Weight Dist. Hitch or not?

[llotton]

I need opinions and advice. I just bought a new travel trailer with a max gross "Wet" weight of approx. 5248 lbs. and a toungue weight of 540 lbs. My truck is an 03 2500 4x4 reg cab with the HO CTD and factory tow pkg. I can see that the hitch class IV can handle the weight and the toungue weight but do you think I should spring for the weight dist. device or not. Max towing dist will be 85 miles once then park it for four months then 85 miles home, over paved roads but some mountian driving.

Thanks for the info. Larry

 

[willy1947]

hitch

If money isn't an issue, the weight distribution hitch and sway bar would be nice to have. However, I don't think you need if for the two trips a year. I would save the money for something else.



I use one, but my trailer is 10K+. It's 22' long, 8. 5' wide, 1' extra height, and I carry a machine shop and jeep inside. Plus I travel 300+ miles with it every month.



Just my 2 cents



Thanks,

Dave

 

[Bertram65]

I tow a small boat that wieghs about that, tows great without any WD. I would not bother unless you have a problem with sway when you tow it.

 

[PaulG]

I tow a small boat that wieghs about that, tows great without any WD. I would not bother unless you have a problem with sway when you tow it.

well sway isn't the big issue. i agree you prolly don't need them but for the small amount they cost well worth it same with the sway bar control . if your going to travel long distances with it spring for both if only staying with in a couple hours from home well prolly not.



here is the though proccess i used if something goes wrong i'd kick myself all day cause i was cheap!

i have a 30' camper (travel trailer) max weight of only 8,400 lbs dry with toungue weight of 750lbs and i use both and the sway bar is heaven sent passing big rigs or getting passed by them!

 

[llotton]

So as I understand it you can have the anti sway without the weight dist. system, right? Thank you guys very much for the great response to my question. Larry

 

[CTA]

All make great comments about your question. I have an '03 Ram 3500 QC, short box and tow a 30' camper with a loaded weight of under 5k (ultralight). I have never used weight distribution, with this truck or the last Ford F-2sissy I owned. I do however use a "very" simple friction type sway bar control from Reese. I think it was around 125 - 150 and it works great. You attach a small bracket to the side of the designated drawbar, a similiar device on the side of the tongue and a simple bar attaches to each of the two points w/two cotter pins and all you do is tighten the handle down and your off. It goes on and off in 30 - 45 seconds! You have a 3/4+ ton truck, what do you need the weight distribution for, truck squat ... I doubt it! The 125 - 150 is a "wonderful" piece of mind for the gusty day, TT unit passing by or even when you may pass a TT yourself.

I run up and down the East Coast with my truck and trailer, never needed anything else.