I have done some seraching around and am not finding quite what I'm looking for with regards to an answer to this question:I am purchasing an Equal-i-zer hitch. The published (dry) tongue weight is approx. 700#. I know that, after strategically loading the trailer, this will increase some. My question is, what size (capacity) hitch would you get? I know that bigger, i.e. higher capacity, isn't better necessarily as it affects ride quality if you're significantly oversized.At first blush, I can likely get away with the 1,000# version, but I am thinking it might be better to go up to the 1,200#. Would you go any higher than that? I can go up to 1,400#, but that seems like it's getting into the negative ride quality area.What's your experience and/or advice?Thanks, Dean

1,000 or 1,200Tell us what you've got and give all the weights for better answers.

I'm guessing after loading the trailer with battery, propane, and gear you'll probably be pretty close to 1,000 lbs on the hitch. Hard to say without real weights. If you're thinking you might upgrade to a larger trailer in the next 5 years I might be inclined to go with the 1200 lbs version so you don't have to upgrade later. I agree 1,400 would probably be way overkill and might negatively impact performance/comfort. I believe you have to replace the hitch head and bars to up the weight rating as i don't think the larger capacity bars will fit in the smaller hitch heads.

TT is a 2013 Cruiser Viewfinder Signature 28BHSS.Actual Dry Weight: 5940#Published hitch weight: 660#Will have 2 20# propane bottles and 2 batteries.Will be towing with 2012 Tundra Double Cab Limited 4x4 with towing package.Thanks, Dean

Actual scaled weights are best, But I have a hard time seeing you needing more than a 10K hitch. If you decide to go bigger, check with your TT manufacturer. Some have limits on how heavy a bar can be based on the tongue frame size.

Thanks very much. I don't have the trailer yet, so the only actual scale weight I have thus far is the actual dry weight.I will check with the manufacturer. Assuming it doesn't exceed their limits and since I am going to be very close to the 1,000# mark, is there much (any?) harm in going up to the 1,200# bars (12,000# GTW). Just not sure how exact a science this is. Seems to me there's some "insurance" room - meaning, If my actual hitch weight happens to come out to 985#, it would make sense to go not just to the 1,000# bars (10,000# GTW), but to move up one level... assuming that doesn't cause undue ride harshness, etc. Just coming from the school of thought that slightly more than needed is better than running the risk of being under, even by a little (for example: if I loaded up my trailer to a tongue weight of 1,100#).Thanks again for the advice and guidance.

bar size for Equal-i-zer hitch | Good Sam Community

DB2BRMI
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
krobbe wrote:
Thanks Mickeyfan. I had forgotten about Equal-i-zer's suggested hitch calculator.
So after inputting your numbers of (Dry)5940# + (Gear/stuff)1000 to 1500 = 6940to7440 x .13 = 902to967#hitch wt. It recommends a 12K. I'd go with the 12K.

_____________

...and if you called them and asked about it I bet they would confirm the 12K and give you some reasons for the recommendation.
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
In case you haven't seen it, there is a page on their website, here, where you can input your numbers and get their recommendation. Good luck!

That is interesting. It seems to over hitch on the calculator.. In fact it says that the 14K hitch I am using, is too small. Actually it states that they cannot find a hitch to recommend.

Plug in a 960# TW and it recommends the 1200#@. I wonder what he deal is with this. Having used the normal types in the past, I can attest to the fact that the EQUALIZER bars are MUCH more stout for a given rating than the other, tapered types are. In fact I'm not sure they bend much at all.
krobbe
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Thanks Mickeyfan. I had forgotten about Equal-i-zer's suggested hitch calculator.
So after inputting your numbers of (Dry)5940# + (Gear/stuff)1000 to 1500 = 6940to7440 x .13 = 902to967#hitch wt. It recommends a 12K. I'd go with the 12K.
Caboose66
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Thanks everyone. This has been an education. The "bigger is better" mentality, even with some limits isn't always the right approach, I guess.

Dean
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
You need a 1,000# hitch based on a tongue weight of 996#. Even if it was 1,050# you could still use the 1,000# hitch. It is better to be a little small than big.
ifd22
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
My Outback 28BHS has very similar weight numbers. I'm also towing with a Tundra and use the 1000# bars. I've been happy with the ride and the setup with the hitch.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
In case you haven't seen it, there is a page on their website, here, where you can input your numbers and get their recommendation. Good luck!
Caboose66
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
FYI... In case there is any confusion. Its not my intention to buy a large enough WD hitch to accommodate a larger trailer down the road. My intent is to buy the right hitch for THIS trailer, but with enough wiggle room to allow for some unknowns in my loaded weight. Heck... My loaded weight might be different enough from trip to trip to make the difference between one setup and another ( due to tongue weight... The loaded trailer weight is NEVER going to approach the 12,000 # rating of the hitch that has the 1200# bars.

Just to clear things up.

Dean
Caboose66
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Huntindog,
Thank you for the advice, and my apologies for not including you in my thanks earlier.

I know from the bit I'vee read that I don't want to go TOO big. That's why I'm wondering... If I'm likely to be between 950 and say 1100 tongue weight when the trailer is fully loaded, I assume that the 1200# bars are the way to go, even though the fully loaded trailer is going to be well below 10,000#...

Is it safe to make some educated assumptions about the final weight of the trailer so I can get the hitch on the way. I really don't know. I assumed that it would be fine to go with 1200# bars when I can reasonably assume (based on previous trailering experience) that my total loaded trailer weight will be in the 7500-8000# range and the total tongue weight will be in the 950-1000# range.

If what you're saying is that I should wait until I get the trailer, get it loaded, take it to a scale and KNOW for absolute certain what my exact weights will be, I respect that and may very well do just that. If, however, it's safe to make some educated assumptions, then I may do that in order to get some things in hand ahead of time so I am ready to go camping a little sooner after the trailer is delivered.

Thanks very much for your input and forthe patience while I make sure I understand the best way to move forward.

Dean
Huntindog
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Caboose66 wrote:
Thanks Krobbe. I think I'm leaning strongly toward the 1200# bars.
Please reread my previous post. This is one case where bigger isn't better. The correct size is the right size. Don't buy bigger thinking that it will save money down the road when you get a bigger TT. You may never do so, or you may go even bigger than one step up. And WD hitches do wear out. I have done it.. Amazingly they can still be sold for decent $$ when well on their way to the junk heap.

So get the right one for the TT you will have NOW. IF/WHEN you change TTs, sell the old hitch and get the right size for the next TT.