Use a weight distribution hitch or not?
My question is pretty easy. I bought my Sportsmen used and the former owner let me his Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch for free with the trailer. It's not the new lightweight 400 tongue/4K trail...
Forum Discussion
Wow, thank you very much Camper G for this very complete. I truly appreciate you take time to write this complete and clear answer. You are right about the fact few people will only answer you need a 3/4 tons pickup with a diesel engine to tow a 16-feet camper! Those small and extremely lightweight trailer are specifically built for minivans.
To answer back your questions, the GVWR of my Sportsmen is 2700 pounds because the cargo capacity is only 400 pounds. So that's what I call a "very safe play" towards the towing capacity of my van. We do not carry any particular cargo while traveling (no bikes, boat, etc), just some clothes and foods, that's it.
Moreover my van is a 2014 which is the latest generation of Grand Caravan who introduce many new towing features since 2013 only like new heavy duty brake, new heavy duty cooling and integrated trailer anti-sway control. Since 2013 there's no more "towing pack" for the Grand Caravan because all models came equipped with it. Only one option is available, is a rear self-leveling suspension. But basically it's just some rebranded Monroes Sensa-Trac rear struts. I can install those struts for 80$ a PAIR later, so I didn't took that option (700$). I also got a Tekonsha Voyager P3 trailer brake controller.
Honestly the reason why I asked about not using a WD hitch at first is because the Equal-i-zer hitch is probably the best WDH, but it's also the heaviest because it use large metal rods instead of chains like other brands. I'll maybe looking to sale the Equal-i-zer and get the Andersen WD instead which is a very unique design and also the lighter and easier to use WD on the market!
To answer back your questions, the GVWR of my Sportsmen is 2700 pounds because the cargo capacity is only 400 pounds. So that's what I call a "very safe play" towards the towing capacity of my van. We do not carry any particular cargo while traveling (no bikes, boat, etc), just some clothes and foods, that's it.
Moreover my van is a 2014 which is the latest generation of Grand Caravan who introduce many new towing features since 2013 only like new heavy duty brake, new heavy duty cooling and integrated trailer anti-sway control. Since 2013 there's no more "towing pack" for the Grand Caravan because all models came equipped with it. Only one option is available, is a rear self-leveling suspension. But basically it's just some rebranded Monroes Sensa-Trac rear struts. I can install those struts for 80$ a PAIR later, so I didn't took that option (700$). I also got a Tekonsha Voyager P3 trailer brake controller.
Honestly the reason why I asked about not using a WD hitch at first is because the Equal-i-zer hitch is probably the best WDH, but it's also the heaviest because it use large metal rods instead of chains like other brands. I'll maybe looking to sale the Equal-i-zer and get the Andersen WD instead which is a very unique design and also the lighter and easier to use WD on the market!
