Weight distribution hitches

[lutt]

Okay guys, as much as I tow, I'm ashamed to say I have not had much experience with them. When we bought our 33 foot travel trailer, the dealer throwed in a used crappy hitch. It's been okay for going to the lake which is a short trip. But I want a new quality hitch for a 8 hour trip to gulf shores. My truck is a 14 3/4 ton Chevy cc 4wd with a Dmax. If that helps. Thanks LUTT

 

[CaptPicky]

I've used a couple different types and by far my favorite was the Equalizer.

 

[lutt]

I take it that is the brand name and thanks. LUTT

 

[Ken45101]

You need a weight distributing hitch with spring bars and a sway bar that's rated and set up for your trailer weight. Reese (and others) make good hitches. Your best bet is to go to a good RV dealer and have them spec out a good setup for you.

If you don't already have it, you also need a brake controller. Tekonsha makes good ones.

 

[radioman]

WD are great pieces of equipment when used properly and it really helps with handling. However it really concerns me that you made a statement saying you got a crappy hitch. What make a hitch crappy? be honest. All it really is a piece of metal with a ball on it. some are better then others I give you that , but they all function the same. pull a trailer. IF you feel there is something wrong , then there might be something wrong but you need to tell us why you feel something is crappy and what are you experiencing. If you think you need WD's as most people do, then you know when your truck and camper is loaded with camping stuff, then you will see a V with back of camper and front bumper of truck up the in air or much higher then front of camper and rear of the truck. WD will help making the camper more level, and give you better steering and better stopping.

I dont think you have crappy equipment.. you might be overloaded, out of balance or both. You might as well throw in a sway bar too as I think all travel trailers should come with one. It makes it a much better experience on the highways with those 18 wheelers passing you or you passing them due to the wind turbulence.

 

[lutt]

Thanks Ken, I will look in to those. Radioman I should have said mismatched hitch.LUTT

 

[jejeosborne]

I've used a couple different types and by far my favorite was the Equalizer.

2nd this.
The beauty of the equalizer is that it has built in sway control. Disadvantage is that it isn't as quick to adjust on the fly for different tongue weights.

 

[lutt]

Def not overloaded or out if balence. Said I HAVNT used load leveling hitches much. Not new to towing. The hitch was surface rusted, one springbar was a little shorter . That's why I called it crappy. I know there just a piece of metal with a ball on it. We didn't notice it till after the dealer hauled it to my father n laws house for delivery! I really have not pulled the Tt with the new 3/4 ton. I have moved it around in the yard. Empty it don't squat the truck much. It ways around 7100 pounds . But I'm not interested in why I want a new hitch, just what you guys have has good luck with. Thanks. LUTT

 

[newbury]

I've only used the Equalizer, but beware there are two "Equalizers". I forget the exact parameters but the "cheaper" one has a few less parts and capabilities than the "original". Since most places don't stock them you might not find out you bought the one until it's delivered.

To me the step where you attach the bars was a royal pain given the dippy little tool they sell you to assist in hooking it up. I always use a farmjack I keep in the truck.

Also if you get an equalizer make sure you have:
room down the rail side to attach the "hangers" (I had to move a tongue box support)
the correct ball - shank needs to be a certain length and of course you need a sufficient rating.

I ended up getting mine from http://www.pplmotorhomes. fast good service.

 

[lutt]

Thanks newbury! I will look into those. LUTT

 

[Furu]

I was first introduced to WD hitches with the Eaz-Lift brand. I have had great luck with the brand and would recommend it. It is easy to switch from one trailer to another with ease and hookup is quick and simple. If you have a pair of snap-up brackets on each trailer then the rest of the WD hitch is universal and can be used on any trailer you own.

 

[lutt]

Thanks Furu! LUTT

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have the Equalizer hitch as well, it pretty much eliminates bounce and sway.

 

[Spindifferent]

Lots of good WD info here: Weight Distribution | etrailer.com

Great company. I purchased my WD system from them.

 

[lutt]

Thanks! LUTT

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

To answer your question : I own a 2014 Ford F250 and pull a 9000lbs travel trailer with it.
I use a basic Husky brand WDH 1000/10 000 set up with double sway control bars.
Cheap and it does the job good,never had an issue in 10+ years I tow with it.
I'm not a big fan of those fancy expensive hitches...double if not triple the price of basic set up as I have.
Black

 

[schmism]

I have a reese trunnion style (sq bar). I purchased my off Craigslist but e-trailer would be my choice if i wasnting getting on off of CL
WD Only Weight Distribution | etrailer.com

I like it...no complaints. I set mine up via youtube vids and instructions. I weighted the actual tongue weight of my trailer with my normal amount of stuff on it, and to get an idea of were to park my tractor on it for acceptable tongue weight. NO so much an issue with travel trailers. I can "adjust" mine based on chain links i use. I have the standard load link mark, If empty i usually run -1 link which is virtually no spring in the bars but it does really help with porpoise-ing on bad highways. I can go +1 link if i have a heavy load or a lot of stuff loaded on the front and not enough on the back to balance out.

Id be more worried that you had the WD hitch set up correctly than if it was a name brand vs not name brand.

 

[lutt]

Thanks guys , I'll look into those. LUTT