Hello all, I have a half ton truck with a lightweight trailer (4700lbs dry weight) and have never used a weight distribution hitch though I have one sitting in my garage and will use it if they really make a difference on fuel mileage etc... thoughts?

The weight distribution hitch is not designed to improve fuel mileage. It is designed to transfer weight to the front axle and better stability control in heavy wind and traffic - large vehicles passing you.What make is the hitch - does it have cam locks?Angela

Thanks for the fast response. I was doing some research and this article (http://voices.yahoo.com/gas-savings-tips-towing-travel-trailer-7934006.html) gave me the idea about using the hitch as we're likely to travel around 3500 miles this month so anything to save a little gas money will help. :)And this is the hitch: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/Camco-Elite-Weight-Distributing-Hitch-Kit-1000-lbs-Capacity/52097/&?&affiliateid=3274&cvsfa=2734&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3532303937&gclid=CMv59PnvpbYCFZFaMgodQHgAdA

WDH won't help fuel mileage. If your tongue weight is within the spec for you're hitch's tongue weight WITHOUT WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION then there really is no need for the WDH.I will guess that your hitch is rated for 500 pounds of tongue weight without distribution. A trailer as light as yours may be under that but I doubt it. If it is under then weight distribution is not needed.Using it may improve handling and ride. Since you have it I would try it and see if you see an improvement.

Lots of reasons to use one, that are convenience or comfort in nature. the ONE reason that matters for using a WD system is so you don't exceed your trucks receiver rating. MOST half ton trucks have a tongue weight limit of 500 lb. unless a WD is used and WITH one in use the rating goes up to 1,000 lb. and more.Avoiding overloading an important component is a VERY good reason.

Awesome, great info and thanks. I'll give it a try. I pulled my trucks info and found I have a class IV receiver which I think gives me a max tongue weight of 1,000 but the WD hitch is worth a try so I'll let ya know how it does. We're taking off tomorrow and climbing over the Rockies (Loveland Pass) so it should be fun as long as we don't hit any of Colorado's Mountain blizzards =)Thanks again for the info, I really appreciate it.

Do Weight Distribution Hitches Matter much? | Good Sam Community

Huntindog
Explorer
Apr 20, 2013
I have a VERY stout truck. One ton dually crewcab diesel rated to tow around 22,000#. When I was setting up my WD hitch, a test tow just didn't feel right. Not as solid in the front as my last truck felt. A little more tension on the bars and it became perfect.

The point is that even the stoutest of trucks can benefit from a properly set up WD hitch. Maybe most with less towing experience would not have picked up on the feeling like I did. But to me it was real easy, as I know how good it can be.

We have endless debates here on the merits of the various WD hitch systems out there...But I bet just about everyone here will agree.

The most important thing is to use the one of your choice AND get it dialed in.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2013
DE88ROX wrote:
If it walks like a Duck.......

From the number of cargo trailers I have seen being pulled by trucks with their noses in the air, I'd imagine someone in the trailer business would be well informed of WDH's. Talk about loss of a potential income source...

Quack Quack...
whjco
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
A weight distributing hitch won't have any effect on your mileage but it will considerably help with towing stability and suspension performance. I won't tow without one and I have a 3/4 and 1 ton trucks that I use for towing.
DE88ROX
Explorer
Apr 17, 2013
If it walks like a Duck.......
beemerphile1
Explorer
Apr 16, 2013
trailerbroker wrote:
lol I'm a normal Joe just like all of you....I'm not going to sell you a trailer. (The company I work for brokers cargo trailers etc, not travel trailers!)

So this trailer is not listed on your website for sale?
2010 Keystone Fuzion Model 405

Your site also states;
"XXXXXXXXXXX.com is America's Trailer Marketplace.
Regardless if you're looking for a cargo trailer to a travel trailer, we guarantee you won't be able to find a larger inventory or a better priced trailer then you can at XXXXXXXXXXX.com."

You gotta be able to understand the suspicion. A new member that comes on here and violates the forum rules so that your first half dozen posts have to be moderated?

I hope you do stick around and become a valued member of the forum.
DE88ROX
Explorer
Apr 16, 2013
DE88ROX wrote:
Im sorry, but I must ask. You're a trailer broker and you're just now discovering WDH's?

Up until last year I towed a PUP for 17 years. Before I was even in the market for my TT I knew I need a WDH. Just from seeing people use them on TT. Im not even in the RV Business!
trailerbroker
Explorer
Apr 16, 2013
Hey guys, sorry to offend. I've edited my pic and profile. I'm new here and guess have to learn the rules the hard way! Anyway, great advice and much appreciated. I hope those who I rubbed the wrong way can sleep better tonight. ;)
trailerbroker
Explorer
Apr 16, 2013
lol I'm a normal Joe just like all of you. Been played?

Anyway, to all of those who helped (I'll remove anything related to the company I work for,) I am new to the camper world so that being said, I appreciate your help and being on the road with the WDH was a great idea, thanks for the advice. CA and AZ had some really bad winds and it made a substantial difference.

Don't worry, I'm not going to sell you a trailer. (The company I work for brokers cargo trailers etc, not travel trailers!)

Thanks!
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Mar 31, 2013
beemerphile1 wrote:
I think maybe you have all been played. The OP's profile has a website which indicates they rent and sell trailers. Maybe this was just a ruse to spam RV.net?

x2
Bob_Landry
Explorer
Mar 31, 2013
The only conditions that would warrant NOT using WD is that the tongue and trailer weight are below the listed spec in your truck manual, AND if when hitched, the front end of the truck does not rise. If the front end rises, then the trailer has taken weight off the front axle and it needs to be returned to the manufacturers spec. Even in the unlikely event you do not really NEED WD, sway control is certainly advised. The guy that your trailer does not swing over and hit will appreciate it.