Do we need weight distribution hitch?

djsamuel wrote:

Vintage465 wrote:

BeerBrewer wrote:
Wow.....I didn't think my question would cause so much debate.

Just so I'm clear we definitely plan on getting WDH, even if the specs say we don't technically need one. I thought about buying one upfront and bringing it up with us. Only I figured that I'd have to install it in a random parking lot near by. I never thought that the rv dealer would install one that I purchased, but I will certainly ask now that I know it's possible.

I was more worried about towing an empty trailer, meaning I'd have almost no way of altering the tongue weight, but you folks calmed my worries about that.

There's about 5 topics that are button pushers
1. Gas or diesel
2. If diesel....Ford, GM or Dodge.
3. WD hitch or not.
4. If WD hitch....which one.
5. 6v batteries or 12v........

And by the way, I'm in the WD camp. Takes me 6 minutes to do all the lash up. So time is never really the issue. I think there are a number of folks that see the WD hitch as a crutch proving their pickup isn't stout enough. I firmly believe it is just a nicer and safer ride with it. I've nothing to prove or be ashamed of.

You forgot tires. :B

I haven't seen a knock down drag out regarding tires yet. I have something to look forward too!

Vintage465 wrote:

BeerBrewer wrote:
Wow.....I didn't think my question would cause so much debate.

Just so I'm clear we definitely plan on getting WDH, even if the specs say we don't technically need one. I thought about buying one upfront and bringing it up with us. Only I figured that I'd have to install it in a random parking lot near by. I never thought that the rv dealer would install one that I purchased, but I will certainly ask now that I know it's possible.

I was more worried about towing an empty trailer, meaning I'd have almost no way of altering the tongue weight, but you folks calmed my worries about that.

There's about 5 topics that are button pushers
1. Gas or diesel
2. If diesel....Ford, GM or Dodge.
3. WD hitch or not.
4. If WD hitch....which one.
5. 6v batteries or 12v........

And by the way, I'm in the WD camp. Takes me 6 minutes to do all the lash up. So time is never really the issue. I think there are a number of folks that see the WD hitch as a crutch proving their pickup isn't stout enough. I firmly believe it is just a nicer and safer ride with it. I've nothing to prove or be ashamed of.

You forgot tires. :B

The hitch on my truck, which is rated to tow something like 15,000 pounds, is rated at 5,000 weight carrying. That speaks for itself.

BeerBrewer wrote:
Wow.....I didn't think my question would cause so much debate.

Just so I'm clear we definitely plan on getting WDH, even if the specs say we don't technically need one. I thought about buying one upfront and bringing it up with us. Only I figured that I'd have to install it in a random parking lot near by. I never thought that the rv dealer would install one that I purchased, but I will certainly ask now that I know it's possible.

I was more worried about towing an empty trailer, meaning I'd have almost no way of altering the tongue weight, but you folks calmed my worries about that.

There's about 5 topics that are button pushers
1. Gas or diesel
2. If diesel....Ford, GM or Dodge.
3. WD hitch or not.
4. If WD hitch....which one.
5. 6v batteries or 12v........

And by the way, I'm in the WD camp. Takes me 6 minutes to do all the lash up. So time is never really the issue. I think there are a number of folks that see the WD hitch as a crutch proving their pickup isn't stout enough. I firmly believe it is just a nicer and safer ride with it. I've nothing to prove or be ashamed of.

Wow.....I didn't think my question would cause so much debate.

Just so I'm clear we definitely plan on getting WDH, even if the specs say we don't technically need one. I thought about buying one upfront and bringing it up with us. Only I figured that I'd have to install it in a random parking lot near by. I never thought that the rv dealer would install one that I purchased, but I will certainly ask now that I know it's possible.

I was more worried about towing an empty trailer, meaning I'd have almost no way of altering the tongue weight, but you folks calmed my worries about that.

It is huge under the truck and I will look tomorrow . my dh painted things so all I can see are two numbers top one is 5,000 and bottom one 10,000. I took a photo but can't get it on here.

We don't, cuz we already have one. (grin).

You should, and I would if I were you.

Mike

I have a Chevy 3500 dually

rangerjean wrote:
Hate to ask a dumb question but how do I know the hitch rating?

Not dumb as the ratings can vary by manufacturer. Most have a sticker or stamp on them or you can generally go by the class of receiver (1 thru 5) based on the size of the square tube receiver size. See here for an explanation of each.

OEM receivers are usually rated for the highest tow rating of that model line with a tongue weight at a max 10 percent of tow rating with a wd hitch or around half of that without. What vehicle do you have?

Hate to ask a dumb question but how do I know the hitch rating?