 1000 lbs, use # EQ37120ET which can handle between 800-1200 lbs of tongue weight. Both systems include the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, but you'll need a thin walled 1-7/8 socket to install it. If you don't have one, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800.

In addition to the help article mentioned above, I've linked to some product demonstration videos you might find helpful.