Final weight distribution decision

[Greywolf26dbh]

Hi everyone,

I have been posting various questions on weights and appreciate the responses. Now I really need to make a decision on a weight distribution system. I have pretty much narrowed it down to 2 options.

I just purchased my first travel trailer and now that I'm getting ready to take delivery, I am getting a bit nervous about the size and can use Some help on a weight distribution / sway control system. The trailer is a forest river grey wolf 26dbh with a dry weight of 5,622. I will only be camping for short trips so don't see the weight ever going above 7,000 lbs.

I will be towing the trailer with a 2014 Ford Expedition EL (long wheelbase) with the tow package which has a max tow of 8,700 lbs and a max tongue weight of 900 lbs. I see my biggest limiting factor being the max tongue weight. I am considering the Equalizer 4 point sway control system. With my limitations on tongue weight I would not be able to go over an 11% tongue weight with the equalizer.

Another system that I am considering is the propride 3p; however this hitch is significantly heavier (about 100 lbs). My understanding is that because of its no sway design tongue weight can be left at 9 to 10% very comfortably which may offset the extra weight. I understand this hitch is significantly more, which I am okay with if it's necessary for the most comfortable experience.

I need to make a decision because I need to purchase the hitch before picking up the trailer. Does anyone have any thought? Would I be okay with the equalizer or should I spend the extra $ on the propride? Or should I avoid the propride because of the extra weight? Also, my expedition has the ford built in sway control. Will this change anything or just be addition control?

Thanks in advance.

[Lukegsdaddy]

I just looked up the pro,p since I have never heard of it , $2300.00 and some change If you have the money go for it. Seems a little overkill for the Gray Wolf.
We just got our 26dbh and we use the Husky centerline with the 800# bars and are very happy so far. For the money I would do the equalizer.

Good luck.

[nomad297]

With the options you have listed, I would go with the E4 setup, but if you had included the Husky Center Line TS in your choices, I would go with that.

Bruce

[Greywolf26dbh]

Originally Posted by Lukegsdaddy

I just looked up the pro,p since I have never heard of it , $2300.00 and some change If you have the money go for it. Seems a little overkill for the Gray Wolf.
We just got our 26dbh and we use the Husky centerline with the 800# bars and are very happy so far. For the money I would do the equalizer.

Good luck.

What are you towing your grey wolf with?

[Lukegsdaddy]

Originally Posted by Greywolf26dbh

What are you towing your grey wolf with?

Tundra Crewmax.

[spudston]

You would have to lighten the tongue weight by 100 lbs. just to make up for the extra weight of the Propride. You can only do that by removing cargo from the front or shifting it to the rear, and with most travel trailers the cargo goes mostly in the front, so shifting it rearward may be difficult. I suggest trying the Equal-I-Zer. If that proves to be inadequate, sell it and go for the Propride.

[Fairenatic]

I just towed my new Eagle with the Equalizer rig 1200 miles!!!!

It worked flawlessly and my unit weighs closer to 11,000 pounds fully loaded.

You will be just fine with your lighter load. Just make sure you size it right.

Here is a link that you might find helpful. Do not rely on the dealer or supplier to do the right calculations.

Hitch Sizes

I was VERY happy with its operation the whole way with NO sway and great adjustment for ride height and leveling. Something that is important to consider, as well.

[mort]

Equalizer, Equalizer,
Equalizer. Get it!!
$500 You will never look backat anything else!

[DC 235BHS]

I have the equalizer brand hitch and love it. Works great on 26ft apex. Doesnt move at all when tractor trailers go by.

[SuicideSaints]

I use the eq 4 pt on my EVO 2850 and love it!!!!

Remember if you are trying to stick within weights to add in the hitch to your tongue weight, my eq 4 pt weighs in at 99 lbs (everything- hitch, bars, ball, and supporting hardware).

So if you have a max tongue weight of 900 lbs minus the hitch out of there (900-100=800) and that is your "new number".

[Joseph Carozzoni]

I've got the Equal-i-zer 10K and have towed up to 7K (car trailer limit) with good results. No sway even in our high wind area. I have traveled with tongue weight from 10% to 15% and have not noticed any difference - but this is behind the 11,300 (unloaded) motorhome.

[JustB_Rad]

I use the Equalizer with our Grey Wolf 26DBH and its awesome!

[Greywolf26dbh]

Originally Posted by spudston

You would have to lighten the tongue weight by 100 lbs. just to make up for the extra weight of the Propride. You can only do that by removing cargo from the front or shifting it to the rear, and with most travel trailers the cargo goes mostly in the front, so shifting it rearward may be difficult. I suggest trying the Equal-I-Zer. If that proves to be inadequate, sell it and go for the Propride.

Thanks for the reply. My trailer has a rear cargo rack that can hold up to 200 lbs and the front and rear cargo storage is pretty equal do to the under bunk storage. Also grey water tank is behind axel so lightening the tongue weight by 100 lbs may not be that difficult if needed.

[Greywolf26dbh]

Thanks for all the responses, I'm feeling much better about my trailer / vehicle combination. A lot of people have recommended the equalizer, but haven't heard much about the other hitch I am considering which is the propride. Any thoughts on the propride with my vehicle and trailer? Also would 11% tongue weight with the equalizer be enough tongue weight?

[SuicideSaints]

TW is supposed to be around 10-15 percent when properly loaded. That'll be fine the the eq 4pt

[fonzie]

Originally Posted by Greywolf26dbh

Thanks for all the responses, I'm feeling much better about my trailer / vehicle combination. A lot of people have recommended the equalizer, but haven't heard much about the other hitch I am considering which is the propride. Any thoughts on the propride with my vehicle and trailer? Also would 11% tongue weight with the equalizer be enough tongue weight?

Well you must have read the reviews of ProPride on their website? I have mine since 2011 and have no complaints and no sway at all. I have not pull with the equalizer so can not give you a proper feedback comparison. It will work with your vehicle and trailer but it is 100 lbs more of tongue weight......

[walljammer]

Have had an Equalizer for 6 years have hauled 3 trailers with it can't beat it!

[Pick_PSD]

I have never used the Equalizer or Propride but I can't say enough good things about my Reese Dual Cam set-up.

I have this WDH in conjunction with this sway control

When I used to tow our TT with my Dodge half-ton, it was NIGHT & DAY difference. Without it passing tractor trailers and wind gusts would make the trailer sway behind my TV but with it I could FEEL the difference. My TV & TT would move but together (without swaying).

I have since upgraded to a F-350 and having a vehicle that weighs more than the trailer makes a world of difference but I still use the WDH & sway control set-up. It is that good...

[pnwbrg]

I don't know the propride but did tow my Windjammer with Expedition and Husky WD for two seasons. It took few trys to get the hitch balanced for best comfort, but towed great.

[mxdad]

I tow a Grey Wolf 26RR with an Escalade ESV and a Pro Series 10K hitch. The hitch weight is about 750 lbs ....max payload is about 1550 and max hitch weight is 1K. Loaded trailer weight is about 6900 lbs. We carry most of our stuff in the trailer to prevent going over payload/axle ratings and it tows just fine....