10k equalizer vs 12k

[Robear]

Hello,
I am switching over my harbor freight wdh to the equalizer 4 point.
I have a 2013 cougar 25RET. Sticker on side of trailer says 7200 gvwr and 625 tongue weight.
My question is will the 10k model be adequate for my truck and trailer.
Truck is a 3/4 ton Silverado.

[chuckster57]

Yes it will. 625 tongue will be about 800 with WD hitch weight. Bars are rated for 1,000 pounds, I would think your good to go.

[Robear]

Thanks for the reply! Always helps to get a second opinion.

[sourdough]

That's a good match.

[Robear]

Thanks Sourdough ��

[derowe82]

I am not 100% sure what the 10k model is, but I am guessing it the the rating of hitch for a 10k lb trailer. If that's the case, you should have no problem with a 3/4 ton with a 625 tongue weight.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by derowe82

I am not 100% sure what the 10k model is, but I am guessing it the the rating of hitch for a 10k lb trailer. If that's the case, you should have no problem with a 3/4 ton with a 625 tongue weight.

10K is the weight rating for the hitch, and 1K is the weight rating for the bars.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

10K is the weight rating for the hitch, and 1K is the weight rating for the bars.

Makes sense.

[sourdough]

IIRC Equalizer uses a 14k shank for their hitches at 10k and above. Then it's just the bars to fit to the anticipated weight...with a margin IMO.

[Balvar24]

Equalizer has a calculator on their site to play around with. 8k was borderline for my slightly lighter trailer. I went with a 10k. No regrets. Make sure your ball has the correct length shank.

[Gunny Mike]

You sure will enjoy the upgrade to an equalizer hitch. We have towed with a F250 and a 2500 HD silverado and love the control we have with the 12k hitch on our 38.3' Outback TT. We havent been on the road with winds greater then 25mph but i dont have to grip the wheel tighter when a semi passes us up.

[Robear]

I wound up buying the 10k used - half price from a local who used it a few times. Set it up on a level slab and took a 120mile round trip with it. There wasn’t any wind , but the handling was much better . Easier to hook up and unhook compared to the harbor freight system. I also had to watch my speed creeping up because of the improved handling made the ride more secure!

[Weldon]

Originally Posted by Gunny Mike

You sure will enjoy the upgrade to an equalizer hitch. We have towed with a F250 and a 2500 HD silverado and love the control we have with the 12k hitch on our 38.3' Outback TT. We havent been on the road with winds greater then 25mph but i dont have to grip the wheel tighter when a semi passes us up.

Ditto. I went from a HF WDH and 2 sway bars to an EQ4 12k. I didn't need a 12k, but it doesn't hurt and may save me another purchase if I upgrade in the future. No more white knuckles. I've had to take cover once since upgrading, but the was due to a torrential downpour not wind. Well worth the cost. Oh, and the torque required is over 250 ft lbs. I had mine installed by CW but wanted to give you the heads up in case you're installing yourself. I don't have a wrench for that kind of torque. You might.

[Robear]

Originally Posted by Weldon

Ditto. I went from a HF WDH and 2 sway bars to an EQ4 12k. I didn't need a 12k, but it doesn't hurt and may save me another purchase if I upgrade in the future. No more white knuckles. I've had to take cover once since upgrading, but the was due to a torrential downpour not wind. Well worth the cost. Oh, and the torque required is over 250 ft lbs. I had mine installed by CW but wanted to give you the heads up in case you're installing yourself. I don't have a wrench for that kind of torque. You might.

Yes it did require a huge torque wrench. Fortunately my brother had the correct tools for the job!

[flybouy]

As far as the ball torque I never worried about using a torque wrench. I put the shank in the hitch with the ball facing my right. That way turning the nut down (clockwise) tightens it. A socket on my breaker bar and crank it down, then stand on the breaker bar. The lock nut fully crushed and as far as I'm concerned it's good. Never had an issue doing that while towing for the last 50 years. YMMV

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by flybouy

As far as the ball torque I never worried about using a torque wrench. I put the shank in the hitch with the ball facing my right. That way turning the nut down (clockwise) tightens it. A socket on my breaker bar and crank it down, then stand on the breaker bar. The lock nut fully crushed and as far as I'm concerned it's good. Never had an issue doing that while towing for the last 50 years. YMMV

That's how I've done it for years!
I don't know how many ft lbs my 2 feet on a 3' cheater on my 1/2" breaker bar with my 270lbs on the end may be but have never lost a trailer ball yet.

[chuckster57]

I have a 20V 1/2” drive impact that is rated to about 500 lb ft. Haven’t had a ball come loose yet.