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.

[TomG2]

Good catch. I thought that the thread had turned into a general discussion of the need for Weight Distributing hitches. Ford it is.

[Ron_Gratz]

According to the first post of this thread, the OP is towing with a Ford product.

As you have stated -- "Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual."

I think that means, in this thread, follow the Ford Owner's manual.

Ron

[TomG2]

Why not quote the GM manuals as well. Why be so selective? Lots of people drive their products as well. To save you the effort, their HD models "Require" 0% Front axle replacement.

[Ron_Gratz]

TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight?---

TomG2 wrote:
Been covered a hundred times elsewhere. Everybody has an opinion. A few know what they are talking about. Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual.

Looks like you answered your own question.

For the 2011 F-250 diesel, page 29 of the RV & TRAILER TOWING GUIDE specifies a WDH should be used if the tongue weight exceeds 850#.

Page 252 of the 2011 F-250/350/450/550 Owners Guide specifies the WDH should be adjusted to eliminate approximately 50% of the front-end rise.
This implies the WDH should be adjusted to restore a "few hundred pounds" to the front axle.

Perhaps "some people" are just trying to do what the Owner's manual says they should do.

Ron

[TomG2]

Been covered a hundred times elsewhere. Everybody has an opinion. A few know what they are talking about. Simple answer, follow the Owner's manual.

[dodge_guy]

TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

Because they are sprung differently! Different springs for different engine configurations!

[Dog_Trainer]

jasoncw wrote:
Tom and MM, I believe most of this recommendation is because most factory installed hitches (even on many heavy/super duty trucks) have a pretty low TW limit for non-WD hitches. Not sure what this is on today's trucks, but a few years back, non-WD TW was limited to less than 1000#, more like 600#.

I thought most 3/4 HD trucks came with a 2.5" Receiver. Mine is rated at 18,000 lbs and I think that is without WD. I still think the WD Hitch is a good thing.

[jasoncw]

Tom and MM, I believe most of this recommendation is because most factory installed hitches (even on many heavy/super duty trucks) have a pretty low TW limit for non-WD hitches. Not sure what this is on today's trucks, but a few years back, non-WD TW was limited to less than 1000#, more like 600#.

[MM49]

TomG2 wrote:
Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

Tom

You are correct. The balance between F/R axles will be close to 50/50 with a 1200lb TW. This is the optimum condition. If the OP decided he still wanted to use WD he would have to search for the lightest bars he could find. The common knowledge that you must transfer 100% of TW is just plain wrong. A few decisions must be made when setting up a TV. The understanding of this has been lost on most members of this site.
MM49

[TomG2]

Why do some people worry so much about losing a few hundred pounds off the front axle when the same pickup with a gas engine has that much less front axle weight? GM does not require WD hitches for their HD models with the OP's tongue weights and they would experience the same loss of front axle weight.

[MM49]

ScottG wrote:

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.

No, you are totally wrong. The electronic sway control system I have is an active system. It is a different system from what is on the truck. The active system will control sway at all times.

MM49

[dodge_guy]

YES! your old fifth wheel had the pin weight over the axle. the new TT will have the tongue weight at least 3 feet behind the axle........yes you will need one!

[HappyTrails2U2]

The first time an 18 wheeler passed you towing that trailer doing about 80 mph you would be taking the next exit looking for Camping World to buy a WD hitch with some sway control and a new change of underwear. :B

[GaryWT]

Good that you decided to go with in. I would use WDH with anything larger than a popup.