Axle Placement - Load Balance

[mohrds]

ok I am new pulling trailers so what is a load equalizer hitch?also how do you know you have 10% on the hitch when loading?

Here is a great way to measure tongue weight with a bathroom scale:
Tongue Weight

I assume when you say "load eqaulizer hitch" you mean Weight distributing hitch. A WD hitch uses horizontal tension on the tow vehicle's hitch to distribute the tongue weight accross the vehicle's suspension, not just resting it all on the hitch.

There was a great site that explains it well but of course I can't find it at the moment. Here is a site that explains it pretty good.

How to Setup a Weight Distributing Hitch | eHow.com

In my opinion, if you are towing anything over 5000 pounds, I reccomend using a weight distributing hitch. Other people say 8,000 pounds, but I like the stability it gives.

Doug

 

[Iplayfarmer]

ok I am new pulling trailers so what is a load equalizer hitch?also how do you know you have 10% on the hitch when loading?

It's a hitch setup that uses torque from spring-bars extending to the trailer to pull the front of the tow vehicle down. It distributes the weight more evenly accross both axles of the tow vehicle.

Speaking from experience, an equalizer hitch can really improve the way your vehicle handles a trailer.