Weight Distributing Hitch On Dump or Equipment Trailer?

[CompactTractorFan]

I was just wondering...Does anyone use a weight distributing hitch on a dump or equipment trailer. After researching it looks like that most pickups couldn't tow a 10k or 7k trailer without a weight distributing hitch. Pictures would be welcome!!!

 

[Highbeam]

I do. I use WD hitches for both my 25' RV and my 10k EQ trailer. They're great and like you said, actually required if you do your research.

 

[Dmace]

I have yet to hook up my WD hitch to the dump trailer but use it every time I haul our 27ft travel trailer. With the dump trailer, you would have to really try to put too much tongue weight since the box is so small and centered over two large axles. With the travel trailer, it's a good 10-12ft from axles to hitch and lots of weight up front with the master bedroom up there.

Even with a decent load on the dump trailer (6k lbs load on 1,870lb trailer) my 1/2 ton RAM didn't squat more than 2-3", it squats 4-5" with the camper without the WD hitch. There's less tongue weight with that 8k lbs load then my 4,600 lb travel trailer mostly due to length from hitch to axles.

 

[techwrtr2]

When we had a K10 Suburban, we always used the weight distributing hitch. Lots of squat if we didn't. When we moved to a 2500 Ram, we've found it less important. Granted, we haven't used the car hauler or the travel trailer yet. Dump trailer sees the most usage and as previously mentioned the weight distribution on it makes it easy to have a well balanced load.

I believe the official recomendations for the truck demand weight distribution. Were I hauling a heavy load over a long distance, I may use it regardless.

 

[Hematite]

My travel trailer has 800+ tongue weight and the equipment trailer, loaded with the tractor, has 800+ tongue weight. For that reason, I do use a WD hitch.
On top of that, my hitch is a Reese Dual Cam WD hitch. The Dual Cams completely control sway. Once hooked up both trailers are a joy to tow. No sway, truck and trailer ride level (truck slightly higher in the back), excellent control and stability which, when you are towing a very heavy load behind you is....priceless!

 

[firefighter jim]

I use one........

 

[scoutcub]

I use one........

Whoa....! Talk about a cliffhanger......

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I wonder about a dump trailer because the weight is not always the same. One day you might haul your tractor the next a load of gravel or yard-waste etc...

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Whoa....! Talk about a cliffhanger......

 

[Highbeam]

I wonder about a dump trailer because the weight is not always the same. One day you might haul your tractor the next a load of gravel or yard-waste etc...

Same with most trailers. Usually I tow my tractor but tomorrow I will be running empty to Costco where I will load up 3 tons of wood pellets. That's way more than the normal 4500# tractor load. The W/D system is flexible this way. What you do is add or remove chain links with the varying load. It doesn't have to be perfect but you can get really close with a fixed load like an RV.