I pull a boat on a tandem trailer approximately 24 to 25 feet long and only use the standard slide in hitch etc. I have never experienced any sway issues all the years I've been pulling my boats. also the boat tongue weight is lighter than a TT.I know pulling a boat is very different than pulling a big box down he road but I was wondering at what point, considering TV capability, size weight, etcIs a WDH and anti sway devise start to be considered for safety?I know this opens a can if worms because there are variables but I was just thinking about it because I saw a good size TT being pulled by a pick up truck that just used a standard class 3 hitch.....Thanks for any commentsSteve

I use to pull a boat without WDH and sway bars but it towed like you say, much different than a TT (box). I have had a 23ft and now a 30ft TT and I would not tow either one without a WDH and sway system. Even with an Equalizer system, I still have found some swat when passing or being passed by some trucks, not all. I am a stickler for safety when towing as I am not the only one on the road.I tow with a Ford F150 with tow package and feel very comfortable with my setup. Hope this helps, remember there is no substitute for experience.

Most receivers have two limits, like mine:So the receiver may fail over its rating. Handling is often affected at or below the receiver limit as well. Adding weight behind the rear axle acts as as level with the rear axle being a fulcrum. This can overload the rear axle and reduce front axle weight. Lower weight on the wheels that turn becomes less stable at some point.IMO for half ton pickups 400-500 pounds is the point at which WDH should be used, a bit lower than what the receivers on them are rated and my casual observation of owners using them.Take a look at this thread.

I to have a 21ft boat that I tow. Aside from the profile, something to keep in mind is where the weight on a boat trailer is placed. All of the weight on a boat is at the rear. The trailer axles are at the rear to support the weight.With most TT, the weight is more balanced. Most TT axles are center mounted with the weight being somewhat balanced on each side.

That question has been asked many times. GM, who makes quite a few pickups, has reduced their requirements for weight distributing hitches greatly. Their 2500/3500 pickups hardly ever "require" one. On the other hand, vehicles that need to unload part of the weight off their rear axle can really benefit from one. This is especially true of vehicles that are operated at or near their payload capacity.

Steve 911 wrote:---Is a WDH and anti sway devise start to be considered for safety?What is the tongue weight and what are you towing with?Ron

WDH opinions plz | Good Sam Community

TomG2
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
I don't think he is towing, just asking.

"...... I was just thinking about it because I saw a good size TT being pulled by a pick up truck that just used a standard class 3 hitch....."
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
Steve 911 wrote:
---Is a WDH and anti sway devise start to be considered for safety?
What is the tongue weight and what are you towing with?

Ron
TomG2
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
That question has been asked many times. GM, who makes quite a few pickups, has reduced their requirements for weight distributing hitches greatly. Their 2500/3500 pickups hardly ever "require" one. On the other hand, vehicles that need to unload part of the weight off their rear axle can really benefit from one. This is especially true of vehicles that are operated at or near their payload capacity.
Dtaylor
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
I to have a 21ft boat that I tow. Aside from the profile, something to keep in mind is where the weight on a boat trailer is placed. All of the weight on a boat is at the rear. The trailer axles are at the rear to support the weight.
With most TT, the weight is more balanced. Most TT axles are center mounted with the weight being somewhat balanced on each side.
APT
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
Most receivers have two limits, like mine:

So the receiver may fail over its rating. Handling is often affected at or below the receiver limit as well. Adding weight behind the rear axle acts as as level with the rear axle being a fulcrum. This can overload the rear axle and reduce front axle weight. Lower weight on the wheels that turn becomes less stable at some point.

IMO for half ton pickups 400-500 pounds is the point at which WDH should be used, a bit lower than what the receivers on them are rated and my casual observation of owners using them.

Take a look at this thread.
Bears_Den
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
I use to pull a boat without WDH and sway bars but it towed like you say, much different than a TT (box). I have had a 23ft and now a 30ft TT and I would not tow either one without a WDH and sway system. Even with an Equalizer system, I still have found some swat when passing or being passed by some trucks, not all. I am a stickler for safety when towing as I am not the only one on the road.I tow with a Ford F150 with tow package and feel very comfortable with my setup. Hope this helps, remember there is no substitute for experience.

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