Equal-i-zer - shank and ball height questions

Baja Man wrote:

I check my current 2" factory hitch and kit is rated at 12500#/1250# for WD.

If my trailer is over or close to this, I will change hitch to a 2.5" with a higher rating.

I will weigh trailer FIRST before I purchase a new shank; as I may end up going with a the 2.5" hitch and will need a 2.5" shank. I don't think my trailer has 1200# of tongue weight, but I'll know as soon as I weight it.

My trucks specs are:

GVWR: 9700#
Ft axle: 3300#
Rear axle: 2536#
Vehicle weight: 5836#
Payload: 3860#

The measurements you requested are as follows:

Truck's Hitch height (to top of hitch opening): 18"
Trailer height (level): 30"

I have the 1200# Equalizer hitch. If I go with a new higher rated hitch for my truck (2.5" hitch receiver opening), I will need to go with the 1400# Equalizer hitch as well, correct?

I agree; once I get the truck hitch and WD hitch dialed in, my truck and TT will be set up great. I purchased this precise truck for the weight I am towing. The truck has plenty of towing capacity and does it safely.

Thanks!

Hi,

OK, I can tell by your weights and GVWR, Ford really up'ed the weight ratings in the 2005 redesign. Mine can handle more weight and I'm sure my 18" stock tires are larger then yours to hold it up. I just paid $1,700 for 5 new tires... be glad you have the smaller ones...

On your question in blue, the only reason you need to upgrade the WD hitch is if your load TW will be over 1,200#. You can use the 2 1/2" shank which will taper down to 2" to fit the hitch head.

However I think it will be over 1,200# or soon will be as time goes on and you keep adding stuff to the camper. Filling the 2, 30# LP tanks with gas alone with a battery adds close to 100# of TW above the dry weight. The LP gas itself and the battery are often not included in the dry catalog weights. If your real dry weight is 1,010# + 100 = 1,110# before you put any cargo in the camper at all. Brochures are often just a stock model and no extras added. Sometimes the dry listed weight is close, other times way off.

When you get the tongue weighed you will know for sure then. Don't be shocked if it is at 1,300# or more now. It is always an eye opener on how much stuff weighs. 20# here, 40# there and it all adds up.

Maybe this will help if you go to a larger receiver. Here is my upgrade. F350 Receiver Upgrade - (Pic's)

Good luck and report back what you find. We too learn along with helping you.

John