First foray into Travel Trailers. Also my first time experiencing a Weight Distribution hitch.
I'm seeing this post as a two fold.
1. I really don't know this information. I needed to do a lot of research, this is what I found.
2. Probably a good sticky thread
I'll have questions at the end, but first can you guys fact check me? (Most of this was gathered from various sources, I'll attribute what I can)
Types of Weight Distribution Hitch's
http://www.hitchwarehouse.com/Choosi...tribution/284/
ROUND BAR KITS
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-2-steps...tion-size.aspx
Step 1. Determine Your Total Tongue Weight
First, you need to figure out your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). Your tongue weight is the downward force you're putting on the ball of the weight distribution setup with your loaded trailer, plus the weight of any gear behind the rear axle of your vehicle.
Note that this is not the dry (unloaded) weight listed on your trailer spec sheet, but rather the fully loaded, ready-to-tow weight after you've packed in all the gear you want to carry.
To determine your trailer tongue weight, you can use a scale like this one from Sherline or the Bluetooth-enabled HaulGauge. Weigh Safe also offers a ball mount with a built-in scale. You can also use one of the other methods outlined in our help article, Determining Trailer Tongue Weight. Also add in the weight of any cargo (gear, coolers, luggage, etc.) you've added behind your rear axle.This sum will be the total tongue weight you have to work with.
Step 2. Select a System with the Right Weight Capacity
Pro tip 1: It's best that your total tongue weight (sum of your trailer tongue weight and cargo) falls in the middle of your WDH range. This gives you a bit of wiggle room if your tongue weight varies between trips. For example, if your total tongue weight is about 1,000 lbs, a weight distribution hitch with a tongue weight rating of 800 - 1,200 lbs is ideal.
Pro tip 2: Not all systems allow you to backup when it's connected. Look for systems that allow backing up.
Pro tip 3: Not all systems work the same. Some have sliding components, so grease is on exposed surfaces.
Pro tip 4: Not all systems contain sway control. Read descriptions carefully.
Which system?
Everyone should make their own decision. Etrailer has put together a top 5 list: (2019 and 2020 list is linked)
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-top-5-w...ches-2019.aspx
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-best-hi...-trailers.aspx
They are a store, and they most likely get "direction" on which product to suggest, but the reviews seem solid.
Additional Reading material:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-choose-...ch-5-tips.aspx
Now for my Grand Design specific questions:
Does anyone have any brand specific preferences? I've seen quite a few with Blue Ox SwayPro's on the forums. (And people adding Straptek's onto that) Mainly because there is no exposed grease on the bars, among other things.. Etrailer really seems to push the Equalizer system.
I'm seeing this post as a two fold.
1. I really don't know this information. I needed to do a lot of research, this is what I found.
2. Probably a good sticky thread
I'll have questions at the end, but first can you guys fact check me? (Most of this was gathered from various sources, I'll attribute what I can)
Types of Weight Distribution Hitch's
http://www.hitchwarehouse.com/Choosi...tribution/284/
ROUND BAR KITS
- The shape is round
- These bars will slide in from the bottom of the ball mount (what holds the ball of the hitch and any other devices, such as a hitch distribution system)
- If you travel mainly on paved roads without much dips and potholes, these would work well.
- 600-1200lbs tongue weight distribution
- The shape is square (mostly, some are round)
- These bars are inserted from the side.
- Allows a higher clearance room. This is good if you have a trailer that is already low because any potholes and dips would case the bottom of the round bars to scrape the road and over time would wear the bars down. Also, if you are travelling on gravel roads more frequently or for extended periods of time the clearance room in the trunnion bars would be beneficial.
- When turning corners the trunnion system will lift one bar and throw extra weight onto the front tires of your towing vehicle, which will aid in better steering ability especially on gravel roads.
- 600-1700lbs tongue weight distribution
- The cost of these are normally $50-$100 more than the round counterpart
- Chains and shock absorbers replace spring bars so there is no bounce when driving
- Trailer ball is included (2” and 2-5/16” available)
- Includes friction sway control
- Trailer ball turns with trailer which provides a silent ride
- No need to snap up spring bars, a nut is used to tighten the chains and shock absorbers
- 200-1400lbs tongue weight distribution (hitch warehouse recommends for 200-800lbs tongue weight)
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-2-steps...tion-size.aspx
Step 1. Determine Your Total Tongue Weight
First, you need to figure out your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). Your tongue weight is the downward force you're putting on the ball of the weight distribution setup with your loaded trailer, plus the weight of any gear behind the rear axle of your vehicle.
Note that this is not the dry (unloaded) weight listed on your trailer spec sheet, but rather the fully loaded, ready-to-tow weight after you've packed in all the gear you want to carry.
To determine your trailer tongue weight, you can use a scale like this one from Sherline or the Bluetooth-enabled HaulGauge. Weigh Safe also offers a ball mount with a built-in scale. You can also use one of the other methods outlined in our help article, Determining Trailer Tongue Weight. Also add in the weight of any cargo (gear, coolers, luggage, etc.) you've added behind your rear axle.This sum will be the total tongue weight you have to work with.
Step 2. Select a System with the Right Weight Capacity
Pro tip 1: It's best that your total tongue weight (sum of your trailer tongue weight and cargo) falls in the middle of your WDH range. This gives you a bit of wiggle room if your tongue weight varies between trips. For example, if your total tongue weight is about 1,000 lbs, a weight distribution hitch with a tongue weight rating of 800 - 1,200 lbs is ideal.
Pro tip 2: Not all systems allow you to backup when it's connected. Look for systems that allow backing up.
Pro tip 3: Not all systems work the same. Some have sliding components, so grease is on exposed surfaces.
Pro tip 4: Not all systems contain sway control. Read descriptions carefully.
Which system?
Everyone should make their own decision. Etrailer has put together a top 5 list: (2019 and 2020 list is linked)
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-top-5-w...ches-2019.aspx
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-best-hi...-trailers.aspx
They are a store, and they most likely get "direction" on which product to suggest, but the reviews seem solid.
Additional Reading material:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-choose-...ch-5-tips.aspx
Now for my Grand Design specific questions:
Does anyone have any brand specific preferences? I've seen quite a few with Blue Ox SwayPro's on the forums. (And people adding Straptek's onto that) Mainly because there is no exposed grease on the bars, among other things.. Etrailer really seems to push the Equalizer system.
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