Weight distribution hitch

[JCR-1]

I am sure this has been a well versed topic however would like to hear some comments on why is a weight distribution hitch necessary. I have a 21 foot lightweight trailer and tows pretty good with just a sway bar. I an wondering why would one need this? I can see this device on larger heavier trailers where the back of the TV drops down and leveling is necessary.. but on the smaller trailers why ???

[cockroach]

I tow a 30 ft Holiday Rambler with a 3/4 ton. I use a WD hitch B/C I think it controls sway better. I am towing approx 10000 lbs loaded. I have always used a W/D hitch, even when I pulled lighter trailers with a half ton. Been towing since 1969. That does not make me an expert, but so far it has worked for me. Safety should be a big concern for everyone.

[jerem0621]

I used a Weight Distribution hitch with my Dually and my 31 ft TT...no I didn't need it...but the rig rode so much better with it. I absolutely hated that truck, it was so impractical in my day to day life. While excellent for pulling a camper it was terrible as a daily driver into the city. I'm not retired and I don't work in the field. I'm an office jock so for my needs a smaller truck was just more practical.

A Weight Distribution hitch is not a band-Aid...it's another way to do something and it makes it very practical and safe to tow a heavier trailer with a half ton truck or SUV.

I crack up at the bandaids comments, I have seen guys make that comment and in their signature it will say timbrens or airbags.

JMHO only.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Jayco254]

WDH is no crutch if you're hauling a hybrid with a 1 ton truck then you probably don't need a WDH. That remark just don't make any sense you can get somebody hurt trying that.

[jolvi]

WNYBob wrote:
I think a WDH is a crutch when you don't have enough TV to do the job.

This was really not much help to a serious question.

[BarneyS]

wolfpack30844 wrote:
Im a fairly new camper and TT tower. When using the weight distrubution bars how high up should you set it? Is it advantagous to set it as high as possible so the back of the truck doesnt sag down. I have a 1500 Dodge Ram and a 31 ft Coleman.

Take a really good look at this thread stuck at the top of the Towing forum. 🙂
Barney

[wolfpack30844]

Im a fairly new camper and TT tower. When using the weight distrubution bars how high up should you set it? Is it advantagous to set it as high as possible so the back of the truck doesnt sag down. I have a 1500 Dodge Ram and a 31 ft Coleman.

[mike-s]

[Grateful_Camper]

My truck tows infinitely better with my WDH (Equalizer). It tows fine without (f250 superduty) but I definitely know its back there and if I forget for a second the next bump or crack in pavement I run over reminds me instantly. With the hitch I honestly have to remind my self that there is 33 feet of camper behind me weighing in close to 8000. But it is a noticeable improvement over nothing.

[CavemanCharlie]

DutchmenSport wrote:
Unless you are having problems with your current rig set-up, why change anything.

However, if you are experiencing uncomfortable towing, the feeling that the steering wheel is floating and you feel you don't have good control of the vehicle and trailer 100%, then you should consider weight distribution.

If you decide to get a heavier camper with the same tow vehicle, yes, you will need WD then for sure.

Weight Distribution does 2 things: 1) it keeps the tow vehicle and trailer level to the ground, front and rear should be the same height. 2) it distributes the weight on the hitch to all points equal touching the ground. This keeps steering control, even wear on all your tires, and headlights from beaming at the moon.

Yup

[Acdii]

Here is what no one has yet told you.

Crawl under the receiver and look for the weight tag. It will tell you two weights, without WDH and with WDH.

Weigh the loaded trailers tongue and hitch.

If the weight is below the non WDH weight, you don't need it, if above it, you need it. Not that hard to figure out.

[gmw_photos]

To the OP: tow your trailer 500 miles to maybe 1000 miles without WD. Then install it, carefully follow the setup procedures, verify your adjustments at a CAT scale, then go pull it another 1000 miles over a variety of roads.

Then come back and tell us what you think.

[stevemorris]

rbpru wrote:
Let's see; the TT manufacturer recommends a WD hitch hitch, the TV manufacturer recommends a WD hitch, the vast majority of TT owners use a WD hitch, someone on an RV board thinks it it is not a good idea.

Hmmmm what should I do.

my thoughts exactly. without wdh we would all be towing tent trailers

[Timtation]

Personal experience: Light weight trailer, single axle always set the hitches to the least transfer link. Decided not to connect on return home trip. Hot day and all the expansion joints were squeezed. The harmonic of the trailer axle to drive axle versus the expansion joint spacing gave us at least a one hundred mile long surfing experience. Were the wds needed for hitch weight, no but they sure made a difference in apparent wheel base.

[TomG2]

rbpru wrote:
Hmmmm what should I do.

Disregard all those specifications and ask people who have no investment in your decision what to do. Listen to people repeating the same old same old advice that may or may not be outdated and invalid. But you "Heard it on the Internet, so it must be true."