Equalizer hitch selection question

[BroncoAZ]

I recently posted pics of my new car trailer on here, now I need to select the WD hitch. After reading many of the posts here the equalizer seems to be simple and popular. One post (I can't find it again) referenced getting the equalizer hitch that is rated higher than the expected tongue weight for a toy hauler. My trailer is an open deck and I'm looking at a fully loaded trailer of around 8,800 lbs. I'm anticipating a tongue weight of 880-1000 lbs. Will the 1000/10K equalizer hitch be the best choice, or am I better off buying the next size up 1200/12K? Are the forged parts the same and the difference is in the bars? Can I order a different set of bars down the road if my needs change?

Thanks,

Mitch

[Derwud]

Originally Posted by BroncoAZ

I recently posted pics of my new car trailer on here, now I need to select the WD hitch. After reading many of the posts here the equalizer seems to be simple and popular. One post (I can't find it again) referenced getting the equalizer hitch that is rated higher than the expected tongue weight for a toy hauler. My trailer is an open deck and I'm looking at a fully loaded trailer of around 8,800 lbs. I'm anticipating a tongue weight of 880-1000 lbs. Will the 1000/10K equalizer hitch be the best choice, or am I better off buying the next size up 1200/12K? Are the forged parts the same and the difference is in the bars? Can I order a different set of bars down the road if my needs change?

Thanks,

Mitch

No each head and bars are different. I would go with 12k model or even the 14k model.

[thclimer]

Mitch,

I had this very question when I was selecting mine. I was looking at getting the 10K model and asked the manufacture of Equalizer hitch and they said it would be fine for me to step up to the 12K model. My advice is go for the 12K. As Derwud said each model has different sized parts.

[BroncoAZ]

I exchanged a couple of e-mail with Josh from Equal-i-zer today:

When selecting the appropriate hitch model, you should consider your heaviest loaded trailer weight and loaded tongue weight, and then select the hitch model with both its weight ratings being higher than those loaded weights. Although your trailer has the capacity to weigh as much as 14,000 lbs., your tow vehicle is restricted to 9,500 lbs. in tow capacity. Therefore, your trailer should never weigh more than 9,500 lbs.

If all we were considering was the loaded weight of the trailer, then the 10,000 lb. Hitch would be fine. This hitch model's Maximum Trailer Weight rating is 10,000 lbs., which will cover your loaded trailer weight. However, you also need to pay attention to the Maximum Tongue Weight rating on this hitch model, which is 1,000 lbs. If your loaded tongue weight will also be below the 1,000 lb. Max Tongue Weight rating, then this hitch model is adequate. But if you think your trailer will reach or possibly exceed 1,000 lbs. in loaded tongue weight, it would be better to select the 12,000 lb. Hitch instead.

Even though your trailer should never weigh more than 9,500 lbs., you could potentially have more than 1,000 lbs. in loaded tongue weight. A tongue weight of 1,000 lbs. or more automatically requires that you use a heavier hitch model, even if the trailer weight is still below the rating on the lighter hitch model. You will not compromise the ride quality by selecting the 12,000 lb. Hitch. All Equal-i-zer Hitches are adjustable, so none of them are "stuck" at their max ratings of 10,000, 12,000 or 14,000 lbs. Instead, you can customize the amount of tension on the Spring Arms to match the specific weight of your trailer.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please let me know how I can further assist you.

Thanks,

Josh Jones
Progress Mfg Inc.
Customer Support
1-800-478-5578
jjones@progressmfg.com

After reading this I figured on the 1200/12K model. I figured I'd ask a question about going to the 1400/14K model instead, here's the response:

If you plan on upgrading your tow vehicle to be able to use your trailer up to its GVWR capacity of 14,000 lbs., you will end up saving more money if you start out purchasing the 14,000 lb. Hitch instead of the 12,000 lb. Hitch. Although it is possible to upgrade to heavier hitch capacities, this ends up being more expensive to buy the upgraded parts than it would be to buy the 14,000 lb. Hitch to begin with. The 14,000 lb. Hitch will also work just as fine as the 12,000 lb. Hitch with your lighter trailer and tongue weights.


I read on the rv.net forums that using a WD hitch that is rated much higher than the tongue weight is not advised because it can lead to cracking the tongue. I seriously doubt that the hitch bars would be able to crack the 6" channel frame of my new trailer, but it seems like a valid concern.

At this point I'm trying to decide between the 1200/12K or the 1400/14K. It makes sense to me to only buy this once, meaning I go with the 1400/14K. Tell Nissan to hurry up with the darn Diesel 3/4 ton

[BroncoAZ]

I ended up ordering the 1200/12K model. The price was $526 on the 1400/14K model, vs $399 for the 1200/12K. I don't see having a tongue weight over 1050# max with the Titan. If I get a 3/4 ton truck later I'll spring for another hitch if the load merits.

Mitch

[thclimer]

I think you made a good decision. If you did have to upgrade, I would guess you could get a fair portion of your $399 by selling the 12K on e-bay.