Whats the diffrence?

[roadrash]

I have a 2000 inline 6 jeep grand that when you look up the towing capacity says something like 2000 pounds for a straight hitch, 5000 pounds for a load distributing (equalizer) hitch. Well whats the diffrence in hitch? I have a class 3 on mine that i pull a 2o ft wellcraft and thinkinking of pulling a 88 sea ray weekender with has a dry weight around 3400, so when all said and done im pushing over 4000. Im not so much worried about the 2 mile trip 2 the launch but i would like to be able to pull it to my parents place a 140 miles away. I read the post earlier about the guys jeep but this sea ray is pushing it towards the max. I cant afford to upgrade boats and truck at the same time right now. the boat is on a tandom trailer with working brakes. I do not have a towing package, the class 3 was a add on.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Whats the diffrence?

My Ranger says the same thing and I'm pulling 5300lbs. Straight weight is just using the drawbar and ball. Load distributing uses a weight distribution sytel hitch with the lift bars.. Its usually there for high tongue weights. Although I'm over 5K my TW is just under 280 and barely moves the truck. Now, if I had more TW I would look into a system.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Whats the diffrence?

My Ranger says the same thing and I'm pulling 5300lbs. Straight weight is just using the drawbar and ball. Load distributing uses a weight distribution sytel hitch with the lift bars.. Its usually there for high tongue weights. Although I'm over 5K my TW is just under 280 and barely moves the truck. Now, if I had more TW I would look into a system.

On a single axle trailer, it's dangerous to run under 10% tongue weight. On a tandem, if the weight is low and it's accurately constructed, you can get away with 5%.

Most of the real wild (Watdahellhappened) jacknifes you see are caused by insufficient tongue weight. (Don't ask me how I know.)

hope it helps
John

 

[Provo5]

Re: Whats the diffrence?

The weight distribution system transfers tongue weight into the frame of the tow vehicle. Too much tongue weight and you can loose steering in an emergency stop. Too little and you can loose traction at the back wheels. The weight transfer will lift the rear suspension, either way can cause a jack-knife.
As far as your set up at the very least you need to add a transmission cooler. You did not mention if the trailer had brakes or not.
Be aware of the risk you open yourself up too if you were to get into an accident. I had a customer years ago that was towing a travel trailer that exceeded the manufactures weight spec of his truck and his insurance company denied his claim because of it.