Recommended Weight Distribution/Sway Control for 8700 lb Travel Trailer Pulled With Lifted Truck  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since you have a pretty long camper, it'll be pretty susceptible to trailer sway caused by cross winds and oncoming or passing traffic. A large camper with tall sides acts like a big sail on a boat which is why using a weight distribution system with a good integrated sway control component is highly recommended.

If the 8750 lb figure represents the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of your trailer including the weight of anything carried in the truck bed behind the rear axle, then your tongue weight can range between 850 and around 1200 lbs.

For a camper with a tongue weight in that range, I'd recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37121ET which is effective on trailers with 800-1200 lbs of tongue weight. Because you have a lifted truck, I specified a system that doesn't include the weight distribution shank. To determine which shank you'll need, you'll need to measure the distance between the ground and the top inside edge of the hitch receiver and the distance between the bottom of the trailer's coupler when it sits level. You'll want to choose a weight distributing shank that has a drop equal to or greater than what you measured. I'll link to our selection of Equal-i-zer shanks. A 6 inch drop like # EQ90-02-4300 or a 9 inch drop like # EQ90-02-4400 would likely be what you need, but I'd recommend measuring to be sure.

You'll also need a 2-5/16 inch trailer ball like # 19286. You'll also need a 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket to install the ball. If you don't have one or can't borrow one, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800.

The Curt # C24UR you'd looked at provides effective weight distribution for trailers with tongue weights below 1000 lbs, which might not be enough for your camper. I wouldn't recommend going that route because is offers no sway control at all.

I've linked to a demonstration video featuring the Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch I mentioned as well as to an article that explains how to determine the tongue weight of a trailer.

expert reply by: Mike L

0