Forum Discussion

four22's avatar
four22
Explorer
Jan 25, 2017

Which Equal-i-zer Weight Bars??

We're planning to purchase a trailer in the coming months and I'm researching hitches...

The GVW of the trailer is 8600 pounds and figuring tongue weight from percentages leaves me with what weight bars would be best.
Here's the numbers:
10% 860
11% 946
12% 1032
13% 1118
14% 1204

Equal-I-zer come in 1000, 1200 and 1400 pound bar ratings... which would be best suited off what I know now?

I do not know what the loaded tongue weight is because I haven't purchased the trailer yet and will need a hitch to get it home to load...

Thanks all!!!
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2017
    As an Equal-i-zer owner myself, I would go with the 1,000 lb bars.

    Your numbers are based on the Max. GVW rating. Chances are your trailer will rarely be loaded to the max. I know mine never is.
  • four22's avatar
    four22
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2017
    I was a little thrown by e-trailer's page because I punched in 1200 pounds worst case scenario for tongue weight and it told I needed the 14,000/1400 pound combo... After reading a little some were complaining of a rough jaring ride with too stiff of a bar....

    Just trying to understand some real life experience so I don't end up getting the wrong items.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 25, 2017
    You can go too stiff as well. I did just that and it resulted in a bouncing effect at the rear of the truck.
  • lbrjet's avatar
    lbrjet
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2017
    I have a 8,600 lb trailer and for 25,000 miles my 1200 lb bars have worked great. My tongue weight is about 1050.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2017
    My tongue weight varies between 1100 and 1200# depending on how much fresh water I carry.
    I have the 1200/12000 bars. That is what the dealer recommended before I knew how much the tongue was going to weigh. They work fine. I'd also be fine with the 1400's.
    The 1400's may work better for a 1/2 ton TV to transfer more weight.
  • hohenwald48's avatar
    hohenwald48
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2017
    My trailer is 7800 actual weight ready to go. TW is 900 and I have 1,000 pound bars. I really have to tilt the head to get enough lift. I wish I had 1200 bars and didn't have to put them under so much tension.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2017
    Go to the owners forum of the brand. Research the tt you intend to buy and see what the owners say their tw's are or
    ... call a dealer of the brand you plan to buy and ask.

    For a few (maybe well spent dollars more than an on-line shop) buy the bars from the dealer and see how it works. If not good, go back to him and have him give you the correct bars at no expense to you. Have the dealer set it up for you.
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    The gross VWR of my TT is 10,000 lbs. Dry, unload weight is 6,650 lbs. The loaded weight, ready for camping is 8,150 +/- lbs.

    My Equal-i-zer hitch with 1,000 lb. bars has served my well for two years now with over 8,000 towing miles.

    I'm just giving you my first hand, real world experience as a few other Equal-i-zer owner/users already have.

    Naturally, it's your decision to purchase what YOU think is best for YOU. :@
  • four22's avatar
    four22
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    Thanks for the replies... sounds like he 12,000/1200 lbs set up would be a safe bet to start with. I difinitely need to do some more research though...

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