Forum Discussion

slomark's avatar
slomark
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014

Double tow - hitch design

I'm in the process of refining the hitch design between the fiver and the atv trailer. The tv is a Cummins, fiver is 9k#, atv is 3k# tandem axle w/ surge brakes, tw is 300#. Using Reese anti-sway, surge compatible, wd hitch. The small but constant vertical movement at the coupler seems excessive. When considering the distances between the respective axles and the coupler it appears that this leverage point yields somewhat, minor deflection in the receiver mounting plate, I'm using a standard bumper pull receiver rated at 5k#, and tw 500#.

Ideas...
  • coyotebuster's avatar
    coyotebuster
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    Why the surge brakes on the second trailer?
    I double with about the same set up you are planning and I have elect brakes with no problem, I just have a second brake controller in the truck to run the second trailer, I have never seen it sway or buck( I have 2 cameras on the back of the 5th to keep an eye on things)I guess if it did sway i could always tap the second trailer brakes to get things settled down. anyway i don't think you will need the weight dist hitch with that light tongue weight
    what ever you do good luck and be safe
    Kevin
  • slomark's avatar
    slomark
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    The a tv trailer decreases the pin weight by 200# to 1550#. The desire for the anti sway was to reduce the risk of the a tv trailer swinging out under hard stopping, since the cover has four wheel disc brakes. Also it won't of be more stable overall and in windy conditions. Tanks are usually run empty.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    Where are the tanks on your 5er? I almost always double tow, either a boat or ATVs, I don't have weight distribution, and I don't have any sway. Two friends have towed with a Wildcat bunkhouse that must be pin light, as they get very bad trailer sway as well as "bucking" from the 2nd trailer if they try to tow with the tanks full.
  • transamz9's avatar
    transamz9
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    Just my personal opinion I would leave the weight distribution off with only 300 lb tongue weight. I'm close to 500lb and I don't use it and can tell no difference with second trailer or without. My 5er is heavier though.

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