What Weight Distribution Hitch do I Want, My Lightest Trailer is 10,000 Pounds Total Weight?

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Question:

Good morning! I’m looking to get a WDH/anti sway hitch. I’m interested in the equalizer with the shocker hitch. I want a good WDH with anti sway that will also help with bouncing up and down. I need a 2 1/2 shank, and I tow minimum 10,000 pounds. 2 5/16 ball. What do you recommend? Thank you!

asked by: Danny B

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Expert Reply:

Hello Danny,

I’m really glad you mentioned the Equalizer! When sway is the issue, that one and the Weigh Safe are definitely my go-to options. They both have 4 point sway control, with straight spring bars and frame brackets. They can be a little noisier than the chain style setups, but that’s because they’re actually creating the friction that reduces sway.

You mentioned your lightest trailer is 10K. When it’s loaded, you want your tongue weight to be 10 to 15 percent of your total trailer weight. If it’s not within that range, the weight isn’t distributed correctly. When picking out the right system, the loaded tongue weight is the number that matters.

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4 Point Sway Control, 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW # EQ64FR would be perfect for your 10K trailer. If your tongue weight is closer to 15 percent (as most are), you’ll be right around 1,500 pounds, which is ideal for that setup.

I’d feel like I was doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the Weigh Safe system too. I really like it because it takes all the guesswork out. It has a built in scale that shows your exact tongue weight. You just download the app on your phone, and it walks you through the install. The scale is super helpful since you enter that weight into the app, and it tells you exactly how to fine tune your setup for the best performance.

If you go with the Weigh Safe and your trailer is on the heavier side, the # WS49MR is rated for up to 1,800 lbs tongue weight. If you’re closer to the 1K range, I’d recommend the # WS59MR, which is good for up to 1,200 lbs tongue weight.

All of the systems I mentioned come with a 2 5/16" ball, and the shank is made for a 2 1/2" receiver. I also attached some review videos for you to check out as well.

You mentioned your lightest trailer is 10,000 lbs. What’s your heaviest one? I’m asking so I can see if you’ll need additional spring bars. You can swap out the spring bars when using your heavier trailers. Also, what shocker hitch were you looking at?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Built-In Scale on Weigh Safe
(click to enlarge)

Danny B.

11/25/2025

10,000 is likely the heaviest I will tow. I wasn’t sure on the shocker hitch than can be used with the WDH/sway bars? When traveling some roads the travel trailer wants to “porpoise “ or bounce. It’s not often by some roads in Az were horrible for that. What combination do you recommend or will the weigh safe take care of that too?

Kate F.

11/25/2025

@DannyB The porpoising is usually due to the trailer having an uneven load. I would check your tongue weight to make sure it’s between 10-15%. You can do that with a tongue weight scale like # BTBRV44FR, or you can check it at a CAT scale. To weigh it at a CAT scale, start by pulling your tow vehicle onto the scale by itself without the trailer attached. Make sure it’s loaded the same way you’d normally tow, with passengers, gear, and a full tank of fuel. That gives you your first number, called Weight A. Next, hook up your trailer exactly as you would for towing. Drive back onto the scale so your truck’s front axle is on the first pad, the rear axle on the second, and the trailer axles on the third. When you get your printout, add the front and rear axle weights together. That’s F + R. To find your tongue weight, subtract your truck’s solo weight (Weight A) from the hitched-up truck axle total (F + R). The result is how much weight your trailer is pressing down on your hitch. If you want to know the tongue weight percentage, divide that number by your trailer’s total weight, which is the combined truck and trailer weight minus the truck alone, and multiply by 100. For a bumper-pull trailer, tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight, or 15 to 25 percent for a gooseneck or fifth wheel. Here’s a quick example. If your truck alone weighs 7,000 pounds and the combined weight is 17,000, with your front and rear axles totaling 8,200, your tongue weight is 1,200 pounds (8,200 minus 7,000). The trailer itself weighs 10,000 pounds, so your tongue weight is 12 percent, which is right on target. Another reason it could be happening is if your tow vehicle’s suspension is worn or too soft. Weak shocks, tired rear springs, or sagging leaf packs can make trailer bounce worse by letting movement build instead of absorbing it. Start by figuring out your tongue weight to make sure that’s right. Adding a weight distribution hitch (WDH) will make a huge difference because it helps evenly distribute weight between the truck and trailer. I would go with the WDH over the Shocker since you can’t use them together. The WDH needs the receiver on the towed vehicle. Takes some time to get things dialed in right =)

What Weight Distribution Hitch do I Want, My Lightest Trailer is 10,000 Pounds Total Weight?

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