Forum Discussion

xxjanaleexx's avatar
xxjanaleexx
Explorer
Jun 26, 2018

towing

Been towing various combinations for 35 years,but I now have rheumatoid arthritis and can't lift the distributing bars. Can anyone suggest a vehicle that can handle my 20' TT,dry wt 3400#,with 425# of that being tongue weight ( that is accounting for the propane and battery) without using wt dist bars..I would like an SUV type vehicle not a pickup as a truck is too difficult for me to get in and out..Not looking for something new, just serviceable.My husband has passed and I am not ready to give up camping!.Ty in advance for your help..Janalee
  • Most SUVs big enough will be built on truck frames and sit just as high. Do you raise the tongue once the ball is locked on? You should be able to set the wd bars without there being any tension on them with this method. If you’re not familiar, here is the procedure;
    1) drop the coupler on the ball and lock it on
    2) raise the tongue of the trailer back up. This will raise the back of your tow vehicle too.
    3) snap up the bars. If still difficult, raise the tongue higher and try again.
    I could snap up the brackets on my old hitch with my fingers using this method, no tools required.

    Do the same to unhitch. Raise the tongue to remove the tension, then undo the bars. Lower the the tongue to release the coupler then raise it again off the ball. You’ll want a power tongue jack as it’s a lot of raising and lowering but the bars should be easy.
  • A 2500 Suburban would do it fine without bars. A 1500 Sub is just too soft and often sag with just a little age. (Probably get flamed for that because the truth sometimes hurts)
  • Ty all...anything in a GM? And the ones you suggested won't need the bars?
  • A 1500 suburban should be ok with that as long as you aren't heavily loaded in the back.
  • I would think that a 2500 Suburban should do it. They haven't made them for a few years and will be difficult to find a good one.