weight distribution hitch

[rwussise]

do you really need a weight distribution hitch for a 4000 lb trailer such as a 3124 TM? Sure seems like overkill. Any advice or experience?

Thank you

Originally Posted by rwussise

do you really need a weight distribution hitch for a 4000 lb trailer such as a 3124 TM? Sure seems like overkill. Any advice or experience?

Thank you

A lot depends on your tow vehicle.
If you use a short wheel base , low HP TV you would be a lot safer with a WDH.
If you tow with a F250 or equivalent then you can probably get by without one.

JMHO

+1 on Terryl's comment.

[hillbillyhotel]

we have towed both way with ours , use a 2500 ,,, I use our wdh, but we seem to pack half the world with us.
it is more the tongue weight of the tm then the need of the truck.
jmo

[MarkoPolo]

I know not many others have had sway issues, but I have. Very scary sway issues. You can look up other long threads about this, but I am very happy with the Andersen No Sway weight distribution hitch. Trailmanor is now solid as a rock when towing.

[Padgett]

What tire pressure do you run ? My experience is that a low tire will cause sway (trailer or TV). I do not have a WDH (do not want to transfer any weight to the trailer axle) and towing at 65 feels nice and steady.

[rvcycleguy]

Originally Posted by rwussise

do you really need a weight distribution hitch for a 4000 lb trailer such as a 3124 TM? Sure seems like overkill. Any advice or experience?

Thank you

My advice is to understand your tongue weight. The TM axle is set back farther, distance from the hitch, than most TT. TM has a heavy hitch weight. You'll need to know the Tow Vehicle (TV) hitch weight capacity with the proper class hitch.

Ex: if your TV hitch capacity is 400lbs and the TM tongue weight is 400lbs. You are at capacity and towing unsafe. Add a WDH to increase the capacity, spreading the weight towards the front axle and back to the trailer and you've got a better tow system.

I'm sure others here can explain it better than I.

[davlin]

You explained it exactly right, rvcycle guy. The original question used a 3124 as the example. This trailer is probably unique in the TM model line when it comes tongue weight, since it is the heaviest trailer on a single axle. A normally loaded 3124 will come in at 600 lbs. tw. The factory hitch receiver on my f150 is rated at 500 lbs. tw, without WDH. That means that even though I don't need a WDH to keep the trailer and TV level, and I don't need it for sway control, I need it to stop over-stressing my hitch. As rv says, even if your hitch receiver is rated at 600 lbs., it's probably a safe and smart idea to get under the maximum with a WDH.

Dave

[Padgett]

There is one other thing to be aware of and that is the larger and more recent TMs have 5k single axles wihile earlier/smaller units (like an '06 2720SL) may have come with a 3.5k axle and that may be near its limit (in general a 3.5k will have a 5 lug wheel and a 5k a 6 lug).

If a 3.5 I would excersise care in how much force is transferred back to the trailer and perhaps consider moving weight to the rear where possible (may be why my 70 lb battery is in the rear compartment).

ps I always extend the trailer hitch jack before unfolding since that and the slide may increase the TW.

[tentcamper]

We have pulled our 2720 with a wdh and 600 miles without a wdh. Pulling with our Sienna van. Both ways it pulled like a champ. Main reason for pulling with WHD is to increase tongue capacity of the TV,

MarkoPolo, In looking at you 2922. I looks the same as a 2720, except the additional space from the end of the front shell to the front of the rear window, which looks like 18 to 24 inches. The wheels look like they are in the same location under the long window. When my 2720 it closed I have a few inches behind the front shell to the front of the rear window. My wheels look like they are in the same place. Did TM get the extra 2 feet all aft of the wheels?

I'm thinking the additional 2 feet you have has all been added to the aft of the wheels. Which could take weight off the tongue. Just wonder if this could be part of the issue with the 2922. The tongue is to light? Maybe pack more weight forward or hauling water would adjust for this?