Forum Discussion

hbrady's avatar
hbrady
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016

WD Needed?

So my wife and I became camper people about a month after I purchased my 2104 Regular Cab Silverado. Our 'yellow sticker' camper weight is 7800 so even loaded I was well withing my trucks specifications of 9100 with a WD hitch (I borrowed one). The problem is, it was the tail wagging the dog and on steep hills my 5.3L struggled to maintain speed.

Since we are taking some longer trips this year I decided to go with a 3/4 ton. Right now I'm looking at a 2014 RAM 2500 Quad Cab short bed 4x4 with 5.7L and a max trailer rating of 12,500. I noticed the specifications show the exact same rating with or without WD hitch, I was planning to buy my own WD hitch this year but it seems it would be a waste of money.

With a properly balanced load is there any need for WD hitch if I'm running 3-4k under max trailer weight?

I've never towed with 3/4 ton so any advice would be appreciated.
Tow Vehicles

39 Replies

Show More
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    At 8000 pounds loaded, I suspect the front/steer axle is losing at least 400 pounds of weight for today's pickups. I'd use one, specifically one with integrate sway control.

    And if you are getting a newish Ram, go straight to the 6.4L. The transmission is at a disadvantage compared to Ford/GM 6-spds, so get the more powerful engine.
  • hbrady's avatar
    hbrady
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    I'll give it a shot without and see how much it raises the front and how it handles.. provided the bank approves my loan ;)
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    Everyone does it there own way, and no one can make you do it any way you don't want. So, you're going to end up doing what you want in the end anyway.

    As for me and my house? I dive a 1 ton duly, and use an Equal-i-zer 4-point. (it's not the beefiest WD system in the world, and it's not a Hensley, but it works and I've never had problems towing. It add just the right amount to make a comfortable, trouble free ride.) I would never tow without it. I'm doing it my way! I'm a chicken! I want all the protection and assurances possible that my set-up is safe and comfortable. I didn't invest (almost ... very, very near) $100,000 into a truck and trailer to skimp on a hitching system. This is MY way.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    goducks10 wrote:
    If it were me I'd use a WD to return the front to its original height. Really only takes a couple minutes to hookup.


    And this is the answer you are looking for. How much steering control do you feel like you are losing, if any? If steering feels the same as stock you may not need the WDH.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    7800lbs will equate to around 900lbs on the receiver. That will drop the rear and raise the front of the truck. Depending on how much the front raises will determine if you need a WD. You don't want too much weight lifted off the front tires. FWIW I towed a similar size TT (7300lbs) that had a 900-950lb TW. The rear sagged about 1-1/2" or more. The front only rose up about 3/8-1/2". Not really an issue for me. But I have the big heavy CTD sitting over the front tires. If it were me I'd use a WD to return the front to its original height. Really only takes a couple minutes to hookup.
  • Hondavalk's avatar
    Hondavalk
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2016
    A WD hitch alone does nothing for sway unless it's noted to have some type of sway control build in or the means to add a sway control device. Either way it's just trying to help control the problem. I would try to figure way I have sway in the first place which is normally caused by a lack of tongue weight.
  • hbrady's avatar
    hbrady
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    wanderingbob wrote:
    I got a very similar rig , I do not believe that I need a WD , but I use one in case I need to load some heavy load in truck or trailer. I keep thinking that I might find broke down along the road the Swedish Girls Olympic Volley ball Team , what would I do if I had to leave several standing there with tears in their eyes ?


    LMAO

    Yea.. I'm taking a BATH on the trade so every dime I don't have to spend is a blessing!
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2016
    I got a very similar rig , I do not believe that I need a WD , but I use one in case I need to load some heavy load in truck or trailer. I keep thinking that I might find broke down along the road the Swedish Girls Olympic Volley ball Team , what would I do if I had to leave several standing there with tears in their eyes ?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jan 25, 2016
    In my opinion, not necessary with the combo you're talking about, but for some reason the camper crowd always have wd hitches on their setups and very few others do.
    I pull a large enclosed trailer with my 2500. 7klb, 32' long, high profile snow machine trailer and don't have any issue with sway and most trips are bad roads, mtn passes, gusty winds.
    I'd take it for a good drive before spending the money on a wd hitch.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,044 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 26, 2025