WD hitch or not

[sncraig]

I am looking into buying a new TT and can't decide if I need a WD hitch. We have had two 35'+ 5th wheels over the past few years and pull with 2011 F250 diesel with rear air bags I added. So my question is now that I am moving back to a TT that will be 37', 1200# tongue weight and 10000#+ GVW do I need a WD Hitch or not. I know I can level the ride out using my bags very easy and the truck can pull and stop this unit nicely. Is there a need to use a WD hitch. Is anyone towing a set up like this.

Looking to buy a 2016 Grand Design 313RLTS.

[APT]

1200 pounds of TW will remove 500-600 pounds from the front axle without WD. I suspect you'll notice that in steering control/stability on the highway. Around town/low speeds, lots of people do that every day. But I wouldn't do it on the highway for a TT.

[RedRocket204]

sncraig wrote:
Thanks everyone, it makes my mind up. Yes I will be getting one I wanted to make sure it was not just an unneeded buy.

Good to hear. My 1 ton is pulling 8500# (sometimes with a 700# quad in the bed) and I do use a WDH with integrated sway control, Reese Dual-Cam to be exact. Pulls very nice.

If you look at the sticker applied to your receiver hitch, it actually states for a 2" max tongue weight of 600# without WDH, 1250# with WDH. If you remove the adapter and go with a 2 1/2" hitch, the weights are 850# without WDH and 1750# with WDH. Just a FYI.

[aftermath]

The issue is not so much the need for the WD as it is the need for some active sway control. A 5er is a different animal than at trailer. Look into getting a WD hitch with bult in sway control. Something like an Equalizer.

[Terryallan]

As you said. You air bags will level the truck. But they will NOT return any lost weight to the front axle. the WDH will return lost weight, and by doing so. Will return lost steering control to the front as well. so it is good you decided to get one, because you will need it.

[downtheroad]

MM49 wrote:
You probably don't need a WD hitch. I'm pulling a 30' TT with 1204lb TW. I also have electronic sway control. You should have few problems with the rear suspension. Give it a try.
MM49

Well, there you go now...
You definitely do, you probably don't.

Line me up in the definitely DO column.

[sncraig]

Thanks everyone, it makes my mind up. Yes I will be getting one I wanted to make sure it was not just an unneeded buy.

[ScottG]

MM49 wrote:
You probably don't need a WD hitch. I'm pulling a 30' TT with 1204lb TW. I also have electronic sway control. You should have few problems with the rear suspension. Give it a try.
MM49

You should know that your "electronic sway control" does nothing while your driving down the road unless you have a sway situation that is so bad that the computer thinks your going to crash. And then the only action it takes is to fully stop the truck - not make minor adjustments to maintain control. It's not an active system that replaces a WDH (though the way it's marketed certainly leads one to assume so).
BTW, you would be shocked how much nicer towing is with a WDH.

[MM49]

You probably don't need a WD hitch. I'm pulling a 30' TT with 1204lb TW. I also have electronic sway control. You should have few problems with the rear suspension. Give it a try.
MM49

[JohnZurk]

Without question, get a WD hitch.

[Dog_Trainer]

newman fulltimer wrote:
you need one for the purpose of sway control look at the new Anderson chain sway control hitch

I would not even consider the Anderson for that size trailer.

[ScottG]

This one isn't even in a grey area - you need one.

[DutchmenSport]

um.... no brainer! For that size camper ... yes!

I've got WD on my 3500 towing an 8000 pound trailer! Won't leave home without it! I don't care what brand of truck it is, get the WDH with a trailer that long and tongue weight that heavy.

[TomG2]

Doesn't Ford "require" one with those weights? Check your Owner's Manual, I imagine they do.

[downtheroad]

And you need one because your receiver is probably not rated to carry 1200 lbs without WD.

[newman_fulltime]

you need one for the purpose of sway control look at the new Anderson chain sway control hitch