I'm ready to upgrade from a 19ft travel trailer to a 26ft. I'm going to live in it for 5 or so months at a time. I have a 1 ton diesel truck so that's not a problem. I'm just wondering how much more difficult it will be to tow, & back up. Are some distribution hitches better than others? I've looked at Jayco, Grand Design & Couger so far. I will be very appreciative of any information, & recommendations

If you can back a 19' TT you won't have any problem with a 26'.

I can back in my 19ft well. My 19ft tows beautiful, and tracks wonderful behind my truck. I was wondering if a longer trailer would be more skittish, wobbly, or would tow just as well behind a 1 ton diesel. Also wondering which distributions hitch would be recommended. Thanks for any advice

People all have their different opinions on hitches, but I always recommend that one goes with one of the more proven manufacturers - especially if you are going to tow for any distance. We have an EQ that we've been using for 10 years and have been very happy with it.As for towing, weight clearly should not be a problem. I don't think you'll see a huge change going from 19 to 26. With the exception of needing to be a bit more selective in gas stations at times (something you are likely already accustomed to with a Diesel), just watch your increased tailswing and cornerin-angle and you'll be fine. From a handling perspective, you won't even notice.

What kind of tongue weight are you looking at with that 26 ft trailer? Why on earth do you think you need to richard around with WDH on a ton truck?

Just being aware that your pulling a trailer, you won't notice 7 feet much unless you were uncomfortable with 19 feet. LolA camping buddy of mine pulls a 30ft trailer with 1-ton Cummins , no WDH.

travel trailer towing difficulty | Good Sam Community

Hannibal
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
Only reason I use WD is to satisfy the rating of the receiver. Even at that, the bars are barely loaded. I don’t like the stress a WDH puts on the trailer.
GDS-3950BH
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
IDman wrote:
Stay away from Cougar unless you want constant trouble because of NO quality control.

If one is looking for any quality control they should stay away from all of them. Quality control from the RV Industry? That's funny.
ppine
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2020
I have a one ton Ford diesel and towed home my 26 foot trailer with no WD hitch. It was okay but the steering felt light and the rig was not level, heavy in the rear.

I added a WD hitch and am very happy with the results. Also sway control. I can pull it anywhere.
Edd505
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
The shorter they are the harder to back. You might need anti sway to keep the TT straight behind you, you have enough truck for the load.
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2020
I towed a 26' with a 2500 LB CC sRam, Hemi. No problem, no WDH//Sway bars needed.

I then got a 23' trailer with same truck, no problem, no WDH/Sway bars. Traded for a 1500 Chevy Short bed, 4 door. Now have WDH/sway bar.

With your size truck, IMO you would be fine. Try without before spending the money.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Aug 04, 2020
I have towed a 32ft tri axel enclosed all over the country at about 10,000lbs without a WDH and never a problem. the longer trailer is easier to back up.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2020
It’s the inverse! Longer the TT the easier it is to back up.
punomatic
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
When I bought my 25' trailer, the dealer said I wouldn't need WD with my F350. OTOH, my wife made me trade the one ton for a half ton, because she wouldn't drive the one ton. So, I never found out if the dealer was correct.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
A longer trailer is easier to back up than a shorter trailer.
I also highly doubt that a WDH is necessary for a 26' trailer behind a 1 ton truck. I regularly tow over 10,000 pounds behind my dually with no WDH
TomG2
Explorer
Aug 04, 2020
What does your truck's owner's manual have to say about hitches. They "may" know a thing or two about their product. I towed a 26' travel trailer with a Silverado 2500HD with NO weight distributing hitch and no problems for thousands of miles. That is what GM advised.