When is weight distribution needed?
I'm not trying to stir the pot (well, ok - maybe a little) but my question is serious... In the old days the hitches/trucks required WD and Sway control for over 5k lbs... then we went to 2.5" hitch...
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I found with my 8 lug diesels, it took around 500 lbs of wieght lost on the FA is when I really noticed major handling issues. Up to this point in time, yes I noticed things getting looser and hoosier shall I say.
I pulled a 12k total equipment trailer with a pintle setup. With 1600 lbs if HW I only lost 300-400 lbs in the front with 6409 lb rear springs, 209-300 with 8500 lb springs. These are crew cabs with 8' beds.
Pulling a TT with the SW 6400 lb RA. I only lost 100 lb on FA. I noticed less side to side wobble with a WD and crosswinds. Even less with a dual can. That trailer was typically 5500-6000 on trailer axles 650-750 HW. Properly loaded front to rear, side to side, trailer pulled like a dream straight even in 40-60 mph crosswinds crossing columbia river a few times.
Is it worth having a WD or AS? Probably. But as mentioned by Jimlin, I too go out and pull trailer with out bars, if it says or equal, I have usually an improper loading issue. Once corrected, no issues. Out safety bars on for added security. I don't add bars to fix the uncontrolled fish tail sway. That's putting a band aid on something that needs a torniquet or amputation. You still have not fixed cause, only the effect. You are still unsafe IMHO.
Marty
I pulled a 12k total equipment trailer with a pintle setup. With 1600 lbs if HW I only lost 300-400 lbs in the front with 6409 lb rear springs, 209-300 with 8500 lb springs. These are crew cabs with 8' beds.
Pulling a TT with the SW 6400 lb RA. I only lost 100 lb on FA. I noticed less side to side wobble with a WD and crosswinds. Even less with a dual can. That trailer was typically 5500-6000 on trailer axles 650-750 HW. Properly loaded front to rear, side to side, trailer pulled like a dream straight even in 40-60 mph crosswinds crossing columbia river a few times.
Is it worth having a WD or AS? Probably. But as mentioned by Jimlin, I too go out and pull trailer with out bars, if it says or equal, I have usually an improper loading issue. Once corrected, no issues. Out safety bars on for added security. I don't add bars to fix the uncontrolled fish tail sway. That's putting a band aid on something that needs a torniquet or amputation. You still have not fixed cause, only the effect. You are still unsafe IMHO.
Marty
