Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 4,000 lbs Trailer

Updated 06/11/2026 | Published 05/07/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(878)

$807.50

Question:

I have a 2020 Ram 1500 and a 2020 Haulmark Transport cargo tandem axle trailer. The payload listed on the truck is 1,243lbs while the dry weight of the trailer is just under 2,500lbs. I have converted this trailer to a simple camper I plan to pull on a couple camping trips this year one that will be roughly 500 miles one way and I am trying to determine if I should use a weight distribution system for sway. The trailer fully loaded I expect to weigh no more than 4,000lbs as the build is pretty simple and the rest of the weight would be food, and camping gear. Some have said the weight distribution isnt necessary, but I havent pulled the trailer for distance or at freeway speed so looking for more input on if this is the right move. Thanks

asked by: Paul L

2020 Ram 1500
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul, thanks for the pic! That's a nice setup. It is highly recommended to use a weight distribution system if your trailer weighs 50% more than your truck's total weight and you are definitely there.

For a 4,000 lbs cargo trailer, I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control item # EQ37060ET. This system works with tongue weights between 200 lbs - 600 lbs. That's going to give you a pretty wide range for loading up your camping supplies along with any gear you are hauling around in the bed of your truck.

The Equal-i-zer item # EQ37060ET has built in sway control that will keep your trailer in line with your Ram when you're going down the highway and make a sudden lane change or get passed by a semi. It's really helpful when you get sideswiped by a gust of wind too. This system includes a 2" shank and a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

Please note you will need room on your trailer's coupler between 27" - 32" back from where the hitch ball mounts. This is for the sway control brackets.

What kind of camping gear are you hauling and do you load up your truck bed with anything heavy?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

EQ37060ET
(click to enlarge)

Paul L.

6/11/2026

Jerred, Thank you for that information. I was looking at the Weigh Safe WS79VR as it has some features that the Equalizer didn't. What are your thoughts on this Weigh Safe distribution Hitch for my needs? To answer your questions above, my trailer does have the minimum clearance of 27". doesn't quite get to 32" but 27"-30" is my range. I don't plan on having anything in the bed of the truck, but all seats in the cab will be occupied so that weight is being considered. As I estimated the trailer should weigh 4,000 lbs or less when loaded. all that I will be packing in the trailer is a camp chef 3 burner stove, canopy, some chairs, coolers (w/food), sleeping bags and pads along with generator and batteries. I am interested in the weigh safe as it has a slightly higher TW and Trailer weighting. My trailer is rated at Gross Weight of 7,500 lbs. Not pulling that much weight as setup but my build is modular so it all is attached to e-track and can be removed to use the trailer as a utility trailer to haul UTV or other heavier gear when not used for camping.