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Been reading up on them but still confused. Seems like they take TGW and TW into account. But TW is to be between 10% - 15% (650lbs - 975lbs in my case with a TGW of 10k lbs). The ratings I see are usually X lbs +/- 100 lbs and TGW. Since getting one with a higher TW rating than needed is supposed to affect ride quality how do you spec one in real life, have it somewhat future proof for all that accumulated stuff you will add/carry later? Does future proof mean you have to reduce TW?
Every WDH I've used has adjustable tension to account for varying tongue weight. I recommend buying as much as you think you'll ever need because you can adjust downwards.
Every WDH I've used has adjustable tension to account for varying tongue weight. I recommend buying as much as you think you'll ever need because you can adjust downwards.
Interesting. I've downloaded manuals and none of them show that flexibility. Which ones were those?
Originally Posted by linzman
I like my Equalizer.
Great. Unfortunately that doesn't answer my question. Can you be more specific?
One comment I received mentions to install helper air bags on top of my rear suspension for leveling and just add sway controls to attach to the tongue.
I have an Equalizer and I believe it is the best one on the market.
When I went to buy it I got someone on the phone and they told me which one to buy. You need the right one - its not like you can buy one rated for 20,000lbs when you really need one for less or more.
Give them a call or shoot them an email and they can help answer your questions.
Interesting. I've downloaded manuals and none of them show that flexibility. Which ones were those?
Depends on the design. Some use chains to set the tension, like a Reese WDH I have. The shorter the chain length, the more tension you're putting on the hitch, which in turn moves more weight towards the front of your tow vehicle. It's an iterative procedure to figure out the correct chain link, and it's explained in the manual.
With the Equalizer, you install more or less washers to set the angle of the hitch, which in turn sets the tension on the hitch. The Equalizer is easy to install because it doesn't require drilling into the trailer tongue, but I don't think it does much for sway control compared to other designs out there (debate for another time). My Reese required drilling big holes in the trailer tongue, so the installation took a lot longer.
Also as mentioned above, you don't want to overbuy on capacity. My point was you estimate 975 lbs of tongue weight now. If you think that some day you might load your trailer up to the point of having 1200 lbs of tongue weight, you should buy a WDH that will also be able to carry that tongue weight.
When you figure out your trailer weights (current and potential future), call the manufacturer. I've called Reese a few times and they've been EXTREMELY helpful. Same for Equalizer.
With my Reese, one of the brackets bent a little after using it for a few years and they sent me a replacement free of charge, no questions asked. Great service.
One comment I received mentions to install helper air bags on top of my rear suspension for leveling and just add sway controls to attach to the tongue.
With 975 lbs of tongue weight, I predict the rear of your F150 is going to sag a lot, so air bags are probably a good idea. But I'd try the WDH first and see how things look.
For comparison, I have a 2013 F250 diesel, and the rear sagged quite a bit with the 800 lbs of tongue weight from my enclosed trailer. I installed air bags with a wireless remote so that I can air the bags up/down on demand.
Depends on the design. Some use chains to set the tension, like a Reese WDH I have. The shorter the chain length, the more tension you're putting on the hitch, which in turn moves more weight towards the front of your tow vehicle. It's an iterative procedure to figure out the correct chain link, and it's explained in the manual.
With the Equalizer, you install more or less washers to set the angle of the hitch, which in turn sets the tension on the hitch. The Equalizer is easy to install because it doesn't require drilling into the trailer tongue, but I don't think it does much for sway control compared to other designs out there (debate for another time). My Reese required drilling big holes in the trailer tongue, so the installation took a lot longer.
Also as mentioned above, you don't want to overbuy on capacity. My point was you estimate 975 lbs of tongue weight now. If you think that some day you might load your trailer up to the point of having 1200 lbs of tongue weight, you should buy a WDH that will also be able to carry that tongue weight.
When you figure out your trailer weights (current and potential future), call the manufacturer. I've called Reese a few times and they've been EXTREMELY helpful. Same for Equalizer.
With my Reese, one of the brackets bent a little after using it for a few years and they sent me a replacement free of charge, no questions asked. Great service.
Originally Posted by Drew_K
With 975 lbs of tongue weight, I predict the rear of your F150 is going to sag a lot, so air bags are probably a good idea. But I'd try the WDH first and see how things look.
For comparison, I have a 2013 F250 diesel, and the rear sagged quite a bit with the 800 lbs of tongue weight from my enclosed trailer. I installed air bags with a wireless remote so that I can air the bags up/down on demand.
I estimated 650 - 975 lbs which represents 10% - 15% (recommended range posted everywhere). The WDH I'm looking at is the Curt C17500 which is an Equalizer knockoff at quite a bit of savings (~40%). It allows a range of 800 - 1000 lbs tongue weight. Go "much" lower and the ride suffers per google.
Part of the reason I'm looking at this model is that I don't have to drill into the tongue (the manufacturer recommend additional welded plates in that case for $$$ of course), you can back a trailer with it (the other designs say not to) as well as less parts to remove when I put it in storage.
Hope this babble makes sense. Am I looking in the right direction? What am I missing, not understanding?
There are so many models of WDH's it can get confusing. That Curt you picked out looks fine and I think is the right capacity, assuming you have your tongue weights correct. I recommend measuring your tongue weight to confirm. You can buy a tongue weight scale or use the bathroom scale method (google it - it's a leveraged way to use a home scale).
The only thing I don't like about that Curt model is that, based on the pictures, it looks you can't make very fine adjustments to the tension. I see 3 holes you have to select from and they're rather far apart. With the Equalizer, you use washers and can make finer adjustments. But that's just me looking at pictures. If the reviews say the Curt adjusts fine, I imagine you're okay.
We use this economical system - and the best thing is the Anti Sway friction bar that truly does reduce sway in windy conditions . . .
Pro Series 49903 Complete Weight Distribution Kit
- can be bought thru Amazon or local dealers -
The tongue weight scale is also very important and worth the price
Regards,
Thanx
With this one I have to drill into the tongue (the trailer manufacturer recommends additional welded plates in that case for $$$ of course), you can't back a trailer with it and more parts to remove when I put it in storage.
Still haven't found an economical TW scale. Drew K's suggestion with the bathroom scale trick should get me there.
I've been using this system from Blue Ox for a little while with no issues at all. Its super easy to hook up and unhook when I'm done. Plus they've got a clamp on design option for the trailer tongue.
My tow rig is a 2015 Ford F-250 (diesel) with a 24ft Haulmark enclosed trailer. I bought it mostly for the anti-sway, but it also help with the truck sagging when I'm fully loaded.
Oh, I purchased it from the people over at etrailer_com
06-02-2017, 09:34 PM
Weight distribution hitches
