I have used both Equalizer brand and Blue Ox. EQ made quite a bot of screeching sounds. BO was quiet. They both worked great. Considering both with my new to me TT (2011 Outback 250RS). GVWR of 7550#; It has a brochure TW of 640#. After I load trailer and full water tank (50Ga), I would assume it will be between 700-1100. I have a TW scale and will weigh before I decide on which model rated bars/head unit.My questions are:1. If TW loaded is 900#-1200#....will a 1500# rated bars to stiff for the application?2. How much over loaded TW should the hitch size (head/bars) be?3. Bars (EQ/BO) vs Chains (BO)?Thanks!

I'd figure what my greatest anticipated tongue weight might be, and get whatever is enough (even 'just enough') to handle that amount. Going beyond that to the next available pound-rated hitch could cause a rougher ride, and maybe somewhat more stress on the frames for lack of 'give'. However, if you think you'll be trading the trailer for something heavier in the near future, then it could make sense to go to the next higher rated hitch.

1000lb giver take tongue weight on a F350?I’d use the Invisible WDH…

I agree with rexilon. With that GVWR, even a 15% hitch weight would be under 1,200 pounds. That would likely be my target. The only caveat would be gear in the bed. If you are heavily loading your bed, that does come into the equation and might change the need.

The bar only, non chain types usually have anti-sway built in, no need for external anti-sway units. No need to remove anti-sway bars when backing up.Equalizer sells a plastic pad for the spring bars to rest on, cutting the screaching significantly..Recommend taking your TT GVWR times 10% and 15%. Get bars within that range.To repeat an oft posted story. With full FW tank (accidentally left full) my 3877# GVWR TT tongue weight was about 680# by Haulgauge last fall. My spring bars are 400-600# rated. So a little stronger than anticipated need is not a bad thing.

Have a 7600# trailer and use 1200# trunnion bars without issue. Usually carry a bed load and full fresh water tank (60g).The FWT is located well forward of the axles, something to consider.

Hitch Selection - TW Questions | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

kellem
Explorer
Jun 21, 2021
Grit dog wrote:
kellem wrote:
Have a 7600# trailer and use 1200# trunnion bars without issue.
Usually carry a bed load and full fresh water tank (60g).
The FWT is located well forward of the axles, something to consider.

I have a 12,800lb gvw trailer, running about 10k ready to camp and use 0# trunnions bars without issue. Tows like it’s on rails.

Still not sure where the brainwashing comes from, but OP ought to tow his trailer first then decide what he wants or needs.

No brainwashing coming from this direction.
I'm towing a scale weight 7600# trailer with a 3/4 ton and much prefer having weight distributed to front axle and also run under speed limit.....err on the side of caution kinda guy.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Jun 21, 2021
kellem wrote:
Have a 7600# trailer and use 1200# trunnion bars without issue.
Usually carry a bed load and full fresh water tank (60g).
The FWT is located well forward of the axles, something to consider.

I have a 12,800lb gvw trailer, running about 10k ready to camp and use 0# trunnions bars without issue. Tows like it’s on rails.

Still not sure where the brainwashing comes from, but OP ought to tow his trailer first then decide what he wants or needs.
wowens79
Explorer III
Jun 21, 2021
When i was buying my Blue Ox, I was on the border between sizes and emailed Blue Ox, and they said to go with the heavier bars if in doubt.
kellem
Explorer
Jun 21, 2021
Have a 7600# trailer and use 1200# trunnion bars without issue.
Usually carry a bed load and full fresh water tank (60g).
The FWT is located well forward of the axles, something to consider.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Jun 21, 2021
The bar only, non chain types usually have anti-sway built in, no need for external anti-sway units. No need to remove anti-sway bars when backing up.
Equalizer sells a plastic pad for the spring bars to rest on, cutting the screaching significantly..
Recommend taking your TT GVWR times 10% and 15%. Get bars within that range.
To repeat an oft posted story. With full FW tank (accidentally left full) my 3877# GVWR TT tongue weight was about 680# by Haulgauge last fall. My spring bars are 400-600# rated. So a little stronger than anticipated need is not a bad thing.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Jun 21, 2021
I agree with rexilon. With that GVWR, even a 15% hitch weight would be under 1,200 pounds. That would likely be my target. The only caveat would be gear in the bed. If you are heavily loading your bed, that does come into the equation and might change the need.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Jun 21, 2021
1000lb giver take tongue weight on a F350?
I’d use the Invisible WDH…
rexlion
Explorer
Jun 21, 2021
I'd figure what my greatest anticipated tongue weight might be, and get whatever is enough (even 'just enough') to handle that amount. Going beyond that to the next available pound-rated hitch could cause a rougher ride, and maybe somewhat more stress on the frames for lack of 'give'. However, if you think you'll be trading the trailer for something heavier in the near future, then it could make sense to go to the next higher rated hitch.

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Hitch Selection - TW Questions

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