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Determining if weight distribution trailer hitch is needed

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David Corda
(@dcorda)
Active Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 19
Topic starter  

I’m curious on member’s experiences pulling enclosed loaded trailers with various sized tow vehicles.  The more you read in regard to trailer sway and weight distribution hitches/sway bars/tongue weight/etc.  the more complex it gets.  I’ve pulled utility trailers, but with wind and drag on a larger enclosed trailer, what are your experiences? Am I researching this too much? 


   
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Richard Kosar
(@kfab)
Estimable Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 128
 

It truly depends on the tow vehicle.

My two main vehicles are a 24' box van on a medium duty semi chassis with air suspension and it could care less what I'm pulling other than cross winds  - nothing special as far as hitches go on this setup.  If you're using any sort of larger RV or bus there's no need for load leveling equipment.

Our pickup (2013 Chevy Duramax short bed crew cab 3500 single wheel) pulled my old 24' box trailer with an R8 inside and I used leveling bars - but I could also balance the weight of the trailer by where I put the car.  Usually enough to squat the back of the truck about 3".  Once again, no issues pulling other than with cross winds.  The above mentioned box van and 24' trailer is probably the worst in cross winds - it's like driving a flag (done it too many times across OK/TX/NM).

We also have a 28' toy hauler that we tow with the Duramax.  I've used the load leveling bars and I've also not bothered, depending on if I have the 4 seat Polaris RZR in the back.  We also have airbags on the Duramax, so I can load level with them nicely.  Actually the most required piece, if the RZR is loaded, is the anti sway bar (friction pad bar) that accompanies the load leveling bars to keep from getting trailer sway with the rear weight addition in the trailer.  Once again, cross winds probably affect me more than anything.

The 20' enclosed trailer with the Radical in it doesn't require anything other than a little bit of air in the bags of the Duramax and my box van doesn't even know it exists.

I think one of the more eye opening things about pulling an enclosed trailer is the interaction air has with it and surrounding vehicles.  You're going to have to get used to passing/being passed by semi-trucks.  As you approach to pass, the air coming around the side of the semi and then heading back in behind will suck your trailer in a bit (steer left).  As soon as you get past that low pressure zone, you hit the air running down the side of the semi - it'll now push your trailer out (steer right).  Same thing happens as you get past the truck - the air it's pushing out of its way isn't there and it will suck the trailer back towards the truck again (steer left).  It's a usually a subtle little ballet with the trucks but sometimes, depending on wind direction and shape of the truck, it can be a wild dance!

If I were to head out and purchase a new tow vehicle it would be another Duramax but I'd go with the 2500 and just stick air bags on it right off the bat and not worry about load leveling bars.

What are you/do you plan on using as a tow vehicle?

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"


   
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David Corda
(@dcorda)
Active Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 19
Topic starter  

Likely an 18 foot Pace enclosed trailer with an F-150 XLT V8.  


   
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CharleyH
(@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com)
Famed Member Admin
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 1822
 

What size trailer are you going to use? And what tow vehicle do you have?

When I first got  my 20’ enclosed trailer I was towing with a 1500 Suburban.  It worked, but was not ideal. I never had any sway issues, but the brakes did not handle the heat from going down long steep grades well, and when going over bumps it would buck up and down. The bucking might have been helped by sway weight distribution hitch.  

I quickly upgraded to a 2500 Suburban which solved all issues.  A weight disthitch was not required.

Charley


   
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John Parsons
(@parsonsj)
Prominent Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 626
 

I've got a 10 year old 2500 Duramax. I've pulled enclosed trailers with lots of vehicles, but nothing comes close to it. Long wheelbase (it's a 4 door with 6 ft bed) makes a big difference too. I just hitch up and go. I don't really even worry much about weight distribution, but too much tongue weight is better than not enough, I've found.  

I do worry about tire pressures, and double check my brakes and lights at the beginning of a long haul.  


   
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