Forum Discussion

mcman56's avatar
mcman56
Explorer
May 25, 2014

WD Hitch Size in lbs?

I have a 2002 1/2 ton Silverado with tow package. Specs say it can tow 5000 lbs and a 600 lb tong weight with a simple ball. I just purchased a toy hauler rated 3600 lbs dry and 725 lb tong weight. It will just be used for camping with some light dirt bikes in the back. I was told I did not need a special hitch but looking at these numbers I do. If it becomes 5000 loaded with a similar % on the tong that would be 1000 lb at the tong. Bringing it home empty, the rear of the truck went down a bit but I would not say extreme. I probably only got up to 50 mph and it seemed to handle OK but I have never towed a trailer like this before so have nothing for comparison.

Would 1000 lb be the correct size WD hitch to purchase? Are there any other recommendations?
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    May 28, 2014
    I think 1000# bars would be adequate, 1200# bars would give a little upgrade room. I have towed for the last 20+ years with a friction type sway bar and they seem to work just fine, especially when you can get one for $50.00 or less. I also turn in forward and reverse, go up and down hills and broke only one after 5+ years of use. Metal fatigue? What you do want to watch is how much you tighten them. Just snug the handle down and you're good to go. Don't jump up and down on it to tighten, remember, it's only a damper and not a brake.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 28, 2014
    Friction sway control recommend removal when backing/sharp turns. Not the EQ or some other types. I have never removed my Reese Strait Line when backing.
  • mcman56's avatar
    mcman56
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    When backing into my driveway, the gutter is followed but an up hill driveway. The hitch area gets pretty close to the ground when the rear wheels are in the gutter. Does this type of hitch hang any lower than a standard Curt Trunnion type WD hitch?

    I read somewhere about sway control creating issues when backing up. Is this true. I also need a sharp bend to get in the driveway.

    Thanks
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    I highly recommend a WDH with integrated sway control. IMHO, a basic WDH with add on friction sway control is almost worthless. If the trailer doesn't sway, you won't need them. If it does, they won't help enough.

    EQ 4-pt $450 shipped.
  • mcman56's avatar
    mcman56
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    At an estimated <5000 lb loaded, will this really require sway control? I think the Silver ado info says > 5000 lb for sway control. Is it save to just get a WD hitch and is sway becomes an issue purchase sway control? It seems that every piece that goes on just adds more weight.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    EQ 4-pt 1000 pound is what I recommend. Anything over about 4000 pounds on TW benefits from a WDH for half tons. Besides the receiver rated lower than your dry rating, the loss of weight on the steering wheels will be noticeable.

    And 65mph vs. 50mph is a huge difference in handling due to aerodynamics.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    May 25, 2014
    You are at 20% tongue weight right now. I highly suggest a WD hitch..it will improve your ride and give you more control.

    I would go with 1000 lb round bar weight distribution and two add on sway bars. The round bar hitch is tapered and will give you a nice ride. Curt, Pro-Series, Husky, and Eaz-Lift all make a decent WD hitches for the money and you can get a pair of sway controls for under $100.00.

    That sounds like a nice trailer. Congrats!

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    May 25, 2014
    With that much tongue weight, your hitch says to use a WDH (over 600, per your post). 800 to 1000 pound bars should be good.

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