Equalizer and TT Frame strength

[LarryJ]

For couple posts DocBrown stated using heavier bars on Equalizer then needed could damage trailer tongue on lighter TTs. I was very curious if there is any "actual proof" in this regard. Noting I hear lots of groaning and some popping on my TT during slow turns (normal I believe).

Larry J
2015 SLX 264BHW (TT tongue scale weight loaded: 685lb)
2007 Ram 1500 5.7L w/tow package, Equalizer 1000, Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller
Priors:
Jayco Eagle 10 ST RD
Keystone Sprinter M-380BWS
Rockwood Freedom 1640TD
Jayco SLX 154BH
Still have seasonal (hunting shack): Taurus 26'

[bigbird]

Just curious Larry but does your tt frame near the tongue have a label stating not to use a wdh over a certain amount. I have brought this up in a couple of other threads since my label states not to use wdh over 1000 pd rating. I realize we don't have the same trailer but mine is also a light weight. My trailer has a 5000 gross weight rating.

[Camping Couple]

The equalizer 4 point sway hitch for your trailer should be fine up to 10,000 GTW/1,000lb TW. I think there is a 6000lb size hitch too. If you go to the equalizer website, there is a page there that will size the correct hitch for you. Just fill in the blanks.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by LarryJ

Noting I hear lots of groaning and some popping on my TT during slow turns (normal I believe).

Normal as mentioned.

[LarryJ]

The 264bhw does not have a label noting wdh limits, so then my assumption is frame strong enough for whatever wdh used. Also Dealer installed the Equalizer 1000. FYI my trailer has 6800lb gross weight rating

Larry J
2015 SLX 264BHW (TT tongue scale weight loaded: 685lb)
2007 Ram 1500 5.7L w/tow package, Equalizer 1000, Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller
Priors:
Jayco Eagle 10 ST RD
Keystone Sprinter M-380BWS
Rockwood Freedom 1640TD
Jayco SLX 154BH
Still have seasonal (hunting shack): Taurus 26'

[DustyGeek]

Much like tow vehicles, you'll typically run out of hitch capacity on the WDH before you run out of tow capacity. For example, the 10K Equalizer is only rated for 1000lbs tongue, 6K -> 600lbs, 12K -> 1200lbs, etc..)

As an example, my old trailer only grossed 8200lbs, but had a 1050-1100lb tongue weight, so the 10K Equalizer wasn't sufficient, but the 12K was. Given that your tongue weight should be 10-15% of your trailer gross but the equalizer is rated for 10% of its gross, you'll probably find that under a lot of circumstances you'll have to go up one step to satisfy your tongue weight if your trailer has a heavy tongue.

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by DustyGeek

Much like tow vehicles, you'll typically run out of hitch capacity on the WDH before you run out of tow capacity. For example, the 10K Equalizer is only rated for 1000lbs tongue, 6K -> 600lbs, 12K -> 1200lbs, etc..)

As an example, my old trailer only grossed 8200lbs, but had a 1050-1100lb tongue weight, so the 10K Equalizer wasn't sufficient, but the 12K was. Given that your tongue weight should be 10-15% of your trailer gross but the equalizer is rated for 10% of its gross, you'll probably find that under a lot of circumstances you'll have to go up one step to satisfy your tongue weight if your trailer has a heavy tongue.

Then you get to the vehicle side of it where it states on my f150 hitch(label) not to exceed 10,050# or 1,050# with weight distributing hitch. At that point you have to consider heavy duty hitch option i suppose.

[RUSSELL5000]

LarryJ,

I think it is possible to transfer excessive weight to the tow vehicle if you have a large enough hitch and large enough capacity bars. What I have never understood about this: I would think you see the nose of the truck dive down in that case; i.e., it would be clear that you have an incorrect set-up.

I actually did this (had the truck nose dive down) when installing my hitch - but, I followed the instructions and it was obvious that I did not have it set up correctly.

I would think that if you set things up correctly then you will not have a problem even if the hitch and bars are rated for far beyond your trailer weight.

[LarryJ]

As it sits (measured before hitching and after), front stays within .5" hooked up and unhooked. Rear goes down about 1.5" when hooked up. When hooked up trailer is nose down about 1" also..

Larry J

[RUSSELL5000]

LarryJ,

Are you sure you started your set-up with the trailer level and the hitch ball at the best height possible? This was a problem step for me on my initial set-up.

I used a four foot level on the TT floor to determine whether my trailer was level. Also, the ground I was on was quite level side-to-side.

[Nighthawk 96]

I have a basic Huskey WD hitch. When I traded trailers I went from an #800 set of bars to #1200 set.

With the #800 set there were two free chain links. There are no free links in my current set up with the #1200 bars. With even one link too much weight was transferred to the front axle.