Why do I need WD?

cwboyscooby wrote:
I guess I opened a can of worms here. It wasn't really my intention.

I actually have a WD hitch sitting in my garage that came with the trailer. The previous owner pulled it with an Expedition, and if I were doing the same I would use the hitch.

My receiver is old and I cannot find the numbers on it, but It's a Class V, so I really doubt that it's overloaded at 800-1200lbs.

I should have never said I had "sway" issues in heavy wind, it was really just the wind pushing the trailer to the side. There was no fishtail and the wind gusts were in excess of 60mph.

I know trucks, engines, brakes, everything mechanical. I've done plenty of towing over the years including BP, GN, and FW. I am just new to the world of travel trailers. I was just wondering why so many people think they need WD hitches on a TT when a cargo trailer of the same size and weight would not. I assumed I was missing something somewhere.

I'm sure I'll be driving down the highway tonight and see one of you guys with a WD hitch on their F-550 pulling a jet ski. More power to you.

Whether you use a WDH will depend on the following:

1. Your receiver is rated to carry the dead tongue weight and trailer weight without a WDH - Typical limit of Class IV and smaller hitches.
2. Your rear axle has the capacity to handle the tongue weight along with the cargo you carry in the truck - Typical limit of 1/2t and smaller vehicles.
3. Your front axle is loaded enough to prevent under steer - Typical limit of gasoline engine and short wheelbase vehicles.

Ride height should still be equalized on the tow vehicle through the use of suspension aids without regard to the weight distribution above.