Weight Distribution Hitch for first timer

[mlambertino]

Hi all, I just purchased my first TT last week. I previously owned a pop-up and this is the biggest/heaviest thing I have towed with my truck.

For specifics, I have 2008 Ford F150 5.4L STX. It has a frame mounted receiver with a 600/6000 ball weight rating or 1000/10000 with a WDH. My TT is a 2015 Rockwood Roo 19. It has a dry weight of 3648lbs and dry tongue weight of 446lbs according to the sticker.

The dealer I bought the trailer from didn't feel that I needed any sort of WD system, however I'm not so sure that is true. I have been extensively researching this for the last week and have pretty much made up my mind that it would probably be in my best interest (and peace of mind) to purchase a WD system...better safe than sorry right?

So the point I am at is what size is right?

I'm looking at the EAZ-LIFT system by camco. I am looking at this one because it is sold as a complete set, and is in the price range I am comfortable with. They have two sizes I am looking at, one being 800lb max tongue weight and the other being 1000lb. I've read that you don't want to go to high, so I am not sure which one is right for me.

Assuming I'm carrying nothing else but the trailer with the battery and two propane tanks on the front I'm ballparking my tongue weight at 561lbs. I do not have any intentions to tow with water in the tank, but I don't want to eliminate that possibility either.

With all that being said, if my tongue weight is in the ball park of say 500-700lbs am I going to high up buying the 1000lb? Should I stick to the 800? Or does anyone else have a better recommendation, I'm all ears as this is brand new to me.

Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks in advance for any and all advice offered.

[marinerjoe]

I don't know how deep your pockets are, but I went from a conventional WDH to an Andersen WDH, and LOVE it! No heavy bars to deal with, and the hitch itself doesn't weigh a ton and a half. The whole assembly shipped for less than 60 lbs. The chains allow you to adjust (on the fly) how much weight you need to move around, and there is NO noise as you turn. The anti-sway control is excellent. I got mine on Amazon for about $450 or so delivered.

https://andersenhitches.com/Catalog/...tion-kits.aspx

Joe

[007matman]

I would definitely do a WD hitch. Better safe than sorry. However, I would go with a Trunnion style hitch instead. Much better WD and Sway control with one of those. They're a little more but worth it to me.

Here's an example: Fastway Equal-i-zer 92000800 Spring Arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZS91MK..._pftiBb8BR4T9H

800lbs/8k should be just fine.

[hdmtnrider]

From what little experience I have and from a lot of reading first thing is to not go by the yellow stickers on your TT when it comes to weights. I would say set up and load your TT as you would for an outing and then go have it weighed. That would give you a true starting point and decide which bars to get then. HAPPY RVING and Welcome to the Forum from N. GA.

[David N Dianna]

Welcome,
I have used this calculator
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/find-your-hitch-size
I found that the math it uses works other brands of WDH

[MillMitch]

In answer to your original question, the 800# should suffice for the TT you are describing. I have a front storage trailer, and my tongue went from 600 dry to almost 850# when all the gear was loaded. Even assuming a 50% increase in your tongue puts you under the 800#. One thought - if you get a bigger TT, you might need the heavier 1000# hitch. Unfortunately I can't speak to the pros/cons of using a 1000# hitch with only 600# of tongue vs the 800# hitch. There has to be a reason or all the hitch makers would make a 1400/14000 hitch and be done with it. Hopefully someone else can explain the physics behind the various weight hitches.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[mlambertino]

Thank you everyone for all your help so far. If I stick to an 800lb system, is it going to be detrimental to the WD system if I exceed that? Just assuming that I fill my 36 gallon fresh water tank that is roughly 300 lbs of water....added onto the 446 dry weight plus propane and battery would put me around 861lbs (again assuming that all 300lbs of that water is transferred to the tongue). Granted, driving with the freshwater full would only be say no more than a few miles at a time. We mainly stay at state parks where there is a water fill up at the front then you have to drive to the campsite.

[Kaadk]

Sometimes I just don't understand how dealer's think. Why would anybody, who makes their living in sales, recommend NOT buying something?

Well, that said, since you've now got the ability to research the various types of WDH, you can pick which one is best for you. I wish I had taken the time before my first TT purchase. Knowing what I know now, I would have went with either the Equalizer or the Andersen. Both provide built in sway control and are easier to hitch/unhitch than the number of connection points I had on my Reese chain style with two additional friction based anti-sway bars. I really like the options of the Andersen, since it weighs significantly less than the hitch head I had on my Reese.

Now, at the far end of the spectrum is the Hensley and the ProPride type hitches. Most expensive, fairly heavy, but guaranteed not to sway.

[rockfordroo]

My experience:

I pulled my Roo 19 with a 2009 Silverado 1500 (see signature below) with an Equal-i-zer WDH. I pulled it to my storage lot once without the spring bars attached, about 5 miles. That convinced me to always use a WDH.

I pull my Mini Lite 2503S now with a 3/4 ton Silverado and a WDH.

[mlambertino]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

My experience:

I pulled my Roo 19 with a 2009 Silverado 1500 (see signature below) with an Equal-i-zer WDH. I pulled it to my storage lot once without the spring bars attached, about 5 miles. That convinced me to always use a WDH.

I pull my Mini Lite 2503S now with a 3/4 ton Silverado and a WDH.

Do you know what weight rating the Equal-i-zer was?

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

My experience:

I pulled my Roo 19 with a 2009 Silverado 1500 (see signature below) with an Equal-i-zer WDH. I pulled it to my storage lot once without the spring bars attached, about 5 miles. That convinced me to always use a WDH.

I pull my Mini Lite 2503S now with a 3/4 ton Silverado and a WDH.

Originally Posted by mlambertino

Do you know what weight rating the Equal-i-zer was?

400/4000.

I have a 600/6000 on my Mini Lite.

[007matman]

I've used WD on every tow vehicle and trailer I've ever used including my old Pop-up w/ Jeep and then eventually my old Yukon XL Denali. And then with my 7700lb travel trailer and Escalade and now my F-350 CC LWB Dually. If I still had the Pop-up, I'd still consider using it as they do a great job of preventing sway and reducing suspension wear.

All of mine are were Trunnion style hitches like the Equalizer. I have never used an Andersen but the videos look interesting. I like mine because it's really easy to use (after you have it set up properly).

[judge3]

If you have a WD system, I would use it. It will make a big difference when you find a cross wind and when you get passed by any vehicle. My only complaint about my Equalizer is the weight of the hitch. So I leave it on even when TT is under the cover and resting. I saw too many of the chain type systems break loose.

[brannon]

I tow a 261BHXL with a 2008 F-150. Tongue weight 725. I bought the eazlift 10k set up not knowing the difference. I get a lot of sag without the bars. Seems to ride ok. I use the friction bar on the highway. No prob with sway. I have been curious how it would ride with 8k, or more accurately 800 lb bars.Weight aside there is a big wind sail affect with this trailer. I would never tow without bars.

[rsdata]

with the trailer and truck you describe, do not overlook the Harbor Freight WDH... with 20% off coupon out the door for about $200...

been using mine with my 183 ( nearly the same as the 19) and my '14 RAM 1500 with zero issues including sway...

only need to add 2 5/16" ball which is not included...

[rp53]

your dealer should be sh.. oh never mind i will get it trouble again.
of course you need a WDH if nothing else for sway control. we had an E2 with 600 lb bars on our first and it worked great no complaints, the bars we not big enough for the new TT, sold and bought an Anderson absolutely love that hitch.

[Mowgli64]

I use the Husky centerline TS, has been working good for me, the same style as the equalizer for a few less dollars.

[Henboy]

Originally Posted by marinerjoe

I don't know how deep your pockets are, but I went from a conventional WDH to an Andersen WDH, and LOVE it! No heavy bars to deal with, and the hitch itself doesn't weigh a ton and a half. The whole assembly shipped for less than 60 lbs. The chains allow you to adjust (on the fly) how much weight you need to move around, and there is NO noise as you turn. The anti-sway control is excellent. I got mine on Amazon for about $450 or so delivered.

https://andersenhitches.com/Catalog/...tion-kits.aspx

Joe

X2 on the Andersen WDH. Best outthere for your setup and easy to use.

[jking46]

Originally Posted by mlambertino

Thank you everyone for all your help so far. If I stick to an 800lb system, is it going to be detrimental to the WD system if I exceed that? Just assuming that I fill my 36 gallon fresh water tank that is roughly 300 lbs of water....added onto the 446 dry weight plus propane and battery would put me around 861lbs (again assuming that all 300lbs of that water is transferred to the tongue). Granted, driving with the freshwater full would only be say no more than a few miles at a time. We mainly stay at state parks where there is a water fill up at the front then you have to drive to the campsite.

My experience...
We had a 23ikss..bigger and heavier then yours
We had a fastway e2 hitch with 800 lb bars
It was a great setup for that camper and my Ram 1500.

[Timtation]

Originally Posted by Henboy

X2 on the Andersen WDH. Best outthere for your setup and easy to use.

x3, quiet comfortable and no grease on the pantleg.