Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 450 lbs - 500 lbs Tongue Weight

Updated 10/02/2025 | Published 09/27/2025

Question:

Hello, Im needing a weight distribution hitch with sway control for a small travel trailer with 3487 gvwr and approx 450-500 lb tongue weight. Tow vehicle is a 2025 Ram 1500 2wd. Id like to able to back up and turn without disconnecting first. Can you give me a couple of recommendations that are easy to install, adjust, hook and unhook? Thanks!

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

Hey Randy, welcome back and congrats on the new truck. For a 450 lbs - 500 lbs tongue weight, I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control item # EQ90-00-0600. This system will let you back up with it installed and won't limit your turning radius.

The Equal-i-zer item # EQ90-00-0600 works with tongue weights ranging from 200 lbs - 600 lbs so you'll be good if you weren't fully loaded or wanted to pack your trailer up differently. The sway control brackets mount from 27" - 32" back from the center of the coupler so you'll want to make sure you have space on yours at these locations.

The included 2" shank will make connecting to your 2025 Ram 1500 easy. A 2-5/16" hitch ball is also included.

What kind of trailer do you have?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Randy

9/28/2025

Hey Jerred, Thanks. I was looking at that Equal-i-zer thinking it might work. I was also looking at the Blue Ox BXW0556 for its quietness and ease of installation but thought I might be too close to the tongue weight limit. The trailer is a 2015 Viking 15rb hybrid single axle that's about 18' tongue to bumper. Frame is about 4"x2" and is clear of obstacles back about 32" from center of coupler. When trailer is loaded the tongue weight is right at 450 lbs. I also usually have a cooler full of drinks at the back end of the truck bed that weighs about 45 lbs. Should I add the weight of the wd hitch itself when choosing which one? If so, then I assume I need a hitch like you recommended at the 600 lb limit. Of course I could always keep the cooler in front of the bed if need be.

Jerred H.

9/29/2025

@Randy That's funny. The Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch item # BXW0556 was going to be my recommendation if you didn't like the Equalizer item # EQ90-00-0600. I personally find the chain hangers easier to set up but there's quite a few people who do not like them. The tongue weight range on that system is going to be perfect. At 350 lbs - 550 lbs that's going to give you quite a bit of range. For whatever reason, and I've never actually heard a good explanation for this, the actual weight of the weight distribution hitch does not get added to the tongue weight. Your cooler will though along with anything else you have in your bed.

Randy

9/29/2025

@JerredH After reading the installation it looks like I might need a larger torque wrench and a specialty socket. Any recommendations that have the ball pre-installed and torqued, or possibly welded? Also curious about the Andersen hitches, looks like the ball/head is a one piece deal and lightweight. I really need the hitch mainly for sway with a little weight distribution. Thanks for your help!

Jerred H.

9/29/2025

@Randy Yeah, that's big draw back on the Equalizers. The Blue Ox SwayPro item # BXW0556 comes with the hitch ball installed. I would stay away from the Anderson's like item # AN53VR. We tested one and it didn't do much to help with sag and it's sway control was minimal.