Is it bad to get to big of Equalizer hitch

We had too small of bars initially (1000lb) with 1200-1400lbs of tongue weight. It was very uncomfortable towing.. it had lots of bounce. We upgraded the whole setup (new receiver on truck, new WDH) and have a wonderful towing experience now. I can see where too much bar would be hard on trailer frame, but I am thinking too much like a tent trailer with 1400lb bars.. that would destroy the tent trailer I suspect.

mfoster711 wrote:
---I am following the instructions on their website and it recommends a 10k but if I add a lot of extra cargo weight then it starts to recommend a 12k.---

Using a WDH to compensate for cargo added behind the TV's rear axle is an antiquated concept originating in the 1950s-1960s when the family sedan was a typical TV.
IMO, selection of WD bar capacity for use with modern TVs should not be based on amount of weight carried behind the rear axle.

---The amount of extra cargo weight I put into their formula is probably more than I would ever have so a 10k hitch would probably be fine but I am wondering what is the harm in just getting the 12k hitch "just to be safe".

The Equal-I-zer installation instructions make no mention of using the WDH to compensate for TV cargo. The instructions state:
"

While installing or adjusting the hitch, the tow vehicle and trailer should be loaded just as they will be while traveling. This includes full propane and fresh water tanks, and any other cargo (passengers & gear) the tow vehicle or trailer will carry, including ATVs for toy haulers.---

"
This means that, when the "unhitched" front-end height is measured, the effect of TV cargo already is included.
Adjustment of the WDH is intended to compensate only for the effect of tongue weight.
It is not necessary for the bars to have extra capacity to compensate for TV cargo effects.

To put it another way, if somebody asks me what size truck do they need to tow a popup then I would say any half ton should be fine but there is no harm in getting a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck. Is this true for the Equalizer hitch also?

I think that depends on the construction of the TT.
Having a heavier TV with stiffer suspension and/or WD bars which are stiffer than necessary, can result in larger forces being transmitted to the TT's A-frame.

Another thing to consider --
The weight ratings of today's WD bars most likely are based on the outdated assumption that the bars will be used in an attempt to achieve equal added loading of the TV's front and rear axles.
Most major WDH and TV manufacturers now are specifying that none of the tongue weight should be carried on the TV's front axle.
This means the WD bars now are distributing relatively less load than in the old days.

Ron

OK, I have the same question.
My 1992 GMC G2500 vandura weighs 4,482 lbs according to "specs", it hasnt actually been weighed. It is a 3/4 ton van, max towing capacity of 6600lbs

I have a 1996 forest river Wildwood 18FS TT 3480 lbs, tongue weight @450 lbs.

Here is the trailer hooked to my van. I didnt experience any problem pulling the trailer, braking (I have the electronic break thing installed) or stopping.

I could get this used WD or is it too much for my set up? What would you all recommend?

Thanks for all the replies!

So far, I have 3 people saying it is totally fine to get the size bigger and all 3 of them own the equalizer and two of the three actually called Equalizer and asked this question.

On the other hand, I have 5 people saying it is a bad idea and that I should get the "right size" hitch. I am curious if those of you in the majority (that say it is a bad idea) own the equalizer? What are you basing your opinions on? Experiences with other types of weight distribution hitches? Articles you read? I just your gut feeling?

I should mention, I already own an Equalizer but was asking the question for a friend. In my experience, if you follow the instructions to properly setup the Equalizer hitch then I don't see how any of those negatives (bent frame, poor ride) could happen. I can see how those negatives could happen with other style hitches if they are not properly setup, especially if you over tighten them.

I discussed this and a few other questions with Equalizer over 3-4 phone conversations earlier this year. The answer to your question is NO

The E4 hitch is designed to work properly as long as your TT has tongue wt greater than or equal to 10% of the rated tongue wt of the hitch. If you buy the 1,200 / 12,000 lb hitch, your TT must have at least 120 lbs of tongue wt for the hitch to function properly.

So according the rep at Equalizer, it would be nearly impossible to have too much hitch.

The 1,200 / 12,000 lb hitch and the 1,400 / 14,000 lb hitch use the exact same spring bars. The spring bars on these 2 hitches have different part numbers and leave the factory with different decals to avoid confusion, but they are identical per the rep at Equalizer. The real difference between the 12K & 14K hitch is the thickness of the side plates on the hitch head. The 14K has 1/2" thick plates while the 12K hitch has 3/8" thick side plates.

I learned much about these hitches via 3-4 phone calls with Equalizer as my dealer installed the wrong hitch on my vehicle not once, but TWO times during my recent purchase.

My new trailer would have been fine with the 1,200 / 12,000 lb Equalizer hitch, but I opted to buy the 1,400 / 14,000 lb model in case I ever went to a heavier trailer. I spoke with a rep at Equalizer about my decision before I made my purchase and the rep agreed this was the smart way to go for me.

It sounds like you would be ok to go with the 1,000 / 10,000 lb model. However, there would be no negative reason to go with the larger 1,200 / 12,000 or 1,400 / 14,000 lb models. These 2 larger models will be heaver than the 10K model and cost more, but they would work fine on your trailer. This is all based on the info I received from the folks at Equalizer which I tend to believe.

twxsby89 wrote:
I spoke with Equalizer about this very thing. I bought a TT with a 950 lb dry tongue weight, figured I'd be good with the 1200 after I was loaded, he convinced me to go with the 1400, in case I went over 1200 lb. Said it would be better to have too big than too small.

Call them, tell them what you are towing, and what you are towing with, they will have the best advice.

While I am probably in the minority here I tend to agree with the experts at Equal-i-zer that getting a set of bars like one size larger than your expected actual TW is fine with one caveat and that is you need to have a TV that is capable of handling whatever you are towing with ease. If you have a TV that is only just squeaking by then too heavy of a bar could give you less than a great towing experience from a potential harshness prospective.

My TW is aloways between 900 and 1000 and I have been using a 12K/1.2K Equal-i-zer with no adverse effects ride wise.

Larry

Get the proper size hitch/bars. You want the bars rated at the loaded, ready to travel tongue weight! To heavy a bar and it will not ride properly, and it will not transfer the weight the way it was designed too.

Is there anything wrong with getting an Equalizer hitch that is a size too big? I

Get the right tool for the job. Right size the hitch. Too big is not good nor is it better. Too strong of spring bars can damage the trailers tongue. Great discussion about this hitch on the Airstream forums. Not all is good!

I spoke with Equalizer about this very thing. I bought a TT with a 950 lb dry tongue weight, figured I'd be good with the 1200 after I was loaded, he convinced me to go with the 1400, in case I went over 1200 lb. Said it would be better to have too big than too small.

Call them, tell them what you are towing, and what you are towing with, they will have the best advice.

DutchmenSport wrote:
I'm no expert by any means. My dealer helped me with my E2 hitch, proper weight, and everything. But, from what I understand, if heavier duty bars could be too "stout" and not provide enough "flex" for your trailer. In other words, there is a bit of flexing that occurs with the bars. If they are too "stout" and won't flex,

It will also result in a very tight ride. Best to have the bars where they are suppose to be to allow some flex for a better ride.