Weight Distribution Hitch Question

i would try it without one first and see how she rides. i have a 33ft TT. i pulled it with an f150 with WDH for about 4 months. recently updgraded to a f250 gasser. i already had the the WDH so i haven't even tried to tow without it because its so comfortable. why tinker with a good setup and it only takes a couple of minutes to hook up or unhook. one thing i did learn that i hadn't thought of before concerning the weight distribution. my f250 is 2 wheel drive. i park the TT a home in a grassy back yard area on a slope. the first time i hooked up to tow the TT i hooked up WDH completely. i had a problem getting traction going uphill. new to me because my f150 is 4x4. then it hit me. duh! the WDH is moving weight off my truck tongue so it was too light to get hill traction. next trip i hooked up TT on ball hitch backed up and pulled TT uphill to my driveway with no problem, then hooked up WDH in my driveway.

wowens79 wrote:
I wonder how they came up with 1,181, better not go to 1,182 :)

I better not load up that last box of twinkies.....lol

I wonder how they came up with 1,181, better not go to 1,182 :)

eHoefler wrote:
Look at your reciever, see what the dead hitch weight rating for it, chances are you will be over it with out a equalizer. My class 5 has a dead weight reating of 1200 pounds, I have a crew cab, 8' box, dually, I tow an enclosed trailer with a hitch weight of approx. 1000 pounds and have had no issues for over 300,000 miles.

Is that figure on the receiver itself? I spent an hour online yesterday trying to come up with receiver hitch capacity but all I keep finding is payload and overall towing capacities. Thanks

UPDATE: I found it thanks to the term "dead hitch weight" Looks like I am rated at 1,181.

Look at your reciever, see what the dead hitch weight rating for it, chances are you will be over it with out a equalizer. My class 5 has a dead weight reating of 1200 pounds, I have a crew cab, 8' box, dually, I tow an enclosed trailer with a hitch weight of approx. 1000 pounds tongue weight and have had no issues for over 300,000 miles.

garysol wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
Assuming that you are not kidding, this question has been asked and answered seventy four time on here.

Not kidding and I have been in a 5th wheel for so long I am just not sure on some of the TT basics thats why I asked.

Well, your tongue weight will likely be around 800 lb loaded, which is not a lot to carry with a payload north of 4000. If you have a lot of porpoising, a WD hitch can help. If you find that passing semis move you around, WD with sway control can help that too. If it was me, I'd try it without first. I suspect you'll be just fine.

SoundGuy wrote:

garysol wrote:
Newbie TT question. I have a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW with a payload capacity of 4,022lbs. Do I need a weight distribution hitch for a TT with a dry tongue weight of 643lbs?

Tvov wrote:
Are you getting a new TT, or is this question from a friend? Or are you just bored and asking a question on a slow morning?

The OP was quite clear, saying he's asking a "Newbie TT question". If you had bothered to read the OP's concurrent parallel discussion about downsizing from a large 5th to a 30' travel trailer you wouldn't be posting such dumb & insulting comments. :R

Thanks SG. I am glad to have a forum like this available to bounce ideas, thoughts and questions off of others who have "been there and done that". I appreciate everyones input.

Tvov wrote:

garysol wrote:
Newbie TT question. I have a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW with a payload capacity of 4,022lbs. Do I need a weight distribution hitch for a TT with a dry tongue weight of 643lbs?

Are you getting a new TT, or is this question from a friend? Or are you just bored and asking a question on a slow morning?

Yes we are getting a new TT. We have grown tired of hauling around the big 5th wheel and having to yank the hitch out of the truck every time we want to use the bed.

TomG2 wrote:
Assuming that you are not kidding, this question has been asked and answered seventy four time on here.

Not kidding and I have been in a 5th wheel for so long I am just not sure on some of the TT basics thats why I asked.

garysol wrote:
Newbie TT question. I have a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW with a payload capacity of 4,022lbs. Do I need a weight distribution hitch for a TT with a dry tongue weight of 643lbs?

Tvov wrote:
Are you getting a new TT, or is this question from a friend? Or are you just bored and asking a question on a slow morning?

The OP was quite clear, saying he's asking a "Newbie TT question". If you had bothered to read the OP's concurrent parallel discussion about downsizing from a large 5th to a 30' travel trailer you wouldn't be posting such dumb & insulting comments. :R