Equalizer - WDH Bar sizes

[TommyAjax]

We have ordered a 2016 26BH (GVWR of 7,000 lbs) and I am looking at getting an Equalizer WDH.

Looking at hitch pricing at a local dealer, they have the 14k version at a lower price than the 10k version. Anybody know if there are any issues with using bigger bars (ie. am I going to over-torque or damage the hitch or truck frame in some way)?

[SkyBound]

What kind of vehicle are you towing with? I think you could expect a pretty harsh ride with a 14K set up on the 26BH... That trailer is well suited for 800lb tongue weight bars, or 1000lb at best if you have extra weight up front.

I tow my 28BHS which is 5500lb empty and about 6500lb loaded (7500lb GVWR) and I have the Equalizer E4 1,000/10,000 and behind my '13 F150 EcoBoost it's a great match. The previous owner of my trailer had a 800lb set up on it which I knew was too light for the 28BHS so I bought it without the hitch and got my own. I think you would be happiest with the 800 or 1000.

[TWP723]

I have a 1275lb tongue weight and my 1400lb bars were very stiff. I bought 1200lb bars and it has a better ride with absolutely no compromise in distribution. Figure that one out!

[TommyAjax]

It is a 2014 Ram 1500...

The Equalizer doesn't seem to have an 800# setup...the brochure and parts website jumps from 600# to 1000#, then 1200# and 1400#.

What would the 14k do differently than 10k?

[SkyBound]

My parents have a '14 26BH and they use the Fastway E2 800lb set up which is a similar hitch to the E4 but less heavy duty and 2 point sway control. It works well, although it's a bit noisy. It's also much cheaper to buy.

The 14K will have little to no flex in the spring bars with that little tongue weight on it, causing a stiff, harsh ride and jolting over bumps. It may also damage components if you maneuver over big inclines (like backing up a driveway) or very tight turns. These hitch ratings are meant to be close to the actual tongue weight to get the bars to flex a little.

[Iraqvet05]

I have the 10k Fastway E2 (Equalizer knock off) and it does fine with my 26BH. If you are comfortable installing one yourself, check Amazon and the web for pricing. I wasn't comfortable installing mine so the dealer did it for around $500....seems pricey but I didn't want to deal with it back then. They installed a 2" riser ball which seemed dumb since I was almost at the lowest hitch setting. I believe you will need at least a 1" riser ball to avoid the chain anchors from hitting.

If they set the hitch up correctly, I don't think you will have an issue with 14k bars. You can adjust the bar load by raising or lowering the perches on the trailer frame. If you do that, make sure you replace the nylock nuts or the perch brackets will loosen and shift.

[TommyAjax]

Thanks for the feedback from everyone...I called the dealer to confirm the pricing and in fact, they 14k hitch was an "old" price and they are going to revise it on their website.