Which model Equal-i-zer?

[mspontiac]

Hello,

Just ordered a Jay Flight 33 RLDS which overall will be about 35 feet long. We currently use a Reese hitch system that came with our old TT (unsure which model) that does not have built in sway control. We want to upgrade to a new Equal-i-zer system with 4-point sway control. Anyone know which model we would need? I'm clueless in this area...specs are unloaded vehicle weight=7,630; hitch weight=995; GVWR=10,300.

I went to the website and plugged in these #'s and it suggested the 90-00-1400 (14k). Do you agree? Just making sure I entered the figures correctly.

Thanks!

[RUSSELL5000]

If we assume your load to your GVWR and your hitch weight loaded is proportionally consistent with the unloaded specification (13%) then you will need the 14K hitch.

The only way to be certain is to go to a scale, but you should do fine with that hitch.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by RUSSELL5000

If we assume your load to your GVWR and your hitch weight loaded is proportionally consistent with the unloaded specification (13%) then you will need the 14K hitch.

The only way to be certain is to go to a scale, but you should do fine with that hitch.

+1, the 1400/14000 should serve you well.

[David472]

Given your spec numbers, I would have thought the 12k model would be fine. If you need further clarification, I suggest going to the web page and look there to send an e-mail question to the tech people. I did just that, and got an answer different from the "on-line calculator". Nothing beats talking directly to the maker's tech people. Having CAT scale weight measurements for them helps also.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by David472

Given your spec numbers, I would have thought the 12k model would be fine. If you need further clarification, I suggest going to the web page and look there to send an e-mail question to the tech people. I did just that, and got an answer different from the "on-line calculator". Nothing beats talking directly to the maker's tech people. Having CAT scale weight measurements for them helps also.

Absent a heavy Scale weight, I would spec my bars off GVWR. For OP, that's 10300, 13% is 1339, and that's over the 1200 lb bars that come with the 12K hitch. Longer trailers typically like more tongue weight, so I wouldn't aim low, I'd spec it closer to 15%. IMHO, I would rather have a little too much hitch than not enough, really far out either way isn't good I guess, but I'd rather have the extra capacity than be even a little under capacity.

[RUSSELL5000]

When I was selecting my hitch I noticed that manufacturers pointed out that sizing up was fine, and if in doubt to go up in size, never down.

If you get too much hitch I suppose you could overdo the weight loading to the front of the truck. I did not see that as a problem, as you should set the hitch up for proper weight loading to the front of the truck.

Finally, I noticed a very small price difference in sizes, so I went on the high side and took care with set up.

[clutch]

Our trailer is very similar to yours with a bedroom slide. You really should get the heavier hitch.

[David472]

Here is the impression I got from the Tech at Equalizer......the models are sized as 14k GVW or 12k GVW for the trailer. The lesser number of 1400 lb or 1200 lb for the bars is just a 10% derived number and not necessarily the limit of the bar capacity. They go more by the 14k or 12k GVW for the rating.

Not trying to argue, just offering a view point.
I do suggest the OP talk with the tech before making a purchase.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by David472

Here is the impression I got from the Tech at Equalizer......the models are sized as 14k GVW or 12k GVW for the trailer. The lesser number of 1400 lb or 1200 lb for the bars is just a 10% derived number and not necessarily the limit of the bar capacity. They go more by the 14k or 12k GVW for the rating.

Not trying to argue, just offering a view point.
I do suggest the OP talk with the tech before making a purchase.

That's interesting. I wonder why then they list that specification as a "capacity"? I would tend to view the TW specification as the more relevant number because at 10%, you're going to have a terrible tow, with a long trailer you need to be AT LEAST 13% on the tongue.

I can tell you that I have a 1000/10000 rated hitch, my TW is right at 1000, and you can tell the bars are at their limit. My next hitch will be a 1200/12000 Equal-I-zer.

[mspontiac]

Thanks for the help, everyone. Since we're right on the borderline between a 12,000 lb and a 14,000 lb hitch, we've opted to get the larger model.

Happy camping!