Weight Distribution Hitch Question

[marc71]

We just purchased a 2008 forest river surveyor SV-302 today.

The previous owner did not use any type of WD hitch having only used the camper a few times with very short trips.

I know we will have to have WD, the question I have is what pound WD hitch do I need?

The camper has a dry weight of 5850 and a hitch weight of 811lbs. Our previous camper had EAZ lift WD with curved bars which I was quite happy with, we had the friction sway bar but found it towed better without it...

Thanks for any help on this subject

Marc

[Campin_LI]

Based on the information you provided, 1000 lb bars would probably suffice.

[Ron_Gratz]

skipnchar wrote:
I always recommend setting up your WD system to handle the trailer when it's FULLY loaded and NEVER at it's empty weight (dry weight). Your DOT safety plate will list the GVWR of your trailer and the spring bars should be a minimum of 15% of that weight (the heaviest your trailer tongue will ever be). Go as close to that weight as possible without being under it. Going too much (too strong) can result in a harsh ride ---

I don't know the GVWR for the OP's 2008 SV-302.
However, according to this web sitethe weight specs for a 2008 Surveyor SV-302 are
Dry Hitch Weight: 811 lb.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 5850 lb.
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3086 lb.
Suggesting the GVWR is: 8936#.

IMO, a realistic loaded weight for the above TT would be around 7500# and a realistic loaded tongue weight would be around 975#. In that case, 1000# WD bars would seem to be a good choice.
OTOH, 15% of the 8936# GVWR is 1340# which, if going with a Reese trunnion WDH, would require 1500# bars.

IMO, using 1500# bars when 1000# bars are sufficient is a good example of where "Going too much (too strong) can result in a harsh ride".

IMO, you can ignore the GVWR unless you actually plan to load to that value. Most people do not. And, most people do not tow with a TW% of 15%.

IMO, a more realistic way to select WD bar rating is to make your best estimate of what the loaded TT weight will be and use 13% of that value for bar rating.

Ron

[skipnchar]

I always recommend setting up your WD system to handle the trailer when it's FULLY loaded and NEVER at it's empty weight (dry weight). Your DOT safety plate will list the GVWR of your trailer and the spring bars should be a minimum of 15% of that weight (the heaviest your trailer tongue will ever be). Go as close to that weight as possible without being under it. Going too much (too strong) can result in a harsh ride and too light (too weak) can result in being unable to keep the trailer/truck stance correct AND create a bouncy ride when towing.
Good luck / Skip

[APT]

1000-1200 pound bars seem appropriate. I like Reese Strait Line and Equal-i-zer 4-pt.

[Ron_Gratz]

marc71 wrote:
I know we will have to have WD, the question I have is what pound WD hitch do I need?

The camper has a dry weight of 5850 and a hitch weight of 811lbs.---

Is 811# the dry hitch weight? Does that value come from a brochure or is it a measured value?

How much weight of cargo do you think you will be adding?

Ron

[owenssailor]

Equal-i-zer has an aid to help size WD systems. Our trailer has somewhat similar weights to yours. I use Equal-i-zer 1200/12000 bars. They have worked very well for the past 10,000 miles.

I suspect you will need bars of similar or maybe even higher capacity

[ChooChooMan74]

The fictitious dry weight you gave (All dry weights are fictitious), along with the tongue weight, I would say at leave 1000lb bars. That camper seems to be tongue heavy.