Need WDH?

[davlin]

Originally Posted by Kwantau

Hi Padget, yes you are running on the edge not using a WDH. My TM weights in at 3450 lbs with a tongue weight of 436 lbs measured with a Shureline tongue weight scale, so very accurate. I had a Jeep Liberty before the GC which had the factory package etc. and the same towing capacity as the GC which towed my TM for 2seasons . There is a label on the receiver on both TVs that states that if exceeding 350 lbs to use a WDH with a max tongue weight not to exceed 500 lbs. Having a tow weight of 436 lbs far exceeds the 350 lb warning.

Kwantau,

Good comment. This is exactly the issue most people overlook in the WDH discussion. Everyone wants to talk about the total weight of the trailer, or the amount of drop in the TV, but they totally disregard the allowable weight on the hitch.

[Padgett]

I have heard and understood all of the comments. OTOH the Owner's Manual is written by lawyers for clueless people (if you have to ask this is the answer you get).

To me the axle is near its design limit (would expect a 25-50% reserve if I designed it) and have been trying to avoid a lift kit so for two reasons have been avoiding adding any extra load to the axle (I've looked into a 5k axle, is about $770. I already probably have the most expensive 2720SL on the planet (and if you have a 2720 as indicated in your .sig then it is at least 123 lbs lighter than mine. Can also add 40 lbs for the solar panels and 60 lbs since I have 2 GC2 batteries.

This is part of the reason I've held off on a lift kit and may raise an inch rather than 2.5", I do not want to raise the CG.

BTW "My TM weights in at 3450 lbs with a tongue weight of 436 lbs " Is that the actual trailer weight or is it really 3450+436= 3886 lbs ? Full tanks or empty ?

As most know, the TM biases the axle to the rear of the balance point so the tongue is carrying about 13% of the actual. This is unusual, trailers usually aim for 10%.

That said I agree. The best advice is to use a WDH. OTOH I made a personal decision based on a lot of calculations not to add any additional load to the TM axle and in my case the TM tows very well.

ps the receiver is not an issue: XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch

[Kwantau]

Quote"BTW "My TM weights in at 3450 lbs with a tongue weight of 436 lbs " Is that the actual trailer weight or is it really 3450+436= 3886 lbs ? Full tanks or empty ? "

That is actual scale weight, axle plus tongue. I travel with about 10 gallons in water tank and toilet charged. TM tows like a dream and I go across the Rockies to Vancouver Island every year at which I cross two mountain passes one at 1440 meters (about 4400 ft.) . Never had any problems with either vehicle. I like the daily comfort and gas mileage plus the great tow capability and gas mileage even when towing.

[davlin]

Originally Posted by Padgett

I have heard and understood all of the comments. OTOH the Owner's Manual is written by lawyers for clueless people (if you have to ask this is the answer you get).

To me the axle is near its design limit...

Very interesting, Padgett. One may disregard the rated capacity of the receiver because "lawyers wrote it," but one must pay careful attention to the rated capacity of the axle. Was it different lawyers that wrote that one?

[nwhouston]

Driller, we have a Blue Ox WDH on our '07 3124KS and '11 Chev Silverado 1500 Crew Cab w/ tow package. Ran for two years w/o WDH with no issues even to Sante Fe, NM from Houston. TM & TV were flat when connected.

After reading all posts, I opted for the WDH. It is an easy install and easy to hookup assuming you have an electric jack or well greased manual lift. Truck runs fine with WDH though a little more stiff (as expected) w/ the WDH. I will say that I have found more vibration damage on long runs with the WDH vs. w/o. As an example our oven was sitting free (screws on the floor) after the first day's run with the new WDH. I do have 1000# spring bars when 750# would be ok, so that may be the cause for the higher 'bounce' factor.

All in I am happy with the WDH; we use it on all long hauls. All the best with your decision.

[[email protected]]

Is...the Blue Ox Sway-Pro! By far the best I think and it saved my butt when I had a blowout last Labor Day Weekend coming back from Port Aransas (Corpus Christi TX). About half way between Corpus and San Antonio we suffered a blow out. The tire lost pressure due to the rim and the tire shredded to bits in a nano second at 70+ mph. Although the tire dropped like a rock onto the rim, I never lost control and the trailer tracked straight and true without the slightest bit of sway! We were able to pull off I-37 to the shoulder with no problem. Now besides this, the Sway- Pro is SOOOO easy to hook and unhook and can be done in a matter of seconds. Add to this the selection of different spring bars that are simply interchangeable and a receiver that can be adjusted to the proper level, plus the rotating latches that are very easy to work...and you have a winner. Check the Blue ox out on youtube....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyO0psWBkVU

Remember, you get what you pay for! I installed mine myself and it was very easy as well. you just need a few tools and a level surface and 45 minutes. That's it!
Tom

[tentcamper]

I had 5 different WDH's throughout my years of trailers. I'm not sure I could tell a different other then hooking them up. One had an integrated sway controller and I did not have to hook up a sway controller.


I did try a 1,000# WDH I had on the TM, it had a buck board ride from the secondary bounce of the trailer axle.

Currently use a 600# reese.

[Padgett]

Thought the weight rating was a max and the actual distribution depended on how tight the bars start out ?