WDH Bar Size

[Boband4]

I am thinking of getting a new trailer and WDH. How do I know what size/weight spring bars to get?? Is it the same as the hitch weight, meaning - if I have 750 pounds of hitch weight do I get 750lb bars? Is there a formula or chart or something else?

[handye9]

As others have mentioned, advertised hitch weight is rarely close to what your real weight is. It actually goes up, before it gets off the dealers lot.

Also, keep in mind, hitch weight is NOT a constant number. It goes up and down during every trip, and it can be significantly impacted by the location of the holding tanks. Holding tanks that are located behind the trailer axles, will take weight off the hitch, and tanks located in front of the axles will add hitch weight.

My trailer has the fresh tank in the rear, black / grey tanks directly over the axles, and a galley tank up front. During any given trip, my hitch weight can be anywhere between 975 and 1225 lbs. The advertised hitch weight was 880 lbs.

[eHoefler]

The bars are rated for how much weight they can transfer.

[old_guy]

but a four point hitch and be done with it.

[HuckleberryHunt]

WayneAt63044 wrote:
All the replies are right on. Use 13-15% of GVWR for the hitch weight. I had some that were too light as sold to me by the dealer (probably based on dry weight)and subsequently upgraded to heavier bars.

Agree. Research “loaded tongue weight”. Then think realistically how much cargo/people weight you’ll have in the TV and that’ll help determine you’re needed load ratings.
The Equalizer website has an interactive tool that’ll help you determine needed hitch/bar ratings.

[WayneAt63044]

All the replies are right on. Use 13-15% of GVWR for the hitch weight. I had some that were too light as sold to me by the dealer (probably based on dry weight)and subsequently upgraded to heavier bars.

[beemerphile1]

Your actual hitch weight when loaded could be around 15 percent of the trailer GVWR. Ignore hitch weight claimed by the manufacturer.

[Lynnmor]

The bars have a range of weight that they handle, see the manufacturers website. Barney suggested bars that are above the weight you stated, knowing that the hitch weight is almost always well above the published weight. If you could get the real weight ready to roll it would help you get the exact bars you need. Know that heavier isn't better, correct is best since they need to flex.

[BarneyS]

I would size the bars about 200-300 lbs above the advertised hitch weight. In your example, I would get 1000lb bars.
Barney