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Momentum 23G WDH & Setup Advice

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  • Momentum 23G WDH & Setup Advice

    Hello GDRVOwners,

    I have a 2022 Momentum 23G on order and I'm looking for some advice on a WDH. I've towed travel trailers and a 5th wheel, but never a Toy Hauler so I don't know what to expect. I don't have a side by side yet so initially I'll be hauling only kayaks and bicycles. That said, the Grand Design website lists the 23G UVW 6897 lbs., hitch weight 1266 lbs., and GVWR 12000 lbs.

    1) When I add 100 gallons of fresh water (without a side by side) will my tongue weight increase beyond the 1266 lbs., or does that number assume the full water weight?
    2) If it doesn't assume the full water weight, how has others balanced the tongue weight without carrying a side by side?
    3) What is a good WDH that covers sway control as well? I'm leaning towards Weigh Safe's True Tow, but it sticks out very far and weighs 147 lbs. The added hitch length will make it difficult to fit the trailer into my driveway.
    4) Is there a need to install air bags when towing Toy Haulers without a side by side, or will the WDH prevent it from sagging?

    Thanks for your help in advance!

    TV is a 2021 Ford F350

  • #2
    cire I like my BlueOx Sway Pro for a WDH. I think Howard (Howson) uses one also with the upgrade to StrapTec's which is an upgrade and improvement to the chain system. You will get varied opinions as to what WDH is the best. Personally I do not like the Equalizer style hitches with the pry bar to lift the bars up an onto the ledge due to the way the load and unload (looks like an accident waiting to happen for unloading). Also learn your hitch and what it takes to adjust it as needed based on tongue load. Avoid using the tongue jack to lift the rear of the truck as this puts a lot of strain on the jack and its mechanical parts.
    Joseph
    Tow
    Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
    Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
    South of Houston Texas

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by cire View Post
      Hello GDRVOwners,

      I have a 2022 Momentum 23G on order and I'm looking for some advice on a WDH. I've towed travel trailers and a 5th wheel, but never a Toy Hauler so I don't know what to expect. I don't have a side by side yet so initially I'll be hauling only kayaks and bicycles. That said, the Grand Design website lists the 23G UVW 6897 lbs., hitch weight 1266 lbs., and GVWR 12000 lbs.

      1) When I add 100 gallons of fresh water (without a side by side) will my tongue weight increase beyond the 1266 lbs., or does that number assume the full water weight?
      2) If it doesn't assume the full water weight, how has others balanced the tongue weight without carrying a side by side?
      3) What is a good WDH that covers sway control as well? I'm leaning towards Weigh Safe's True Tow, but it sticks out very far and weighs 147 lbs. The added hitch length will make it difficult to fit the trailer into my driveway.
      4) Is there a need to install air bags when towing Toy Haulers without a side by side, or will the WDH prevent it from sagging?

      Thanks for your help in advance!

      TV is a 2021 Ford F350
      Typically, the advertised tongue weight, does not include the weight of any water (fresh water or waste water).

      Whether or not your tongue weight increases when you add fresh water, and by how much, is a function of where the fresh water tank is located in the trailer. If it is forward of the axles, it will add to the tongue weight. If you want to estimate how much it will add to it, measure the distance from the mid-point of the axles to the mid point of the tank. Then divide this number by the distance from the mid-point of the axles to the hitch. Multiply the result by the added weight from the water and you should get the approximate increase in tongue weight. EXAMPLE: Mid point between axles to mid point of tank = 10' (in front). Mid point between axles to hitch = 15' Weight of water added = 900 lbs. Load added to hitch = 900 lbs x (10'/15') = 900 lbs X0.66 = 594 lbs added to the hitch (tongue) weight.

      As for WDH. I do not have a True Tow Weigh Safe, but I sure would consider it if I were in the market. Two things I specifically like about it are the modular design that allows you to install the shank and hitch head in pieces, and the ability to adjust the weight distribution by turning a wrench. I have an Equal-i-zer and my only real complaint is that the shank and hitch head are one piece and it is HEAVY. As for adjustability with the Equal-i-zer, you have to either add/subtract washers in the hitch head or raise or lower the L brackets to change the Weight Distribution. It's inconvenient. The weigh safe also includes a tongue weight scale, but by design, that will only give you a meaningful number before you install the weight distribution bars.

      I hope this is helpful.

      Bob
      Bob & Lynne

      2020 Imagine 2970RL
      2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD 4x4 Duramax

      Comment


      • #4
        I have a 2021 Momentum 21G which is very similar to the 23G. The advertised hitch weight for the 21G is 920#. However, the typical tongue weight for our setup (reality) is about 1150#. Once you get your trailer you will know the tongue weight for your specific trailer (it won't be 1266#)

        We do not carry any toys with us (no side by side). I know, once you load the rear, the tongue weight will decrease significantly. I would make sure you load the trailer to have enough tongue weight to avoid sway. A sway control hitch can only do so much. I know some have had sway issues with the Momentum TT once they load toys. With our heavy tongue weight we have never had an issue with sway. We've taken the trailer all over Texas and even up to the Canadian border and back.

        To answer your questions as best I can

        1) You actually have 2 linked fresh tanks just in front of the axels. If you fill the tank(s), your tongue weight will increase slightly (100 to 200# maybe??). The number does NOT assume full water weight, nor does it include any "upgrade" weight (generator, solar, etc). I think it includes LP weight. The water will also add about 700# to the trailer weight.
        2) Push the toy up front as much as possible. Load the front of the trailer (bedroom, bathroom) with your gear. Once your toy is in, be very aware of your trailer weight vs tongue weight.
        3) We have the Equal-i-Izer hitch. It has done very well for us. We have the 12,000# hitch (1200# tongue weight. What ever hitch you get, I would get a 14,000# hitch able to handle 1400# tongue weight for your setup. Any hitch will add length. I Think Equal-i-zer, BLueOx and Weight Safe are all very good setups. I would lean towards the weigh safe as it will help you know your true tongue weight. When we are all hooked up, we stick out into the street slightly as well. People go around us
        4) You will sag. We have a 2020 F250 with high capacity towing package (basically an F350 rear end). Once hooked up we sage between 2 and 3 inches with the WD hitch. I did install bags to bring it up a little bit. We now sag about 1" at rear and front is about 3/4" higher. If you do install bags, you will have to adjust your WD hitch to work with the bags. I have the Airlift bags and wireless compressor system. I have 3 preset settings for the differing tongue weights to keep the rear end at same height for WD hitch.

        Your TV is a good match. I'm assuming it's a diesel. When in Utah and Montana the exhaust brake was very helpful while towing down mountains (although anything higher than a 8 percent grade REALLY worked the exhaust brake. Tranny would down shift so the engine was over 3000 RPM occasionally). You have plenty of power to get up mountains as well. We average about 9.5 to 10 mpg without headwind and 8.5 to 9 mpg with headwind. We typically drive 65 to 70 mph.

        I hope this helps. I sure wish the 23G was around when we bought our 21G. The 23G put more space in the right areas without going over 30' length. A really great setup.
        Allen

        2021 Momentum 21G

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