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HawkTX's avatar
HawkTX
Explorer
Jan 28, 2020

Travel Trailer Newb question RE: WDH

My wife and I are not new to the RV world, but new to travel trailers and considering one. Our towing vehicle is a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L which has the integrated braking controller, rear air leveler, and can tow up to 8500lbs. We are looking at the 2020 FOREST RIVER RV FLAGSTAFF MICRO LITE 22FBS. Which is 23ft 10 inches long and weighs 5004lbs, which I have been told should work nicely. My question is...Do I need a WDH (weight distribution hitch) for this length travel trailer or will I be fine just towing tongue to hitch. I've owned motorhomes and 5th wheels, but this is my first travel trailer.

Looking at a 20ft as well so same question on that one.

Any thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated.

37 Replies

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  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Jan 28, 2020
    I wouldn’t tow without one. It puts weight back on the front wheels making steering safer. Preventing trailer sway is important, also.
    Your hitch rating on the Yukon may require one depending on the real world tongue weight of the trailer.
  • Jebby14's avatar
    Jebby14
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    if buying new, press the dealer for a free one. get some sway control too. good change you can get it out of them. don't bring it up until you are done talking price.
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    Sorry,I missed the air level and yes that will prevent sag.

    I'm still an advocate for a WDH with antisway, hard for me to advise against.

    Dealer will likely throw one in during negotiation.
  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    Jan 28, 2020
    HawkTX wrote:
    Do I need a WDH (weight distribution hitch) for this length travel trailer


    Yes, I'd recommend a WD hitch.

    I tow a 12' cargo trailer and use a WD hitch.

    The Nash in my signature is pretty small. I tow it with a dually. I've towed it with and without the WD hitch. The combo rides like krap without the WD hitch, so I always use the WD hitch now.
  • HawkTX's avatar
    HawkTX
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    kellem wrote:
    Just recently looked at that exact trailer at RV show,very nice floorplan.

    The stated weight is the UVW and doesn't apply to us that tow....you'll be around or slightly above 6k towing but your still in good shape with TV.

    To many advantages of a WDH not to warrant its use. Imo
    The biggest is safety and piece of mind,eliminates sway and keeps the trailer and TV level.

    I towed virtually the same size trailer for 10yrs using a Reese DC WDH.

    Your looking at roughly a 600# tounge weight.....the rear of Yukon will sag.
    Thanks for the post. Will it sag even with the upgraded towing package I have with the "premium Smooth Ride Suspension with the Rear Air Leveler?" I tow a 30ft Triton on a trailer that is longer and when I load it up it always kicks on and levels the back end out.
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    Just recently looked at that exact trailer at RV show,very nice floorplan.

    The stated weight is the UVW and doesn't apply to us that tow....you'll be around or slightly above 6k towing but your still in good shape with TV.

    To many advantages of a WDH not to warrant its use. Imo
    The biggest is safety and piece of mind,eliminates sway and keeps the trailer and TV level.

    I towed virtually the same size trailer for 10yrs using a Reese DC WDH.

    Your looking at roughly a 600# tounge weight.....the rear of Yukon will sag.

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