Lessons from a new TT owner
I think this might be a helpful guide for folks like me who are new to RV's and TT's. There is so much to know that dealers (RV and truck) just don't tell us. It turns out that the information is out ...
Forum Discussion
What is a weight distributing hitch (WDH)
This is a special kind of hitch that transfers some of the tongue weight to the front wheels of the truck. This brings us to that max hitch / receiver number. The reason it is there and it counts is because when you put weight on the rear wheels of the truck, it tends to push the back down and the front up. This takes weight off the front tires and can reduce your ability to steer and stop. The WDH helps with that. Check your owners manual for setup instructions. While some very experienced RV'ers happily tow without one, a WDH is one of the best things you can buy for your new TT.
A weight distribution hitch properly adjusted and tensioned transfers about 20-25 percent of the redistributed weight back to the trailer axles and tires. This is important as so many trailers come with barely able axles and tires. Many trailers have axles that combined do not carry the weight of the trailer and instead rely on the tongue weight to carry about 13 percent of the trailers gross weight. Additonally, even with the axle equalizer between the springs between the axles, the axles do not carry the same weights, nor do the axles carry the same weights on either side. Typically the side with the slideout is heavier and if no slideout then the side with the refrigerator.
Not all the redistributed weight from a well set up WDH transfers the redistributed weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle. Today, most of the prevailing logic is not to exceed the front axle weight that is present not towing. In other words, do not put more weight on the front axle than was there previously without the trailer. That means a trip to the scales to add back to the front axle using WDH only that amount of weight taken off the front axle due to the trailer. And measuring with a ruler from the bumper to the ground does not work well with some modern vehicles that have progressive springs or stop bumpers on the front axle travel. It takes a trip to the scales to dial in the WDH.
As far as the sway issue, be sure you have at least 10 percent of the trailer's total weight on the ball. Less than 10 percent is an invitation to sway. The Hensley, ProPride and PullRite hitches control sway, most other hitches are simply friction based and mitigate sway. There is a difference.
As previously mentioned when an RV salesman lips are moving, most of what is coming out is likely inaccurate or heavily biased to make a sale. Too bad.
Lastly, the cowboys of old knew that it was almost impossible to have too much horse. Maybe they knew something.
