Weight Distribution Hitch for 2024 Grand Design Imagine 22MLE

Published 10/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 8" Rise, 4" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(541)

$211.66

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(301)

$19.92

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(933)

$775.00

Question:

Hi, We are in the process of purchasing a 2024 Imagine 22mle from a dealership approximately 150 miles away. Factory specs show a hitch weight of #490 and a max gross trailer weight of 7000lbs. I don’t know what the hitch weight will be after we load it. Is there a weight distribution hitch you could recommend that I could purchase before driving to get the trailer that would meet the requirements? Also is it possible to buy one that would allow me to lower the tailgate completely while hooked to the trailer. Thanks

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

You want to choose a weight distribution hitch based on the tongue weight of your loaded setup. The best way to do this is to measure using a scale like # e99044. However, we can typically find a WDH that will work using the information from the trailer.

Tongue weight on a travel trailer is typically 10-15% of the trailer weight. We have your dry hitch weight of 490 lbs, the unloaded weight of the trailer is 5,176 lbs, and the GVWR is 6,995 lbs. You can also take into consideration the addition of batteries and propane to the front, especially since these will be there when you pick it up. Once they are on the tongue you will likely be over 600 lbs before adding anything else to the trailer. Based on that information I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37101ET.

The Equal-i-zer has a tongue weight range of 600-1,000 lbs. This covers anything else you add to the front storage along with the weight of any cargo you might add behind the rear axle of your truck (this also counts as tongue weight). The system also has 4 points of sway sway control to keep your trailer in line. If you don't already have a 1-7/8" thin walled socket you will also need the # ALL643216 for hitch ball installation.

The system does not come with a shank so you can use the # EQ90-02-4600 you were looking at. This shank is 14" long from the hitch pin hole center to the bolt hole center for the hitch head. More than likely that will allow give you enough clearance for your tailgate but I recommend measuring to be sure.

expert reply by: Robin H