Your towing rigs and trailers

Dallas_Lilly · Jul 15, 2007

The truck is a 1990 Chevy 1/2T, 350, 5spd with 3.73 ratio. The trailer is a 7,000 lb 18' car hauler PJ trailer. I rebuilt the engine in the truck about 30K ago.

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 15, 2007

Great replys so far. Lets keep them coming.

Matt T.

Bill Barrett · Jul 15, 2007

E-450, 12,000 lbs Maclander, L3130, and my new 1009 Fel not installed yet.

Redbug · Jul 15, 2007

Well, here goes...L3830, GMC 2500HD, 20' BMF flatbed dumper trailer 14K.

1st is pic of truck, tractor & trailer.
2nd is tractor on trailer w/disk.
3rd is dumping.

Builder · Jul 15, 2007

Redbug said:
Well, here goes...L3830, GMC 2500HD, 20' BMF flatbed dumper trailer 14K.

1st is pic of truck, tractor & trailer.
2nd is tractor on trailer w/disk.
3rd is dumping.

Dave,

Do you use a weight distributing hitch with your 14K dump trailer, or just a ball/pintle or just a ball hitch?

Our GM HD's are limited to 12K off the back bumper. I put a 15K Putnam on mine and can't decide if I should just use my ball/pintle combo, or add a weight distributing set-up like GMC recommends.

Redbug · Jul 15, 2007

Hi Builder,

I put a Putnam XDR on the truck, the stock one is too wimpy, (even dangerous). With the tractor loaded on the trailer, I use a weight distribution hitch. With lighter stuff, (such as a load of firewood, etc), I don't need the WD hitch and just use the normal 2 5/16 ball. I don't use a ball/pintle at all. After having experience with a WD hitch, I would recommend using one. Big difference in ride, trailer/truck rides level, and better steering, (more weight shifted to the truck's front tires).

Builder · Jul 16, 2007

Redbug said:
Hi Builder,

I put a Putnam XDR on the truck, the stock one is too wimpy, (even dangerous). With the tractor loaded on the trailer, I use a weight distribution hitch. With lighter stuff, (such as a load of firewood, etc), I don't need the WD hitch and just use the normal 2 5/16 ball. I don't use a ball/pintle at all. After having experience with a WD hitch, I would recommend using one. Big difference in ride, trailer/truck rides level, and better steering, (more weight shifted to the truck's front tires).

Thanks for the helpful response! I wasn't sure if the WDH was worth the investment. I have the Putnam XDR, too and I think it's time to get the WDH.