Choosing the right size WD+Sway hitch

[Salsa03]

We have a 2014 Jayflight 28BHBE which we will tow with a 2011 GMC Sierra (SLT, CrewCab 4x4)

I went to a local hitch dealer to order a Equal-I-Zer....and I left... these guys were idiots (in my opinion). I gave them all my info

dry shipping weight of TT 7042lbs
Tongue weight 700lbs

They were recommending that I get the 600/6,000lbs model from Equal-I-Zer because going "any bigger would just cost more for nothing"...



I went to the Equal-I-Zer website and based on my info, their system recommends the 1000/10,000 lbs model. I find it would be "cutting it close", I mean not leaving a lot of "unused" capacity!


I wonder if choosing a "bigger" model would cause any issues, the 1200/12,000 lbs model is like 20-40$ extra and it would allow me more flexibility if I ever changed my tow and/or TT

What's your take on this?

[Crabman]

I have 1200 lb bars on mine with a loaded TW between 900-1000 lbs and it works well. Based on your numbers I would go with the 1200 lb as well. The bars have a range on them, several hundred pounds under their rating so a little too big will not hurt a thing. The liteweight trailers are the ones that are much more sensitive to having too much WD.

edit: For example on the range of WD systems, from Etrailers website specs on the Reese 1200lb Strait Line system: "Specs:
Tongue weight: 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs"

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66088.html

[Redhorse 823]

X2 with Crabman
1200/12000 is the right range for you
I would also add your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 9,250lbs
Not that you would travel at max normally but you never know
So saying that and keeping in mind you want a 10%-15% tongue weight results in 925-to 1387lbs

GL

[Camper_bob]

I tow that exact trailer with a '12 Sierra 1500 2WD. The stealership threw in a Fastway E2 with round bars (1000/10000) at time of purchase. I didn't know it at the time, but that was just enough. I have no cushion. In fact, one day soon down the road, I will likely replace it with an Equalizer 1200/12000.

My loaded tongue weight is 980lbs (and we pack pretty light). So going along with the other responders here, I would go with the 1200/12000. In fact, Etrailer.com's hitch finder will give you the same results if you put in the trailer's information.

For reference, here are my cat scale results: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...-Scale-Results

BTW, good move running far away from that hitch shop. I can't imagine why they would tell you that, their recommendation was simply irresponsible.

[Camper_bob]

Also forgot to mention that 980 lbs is 12.8% of loaded trailer weight; by all accounts, that's just about perfect, but I think a little more might take care of some of the bouncing issues I'm having... But that's a work in progress, so I can't say for sure.

[David472]

When it comes to WDH brand and size choice, it seems everyone has their own pet ideas. There are good suggestions in this thread, and in addition to these, I suggest you go to the Equalizer website and click on the “contact us” button. Send them an e-mail with your weight information, preferably your loaded weights. I did this, and they were very helpful. The answer I got form their technical staff was slightly different than the solution offered in their web based sizing chart. My loaded tongue weight is at 1,080 lbs with a loaded TT weight of 7,200 lbs. The tech said I was fine keeping the 1,000/10,000 size I had to start with. I questioned him on that, because I’m right on the threshold to be into the 1,200/12,000 size. He insisted the 1,000/10,000 was appropriate size for me, and going heavier would result in a more harsh ride quality. The Equalizer spring bars are not tapered like the Reese and therefore more stiff. After having put 5,000 road miles on with this combination, I’ve come to agree it was the right choice. By the way, your actual loaded tongue weight will for sure be higher than the published number. That’s just the way it is.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Salsa03

snip...... They were recommending that I get the 600/6,000lbs model from Equal-I-Zer because going "any bigger would just cost more for nothing"... snip ..... What's your take on this?

Good move going somewhere else...., their recommendation wouldn't even be a good match for your empty TT.

Bob

[Salsa03]

Here's the response I got from Equal-I-Zer

"To answer your question, the 10,000lb model would be sufficient for your trailer. Going to a 12,000lb model will not hurt at all. If anything, it will provide the additional girth to begin with to allow you to run a heavier trailer in the future."

[Crabman]

I continue to recommend the 1200/12000........

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Crabman

I continue to recommend the 1200/12000........

+1

[David472]

If you go with the 1,200 lb bars, carefully monitor the hitch receiver in your GMC 1500 truck, for signs of bending and deformation. You may need to beef up your hitch receiver because of this.

[Salsa03]

Originally Posted by David472

If you go with the 1,200 lb bars, carefully monitor the hitch receiver in your GMC 1500 truck, for signs of bending and deformation. You may need to beef up your hitch receiver because of this.

Why??? As long as the WD Hitch fits in my hitch receiver and that I don't exceed the weight rating of my hitch receiver, why should there be risks of bending and deformation?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by David472

snip...... carefully monitor the hitch receiver in your GMC 1500 truck, for signs of bending and deformation.....snip

Good advice with any TV receiver.

Fortunately the OP has a 2011 GM truck and it has the redesigned OEM receiver, much better then the older GM truck OEM receivers like I had on my 2002 Silverado (which I did replace). It wasn't so much the actual spring bar rating, but more the heavier tongue weights that could be problematic with the older GM designed OEM receivers.

Bob

[Crabman]

As Rustic Eagle said, the older GM hitches were subject to "pinbox flex" and some of them actually cracked and had broken welds, but that was corrected with the new body style introduction in mid 2007.

[David472]

First, I agree with Crabman and Rustic Eagle comments about the re-designed GM hitch receiver. You will find your receiver is spec'd at 1,000 lbs in WDH mode. Yes, your tongue weight will be within that, and on the surface, you will not exceed this weight rating. The spring bars are tempered and as such, designed to flex in a certain load range. The hitch receiver is not tempered, and could be loaded beyond its yield strength. That's the point where it becomes deformed. Not much flex range there. Where am I going with this you say? Along your towing travels, you will hit bumps, dips in the road, or just going into a steep driveway. You want to have the spring bars flex to absorb this stuff, and not bend your receiver instead. Give this some thought.

[Crabman]

^^^You are correct Dave in that the Tongue weight limit on the 1500 with WD is 1,000 lbs with the stock hitch. So the OP with a GVWR of 9200lbs, and a TW of 13-15% could possibly exceed that when loaded to max GVWR if he has a 1500. For some reason I was thinking the OP had a 2500, which has a 1500lb TW with WD on the stock hitch. If he stays within the 1,000 lb TW not an issue.

[owenssailor]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

+1

+3

My unit is similar size and weights. My 1200/12000 Equal-i-zer works very well. Way over 10 000 miles.

[David472]

Originally Posted by owenssailor

+3

My unit is similar size and weights. My 1200/12000 Equal-i-zer works very well. Way over 10 000 miles.

Good Luck !

[NewBlackDak]

I have a 287BHBE. Similar floor plan, but a bit lighter. I use the 1200/12000. It works great, and the trailer has been rock solid behind me. I was towing it with a Tita, up passes with rain, 40 mph gusts, and tractor/trailers flying by me.

[Salsa03]

David, I see where you are going with your comment... but even with a 1000 / 10,000lbs WDH, I'll hit those same bumps on the road... the effect will be the same on the hitch receiver...

I'm not planning on overloading my TT beyond my truck or hitch capacity.... therefore I shouldn't have an issue...