I have purchased a new, to me, a 24ft TT GVW is 6000 lbs. A friend has gifted me an Equalizer hitch with a rating of 14,000 lbs. that he no longer needs. Will this hitch work with my TT ? Am I over thinking this? Is this hitch overkill? I have never pulled a TT always having had a 5th. wheel, so I am in new territory here and want to do it right

If fully loaded you are looking at about 900 lbs of tongue weigh....so I think the 1400 lb rated bars may be a little too stiff. (or too much as you say).My opinion only. Others may vary.

If it were me, I'd go ahead and use them, at least see how they work. The most they will do is make a stiffer ride if they are set too tight. (the L-brackets set too high).

What a nice gift! I would run the hitch and just set the bars with. Little less tension. I used 1200 lb bars with out 800 lbs of tongue weight with great success. I just didn’t crank those spring bars down too tight. Thanks!Jeremiah

Use the gift! See how the bars do, then decide whatto do. You maybe able to get replacement bars which could be far less dollars then a new complete hitch.

enblethen wrote:Use the gift! See how the bars do, then decide whatto do. You maybe able to get replacement bars which could be far less dollars then a new complete hitch.I think on the Equalizer you need to replace the bars and the sockets to move between weights, still cheaper than a new system though since you have the head and the trailer parts and the shank that you don't need to purchase. $260 for a pair of 10k (1,000 tongue weight) bars and sockets is about half the cost of the complete system at that weight.

Too Much? | Good Sam Community

Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 23, 2018
elivi8 wrote:
I have seen this issue lots. Many people say that the higher rated bars will damage the trailer yet not once, at all, has anyone ever reported back saying there is damage. So I believe the only thing that changes is a rougher ride. I wouldn't worry about it.

Enjoy your setup! Great grab for free!

Ryan
My 2001 Fleetwood Wilderness had the warning in it's manual.... It actually listed how heavy a bar could be used depending on how thick the frame was on the TT.

For something this critical, don't take anyone on the internets word for it.

Contact YOUR TT manufacturer.

The internet opinionaters will NOT be writing any checks for YOUR repairs.
Vintage465
Nomad
Aug 23, 2018
I concur with the "try it and see if you like it idea". I'd just set the head with minimum amount of tilt and drop two links for starters.
afidel
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2018
Vintage465 wrote:
I concur with the "try it and see if you like it idea". I'd just set the head with minimum amount of tilt and drop two links for starters.

Equalizer doesn't have links...
Tyler0215
Explorer
Aug 24, 2018
Thanks for all the input. Installed the hitch last evening and want for a test drive. Trailer towed beautifully and truck rode nice.
Much better than the el-cheepo hitch the dealer gave me.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Aug 24, 2018
1400lb bars on a trailer with an approximate loaded TW of 750lbs?!!!! Way too much! You will not like the ride with them cranked up. Purchase the proper hitch just as you would with a truck. You will want a WD hitch that is rated at 8000/800lbs.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 25, 2018
Is it truly an Equal-i-zer hitch or are you meaning a weight distribution hitch?

If it is an Equal-i-zer hitch you will have to set it loose which means you won't get much anti-sway assistance.
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 25, 2018
beemerphile1 wrote:
Is it truly an Equal-i-zer hitch or are you meaning a weight distribution hitch?

If it is an Equal-i-zer hitch you will have to set it loose which means you won't get much anti-sway assistance.
X2 The Equalizer as pictured is an integreated sway control hitch. This has advantages,(no sway control to hook up) and in your case a disadvantage.(sway control is dependent on the pressure the bars have on them.) The less pressure, the less sway control.

This is why sizing is so important. If you wear a size 10 shoe, a size 13 will not be better, even if it is a better built shoe.

Same applies to hitches. So your test went well...Will it go so well when you really need the sway control to be at it's best?

Sometimes something for "free" isn't worth the cost.

Sell it, and put the money towards a properly sized hitch.
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 25, 2018
delete
Hannibal
Explorer
Aug 25, 2018
Tyler0215 wrote:
Thanks for all the input. Installed the hitch last evening and want for a test drive. Trailer towed beautifully and truck rode nice.
Much better than the el-cheepo hitch the dealer gave me.

Sounds like you're good to go. Be sure to torque the socket bolts to 65ft/lbs and rub some grease on the socket surfaces on the head per the manufacturer's instructions. I break all the rules, laws, morals, ethics, manufacturer's recommendation, and reject the supreme court's ruling and rub a smudge of grease on the L bracket as well to keep it quiet. Not a recommendation. We towed our current TT for a year with no sway control and no sway issues so other than passing trucks, I can't tell the difference.
Hannibal
Explorer
Aug 25, 2018
beemerphile1 wrote:
Is it truly an Equal-i-zer hitch or are you meaning a weight distribution hitch?

If it is an Equal-i-zer hitch you will have to set it loose which means you won't get much anti-sway assistance.

If it takes 200~lbs per bar to bring the front back to unloaded height, that's what it takes regardless which bars are used. Pressure and friction will be the same. The heavier bars simply won't flex as much.

Forum Discussion

Too Much?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Downsizing - How much?

Stabilizer jacks - How much is too much?

How much snow....?

Too much excitement

How Much to pay ?