WDH Sway comparison

[Larryjb]

On my journey to find a WDH with sway control, I've compared a few popular WDH setups. This may help others new to towing to help them compare and choose a WDH. I've left a few comments beside some of the cheaper hitches that may explain why they're cheaper than the competition. In general, the more expensive hitches have nearly zero poor reviews on Amazon, and members here swear by them.

I hear a lot of people saying that sway control isn't necessary, but I also listen to my father who towed trailers at different times over the years. Aside from winds, passing semis, he also told me that antisway really helps on uneven pavement to keep the trailer from bouncing around if a wheel goes into a dip or pothole.

I have also heard some say that WDH transfers more weight to the trailer wheels, which increases the load on already marginal tires, if they haven't been upgraded. My answer to this is that they should be upgraded. I've heard that the wheels should be upgraded with tires too. I have yet to do mine, so we'll see if I follow my own advice, but I've had my trailer for only a few weeks so far.

Anyway, hopefully other newbies can benefit from my research here, even if it is a little limited.
WDH.pdf

[rvcycleguy]

Thanks for the data.

I've never used a sway bar while towing the TM. I've used one with conventional campers but not the TM. The overall height of 5ft 5" profile gives it a more stable towing characteristic.


RV

[toolman]

When I picked up my uaed TM 4 years ago I thought about a WDH and seay control since I had that setup years earlier when i was towing a 26' travel trailer. After our first trip it was clear there would be no need as the previous replu stated. There is nowhere near the wind resistance from the front or side. I'd suggest taking it on a short camping trip that represents the driving you will be doing and then make your decision.

[Larryjb]

My TM does visibly weigh down the back end of my Tahoe. It is probably because the levelling suspension no longer functions. Unloaded, the Tahoe rides level and well.

I towed this TM from Tacoma WA to Vancouver BC. With the exception of poor electrical connections between the TV and TM causing inoperative trailer brakes at times, it did tow well. By the time I load it up for camping, that could easily be adding 500 lbs (includes 2 kids). I consider the a WDH a matter of safety. It will restore weight onto the front wheels. The effects of this might not be noticeable in normal driving, but might be important in an emergency maneuver.

I'd agree that sway control is much less important with my Tahoe and TM, but I'm not too comfortable without a WDH.

[SCBillandJane]

I towed a 3124 from South Carolina to Alaska, San Diego, Key West, Maine on different trips and several trips in the South East. I used a very primitive weight distributing hitch without sway control because the used trailer came equipped with it. There was zero sway regardless of load, wind, or road condition. In 2015 I replaced the Trailmanor with a relatively light 21 foot conventional height Trailer. Instant sway and lots of it. I have tried the Anderson and Blue Ox hitches which are high end. Both have helped in different ways,but in my opinion are over kill for a Trailmanor, but if you feel more confident, and therefore more likely to go camping you should buy what makes you comfortable.

[momto4girls]

Our Tacoma supposedly has "built in sway control" with the tow package. I haven't seen anyone address this on the forum, but I'm trusting that it works. My husband and I are still undecided on weight distribution. We only camp locally--within a 2 hr drive. If we ever decide to make a long trip, we will definitely consider wdh since we would be carrying more stuff. Thanks for sharing the information!

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by Larryjb

My TM does visibly weigh down the back end of my Tahoe. It is probably because the levelling suspension no longer functions. Unloaded, the Tahoe rides level and well.

I just wanted to update this post:

Last month I changed out all four shocks to Bilstein 5100 on my Tahoe. I left the stock springs. The rear end does not sag when the TM is hooked up. I will still use the WDH to transfer some load to the front wheels to maintain good handling.

The original shocks were in bad shape, and I should have changed them sooner.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Larryjb

Last month I changed out all four shocks to Bilstein 5100 on my Tahoe. I left the stock springs. The rear end does not sag when the TM is hooked up.

Shocks alone will not change the squat or sag when weight is added to the rear end. However, some B8-5100 series Bilsteins do have a built-in lift spring.

Bill