I am looking into buying a new TT and can't decide if I need a WD hitch. We have had two 35'+ 5th wheels over the past few years and pull with 2011 F250 diesel with rear air bags I added. So my question is now that I am moving back to a TT that will be 37', 1200# tongue weight and 10000#+ GVW do I need a WD Hitch or not. I know I can level the ride out using my bags very easy and the truck can pull and stop this unit nicely. Is there a need to use a WD hitch. Is anyone towing a set up like this. Looking to buy a 2016 Grand Design 313RLTS.

you need one for the purpose of sway control look at the new Anderson chain sway control hitch

And you need one because your receiver is probably not rated to carry 1200 lbs without WD.

Doesn't Ford "require" one with those weights? Check your Owner's Manual, I imagine they do.

um.... no brainer! For that size camper ... yes!I've got WD on my 3500 towing an 8000 pound trailer! Won't leave home without it! I don't care what brand of truck it is, get the WDH with a trailer that long and tongue weight that heavy.

This one isn't even in a grey area - you need one.

WD hitch or not | Good Sam Community

TomG2
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
Good catch. I thought that the thread had turned into a general discussion of the need for Weight Distributing hitches. Ford it is.
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
According to the first post of this thread, the OP is towing with a Ford product.

As you have stated -- "Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual."

I think that means, in this thread, follow the Ford Owner's manual.

Ron
TomG2
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
Why not quote the GM manuals as well. Why be so selective? Lots of people drive their products as well. To save you the effort, their HD models "Require" 0% Front axle replacement.
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight?---
TomG2 wrote:
Been covered a hundred times elsewhere. Everybody has an opinion. A few know what they are talking about. Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual.
Looks like you answered your own question.

For the 2011 F-250 diesel, page 29 of the RV & TRAILER TOWING GUIDE specifies a WDH should be used if the tongue weight exceeds 850#.

Page 252 of the 2011 F-250/350/450/550 Owners Guide specifies the WDH should be adjusted to eliminate approximately 50% of the front-end rise.
This implies the WDH should be adjusted to restore a "few hundred pounds" to the front axle.

Perhaps "some people" are just trying to do what the Owner's manual says they should do.

Ron
TomG2
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
Been covered a hundred times elsewhere. Everybody has an opinion. A few know what they are talking about. Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2015
TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

Because they are sprung differently! Different springs for different engine configurations!
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
jasoncw wrote:
Tom and MM, I believe most of this recommendation is because most factory installed hitches (even on many heavy/super duty trucks) have a pretty low TW limit for non-WD hitches. Not sure what this is on today's trucks, but a few years back, non-WD TW was limited to less than 1000#, more like 600#.

I thought most 3/4 HD trucks came with a 2.5" Receiver. Mine is rated at 18,000 lbs and I think that is without WD. I still think the WD Hitch is a good thing.
jasoncw
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
Tom and MM, I believe most of this recommendation is because most factory installed hitches (even on many heavy/super duty trucks) have a pretty low TW limit for non-WD hitches. Not sure what this is on today's trucks, but a few years back, non-WD TW was limited to less than 1000#, more like 600#.
MM49
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

Tom

You are correct. The balance between F/R axles will be close to 50/50 with a 1200lb TW. This is the optimum condition. If the OP decided he still wanted to use WD he would have to search for the lightest bars he could find. The common knowledge that you must transfer 100% of TW is just plain wrong. A few decisions must be made when setting up a TV. The understanding of this has been lost on most members of this site.
MM49
TomG2
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

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