Weight distribution hitch

[Sfogle]

Recently bought our first TT. During the 3 HR drive home I noticed the trailer sway, especially when behind a semi. The TT is very light, a wolf pup 16bhs and there is hardly any squat to my tow vehicle, a 2013 ram 1500. Is there anything other than a wdh to correct the sway?

[HONDAMAN174]

They do make stand alone sway controls.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[wrvond]

The first step to correcting sway is to ensure the load is properly distributed. If your tongue weight is too light the camper is more prone to sway. Shift the contents of the camper around to get more weight on the tongue. If the water tank is behind the axle try half full or even empty.

[thebrakeman]

Typically, the first tow home is without your camping gear, right? So it's not unusual to be tongue-light. However, the shipped-specs for that camper is 424lbs TW and 2800lbs shipped weight. That's 15.1%, which should not be giving you a sway problem. The single-axle configuration certainly does not help, however.

Estimate for loaded weight:
2800 (shipped) + 800 (conservative estimate for options & stuff) = 3600
Given both a front storage area, and a rear bike door, I'd say weight distribution will probably stay around the same. 3600 * 15% = 540 lbs TW.

Most pickups want you to use a WDH when the TW exceeds 500 lbs.

I recommend you load up the camper as you plan to do for camping, and get the TW measured. If you are at or above 500 lbs actual TW (or more), get a WDH with integrated sway control. The 600-lbs rated Equalizer would be a good fit for you.

If below 500 lbs, I would recommend taking it for another spin as-is, and see if the additional loading calms things down. If not, you could consider a simple add-on friction sway controller.

[Sfogle]

Thebrakeman....can I measure tongue weight myself? If so how?

[TURBS]

You'll need to go to the scales and weight it.




2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[Bluemax542]

I just purchase my second hybrid. I went to Alabama to pick it up. I had the dealer install a equalizer 4 way WDH. Did 2500 worry free miles. I have 2015 ram 1500 with tow package, the onboard brake controller would have taken care of any sway. But like some else said the trailer was empty, wait until you put a few gallons of water into the tank plus pots and pans easy 800 to 1500 pounds.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by Sfogle

Thebrakeman....can I measure tongue weight myself? If so how?

This method is well documented using a bathroom scale. This will give you the advantage of being able to shift weight around and see the different results in the comfort of your driveway. Just make sure it's level when you're weighing it. Link below.
http://www.southsidehitch.com/news-and-updates.php

[thebrakeman]

If you happen to have 2 bathroom scales, you can use the 2nd scale in place of the brick & not have to measure anything. Just add the 2 scale values for your TW.

NOTE:
In either case, lower the tongue slowly, and do not allow any of the scales to exceed their max reading (typically 300 lbs). That could damage the scale, and create domestic issues with the DW. And obviously, clean up any evidence left on the scale.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

If you happen to have 2 bathroom scales, you can use the 2nd scale in place of the brick & not have to measure anything. Just add the 2 scale values for your TW.

NOTE:
In either case, lower the tongue slowly, and do not allow any of the scales to exceed their max reading (typically 300 lbs). That could damage the scale, and create domestic issues with the DW. And obviously, clean up any evidence left on the scale.

We have 2, his & hers. I'm 175lbs. on mine, same as the doctor's scale. Her scale tells me I'm only 135. Weird!? I'll stick with using my scale.

On a serious note, using 2 scales you're bound to overload 1 of them. Even splitting the difference of 750lb tongue weight, you're looking @ 375 on each. My scale doesn't go that high plus it puts it in a less accurate calibrated range in my opinion.
Here's an even better write up.
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-...ue-weight.aspx

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

We have 2, his & hers. I'm 175lbs. on mine, same as the doctor's scale. Her scale tells me I'm only 135. Weird!? I'll stick with using my scale.

On a serious note, using 2 scales you're bound to overload 1 of them. Even splitting the difference of 750lb tongue weight, you're looking @ 375 on each. My scale doesn't go that high plus it puts it in a less accurate calibrated range in my opinion.
Here's an even better write up.
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-...ue-weight.aspx

The question on this post is whether the OP's TW will be greater than 500 or not. Not sure where you are getting the 750 lbs TW. Like I said, lower the tongue slowly, just in case you are not centered well, so neither exceeds 300 lbs. But even eyeballing the center, this should not be a problem in this case.

[Sfogle]

Had the e2 installed today. I'll give update after our first road trip.

[Sfogle]

Maiden voyage for the wolf pup. 600 miles with the e2 hitch. What a difference! Best money I've spent.

[thebrakeman]

E2 is a nice choice for that rig.
Just in time for camping season!!!