Can An Equalizer Weight Distribution Hitch Be Upgraded To A Higher Tongue Weight Capacity

Updated 11/16/2022 | Published 11/15/2022

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)

$697.12

Replacement Head for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 1,200 lbs TW

(30)

$351.46

Replacement Spring Bar for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 1,200 lbs TW

(41)

$112.10

Replacement Head for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 1,400 lbs TW

(23)

$413.21

Replacement Spring Bar for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 1,400 lbs TW

(18)

$125.09

Question:

I’m inquiring about my Equalizer weight distribution hitch. I am towing a 2017 Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. It’s a 2950RL, fully loaded I’m thinking it’s weighing in at around 8,400 lbs. I’m towing it with a 2017 GMC 2500HD. Can I upgrade my 10,000 lb hitch to a 14,000 lb? If so how?

asked by: David R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Each weight distribution hitch has a tongue weight capacity range where it's most effective and can help evenly distribute the weight of the trailer. If the fully loaded weight of your trailer is 8,400lbs and you keep increasing the rating of the hitch you'll fall out of the tongue weight range of your trailer and it will actually give you a negative effect just like and under-rated hitch would.

An Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System 10K # EQ37100ET is going to have a range from 800lbs to 1,000lbs. Tongue weight is typically 10% of your total weight so if you weigh in at 8,400lbs then you would have a tongue weight of roughly 840lbs. Since you're having issues I recommend actually measuring the tongue weight with a scale # e99044 to determine exactly where it's at before switching to a higher rated system.

I also recommend checking how level your spring bars are as this can also adversely effect your system's ability to distribute the weight. If your bars are off then you can use washers to change the tilt of the head to dial the bars back to level.

If you find that the actual tongue weight surpasses the 1,000lb rating of your current system you can swap out the head and the springs bars to a higher rating. Keep in mind that each system has a range and that you'll want to stay as close to the middle of that range as possible.

12K System (1,000lbs - 1,200lbs TW)
Spring Bars QTY:1 # EQ90-02-1299
Head # EQ90-02-1200

14K System (1,200lbs - 1,400lbs TW)
Spring Bars QTY:1 # EQ90-02-1499
Head: # EQ90-02-1400