Use a weight distribution hitch or not?

[vlopddap]

My question is pretty easy. I bought my Sportsmen used and the former owner let me his Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch for free with the trailer. It's not the new lightweight 400 tongue/4K trailer model, it's the the big one (the 6000K) when my trailer only weight 2270 pounds!

This WD thing is INCREDIBLY heavy, like 90 pounds for the shank and the sway bars... the WD hitch itself is very heavy on the rear suspension of my van and you need to remove and store it when the trailer is parker on campground!!!

The tongue weight of my trailer is only 300 pounds actually, do you think I really need to add a 90 pounds devices to "equalize" weight on my vehicle? That doesn't make sense to me... adding 90 pounds to save on tongue weight? The rating of my Curt hitch is 400 pounds tongue without WD and 500 pounds with WD.

If it's just a of sway control matter, I can install a small 40$ friction sway bar (Curt or Reese) and that's it... Moreover this WD hitch cost over 700$, so I can get a great price by selling it into the classifieds.

Keep in mind my trailer is a 16-feet Sportsmen (2270 pounds / 300 pounds tongue) and the towing vehicle is a brand new 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Thank you very much!

[Terryallan]

vlopddap wrote:

mikeh449 wrote:
if wdh causes you van to sag you should not pull anything

:h

I believe what he is saying, is simply this. IF your minivan can NOT hold up the WDH. What makes you think it will hold up 300lbs of tongue weight. It prolly won't. But the WDH will level the thing back out and return NEEDED weight back to the front. IF you minivan can handle the stress of a WDH. Many minivans cannot. Check your manual to be sure.

[dadmomh]

I notice that your tow vehicle is a Dodge Caravan. Am I correct that this is front wheel drive? If that is the case, you surely don't want anything that is going to shift the weight to the rear. That will effect your steering. I'm surprised that you haven't already had people suggest a different tow vehicle....mini-vans are considered great people movers, but not great tow vehicles. Strongly suggest you check the weights for your specific van - they should be on a sticker near the driver's side door. Otherwise, give your dealer the VIN# and ask them for the information. Also, check the TRUE weight on the trailer, not the dry weight. That will also be on the trailer and be listed as GVWR. You may or may not already have a weight problem. Hope not. Yes, a WDH is heavy, but you may find it necessary to keep those front wheels where they should be instead of just skimming the road. Check these numbers and if it doesn't make sense, please come back, share the info and I'm sure there will be others with info that may help you.

[vlopddap]

Well, that's probably humour I don't understand because english is not my primary language.

Thanks for all your advices (for people who post real advices)!! 🙂

[nomad297]

vlopddap wrote:

mikeh449 wrote:
if wdh causes you van to sag you should not pull anything

:h

Keep on scratching and your finger may fall through to a large void.

Bruce

[vlopddap]

mikeh449 wrote:
if wdh causes you van to sag you should not pull anything

:h

[nomad297]

mikeh449 wrote:
if wdh causes you van to sag you should not pull anything

Yup. What a tool.

Bruce

[mikeh449]

if wdh causes you van to sag you should not pull anything looking at towing guide you are limited to 3600 # with towing package you will be over weight with any thing in the van but you

[vlopddap]

One more question. If the rear of my vehicle is still lower than the front with the WD hitch in place, it's probably due to a bad WD adjustment from the former owner? If I want to increase weight transfert (make rear of the vehicle higher), what do I need to do on the WD hitch? Put some more flat washer on the adjustment pin I read somewhere??

[vlopddap]

robsouth wrote:
The spring bars will lift that weight off the rear of your TV and transfer it to the front axle. That is the purpose of the WD hitch. What tongue weight is your hitch rated for? If close to 300 lbs, you need the WD hitch to decrease the tongue weight of the trailer on the rear of the TV.

As I told in my initial post, rating of the hitch is 400 pounds TW... that's the point! 😉

Rating is 400 pounds without WD hitch and 500 pounds with a WD hitch, it's in the hitch manual.

[the_bear_II]

vlopddap wrote:
I understand about lateral wind, but it's still unclear in my mind how adding a 90 pounds device on the vehicle can keep the vehicle suspension levelled? The Equal-i-zer hitch alone put some major weight (and drop) on my rear suspension and the trailer isn't hooked yet! Thx.

The bars act as levers to transfer the weight towards the front of your van...hence the name weight distribution.

You can actually set it up so tight it will take a majority of the weight off of the rear wheels of the van to the point where they will lose traction. So the 90lbs is a moot point with this type of hitch.

[robsouth]

The spring bars will lift that weight off the rear of your TV and transfer it to the front axle. That is the purpose of the WD hitch. What tongue weight is your hitch rated for? If close to 300 lbs, you need the WD hitch to decrease the tongue weight of the trailer on the rear of the TV.

[vlopddap]

I understand about lateral wind, but it's still unclear in my mind how adding a 90 pounds device on the vehicle can keep the vehicle suspension levelled? The Equal-i-zer hitch alone put some major weight (and drop) on my rear suspension and the trailer isn't hooked yet! Thx.

[coolbreeze01]

Probably won't need it but you'll know more after you tow it. Have fun.

[Rosscoe40]

If you're camping near your home and don't have to get on the highway you may be fine without one but I wouldn't want to pass too many trucks or deal with wind without mine on. It is a pain sometimes but worth the hassle for me. I have a 24' 3900 lb TT.

[Kafn8td]

Does the vehicle and trailer sit level without the WD hitch? If so you're probably ok. Tow without it and see if the front end feels light.