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Old 02-15-2016, 10:36 PM   #1
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Weight Distribution Hitch?

We haven't yet picked up our travel trailer and I'm wondering whether or not we'll need a weight distribution hitch. Gross weight of the camper is 6800 lbs. (which I'm sure we'll meet) with a dry hitch weight of 550 lbs. Our tow vehicle is a 2500hd chevy short bed which has a decent hitch capacity, but I've got no experience towing a 26 ft. trailer. At the least I'm considering sway control, what do you think about a weight distribution hitch?
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Old 02-15-2016, 11:10 PM   #2
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I would still use the wdh. I tow a similar sized trailer and it does help level things off and will help with sway. I have towed without when going short range for inspections but it does help I think.

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Old 02-15-2016, 11:55 PM   #3
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I once had a small light trailer that did not seem to need the WD, so one trip I left them off. Bad idea, found a section of highway about 20 miles that set up a harmonic between the drive and trailer axles due to expansion joints. We about had serious seasickness and the paper towels and toilet paper were completely unrolled. Went back to using the marginal adjustment with the WD.
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Old 02-16-2016, 12:35 AM   #4
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If you are going to stay very close to home you might be ok, but I know that my previous TT and TV were very close to your's and it handled so much better with wd hitch.especially on rural highways with side winds and when avoiding deer and other vehicles. You don't have to buy the most expensive to get good performance and your headlights will illuminate the roadway at night so much better. Enjoy your new TT with confidence that WD with anti-sway will add.
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Old 02-16-2016, 06:31 AM   #5
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It's really not that much extra trouble to hitch up once you have it set up. It's well worth the 3 minutes it takes to rig it. I have a Equalizer with solid steel trunnions. The sway control alone is worth it. It just adds an extra layer of comfort in towing. You wont be sorry.
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Old 02-16-2016, 07:48 AM   #6
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It's really not that much extra trouble to hitch up once you have it set up. It's well worth the 3 minutes it takes to rig it. I have a Equalizer with solid steel trunnions. The sway control alone is worth it. It just adds an extra layer of comfort in towing. You wont be sorry.
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Old 02-16-2016, 10:40 AM   #7
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Thanks for your input, I'll go with the wdh. I'm trying to figure out if there's any major difference between the Husky Centerline and the Equal-i-zer (other than the price) Are there any advantages to using one over the other.
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Old 02-17-2016, 01:22 PM   #8
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I recommend the equalizer 4 point hitch 110%. It's worth every penny!
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Old 02-17-2016, 02:29 PM   #9
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I recommend the equalizer 4 point hitch 110%. It's worth every penny!

When I traded my travel trailer for a fifth wheel I kept the equalizer 4 point hitch. I plan to get a small travel trailer to use sometime to get in smaller parks


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Old 02-17-2016, 03:08 PM   #10
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All full size travel trailers should be towed with a WDH with built in sway control.
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Old 02-17-2016, 03:30 PM   #11
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It's really not that much extra trouble to hitch up once you have it set up. It's well worth the 3 minutes it takes to rig it. I have a Equalizer with solid steel trunnions. The sway control alone is worth it. It just adds an extra layer of comfort in towing. You wont be sorry.

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Old 02-17-2016, 06:02 PM   #12
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I put one of those solid bars through the front on my camper one time, I think that was $400.00. That was the first time I did something stupid to a camper but not the last time


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Old 02-17-2016, 07:09 PM   #13
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Thanks for all the great responses. I'm sold on the idea, the RV dealer where we're picking up our camper sells the Husky Centerline TS and the Equal-i-zer, but the Equal-i-zer is priced over our budget. That's why I'm hoping to get some input from you guys about the Husky TS.
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Old 02-17-2016, 07:49 PM   #14
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Thanks for all the great responses. I'm sold on the idea, the RV dealer where we're picking up our camper sells the Husky Centerline TS and the Equal-i-zer, but the Equal-i-zer is priced over our budget. That's why I'm hoping to get some input from you guys about the Husky TS.
Check out RVWs prices on the Equalizer, with free shipping.
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Old 02-17-2016, 09:49 PM   #15
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Check craigslist. I wish I would have.

I've got a 10,000 and a 14,000 equalizer the 10k is in the storage shed waiting to be re-homed.
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Old 02-17-2016, 10:18 PM   #16
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Get the WDH. After you've towed a couple times, take the spring bars off and tow a few miles. You'll quickly realize the good sense you had when you got the WDH!
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Old 02-19-2016, 07:30 AM   #17
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Ok, I'm sold on the Equal-i-zer. Am working with the dealer so they will install my hitch if I bring it to them. Thanks for all the input.
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Old 02-19-2016, 01:06 PM   #18
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Do not trust the initial dealer setup. The TW could change significantly after you load up your stuff in the camper.

If the dealer sets up the WDH, have them err on the side of assuming TW will increase, after you load in your stuff. Then, when you actually get it loaded, use the manual to check the settings yourself. It's not difficult to make small adjustments to the amount of weight distribution. But you do need an hour or more, as the head needs to come off of the shank. As long as the dealer does the initial setup correctly, you should not need to adjust the L-brackets on the trailer. Those only need adjusting if they are way off.
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Old 02-19-2016, 02:34 PM   #19
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Good advice!
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