New T12DDST, and new to the forum

Wojo · 07-26-2013, 02:23 PM

Hello. New here, having just purchased a 2014 Flagstaff T12DDST. We'll be picking up this little beauty on Wednesday.

It was time to downsize from our 2008 Trail Cruiser C191 hybrid. Our boys are now 25 and 20 and out of the house. That, and hauling our beloved rolling billboard is getting way too costly with fuel prices being what they are.

I do have one question I'm hoping you all might have an answer to. I have a Reese weight distribution hitch with anti sway for our Trail Cruiser. I asked our dealer if the frame on the new camper is beefy enough to take the weight distribution. He said "Sure.", but I wasn't left with the feeling that he was all that sure.

I don't know that I need it, but if the frame is OK for using it I would like to. I figure you can never have too stable of a trailer.

Thanks in advance.

Camping Buddys · 07-26-2013, 02:39 PM

Congrats on the camper! Why don't have the dealer install the wdh? Before you take delivery, It will be cover by their service dept then. Just my 2c's!

Wojo · 07-26-2013, 03:12 PM

Thanks.

I get what you're saying, but if the frame isn't rated for a WDH I don't want me or them installing it.

Camping Buddys · 07-26-2013, 03:23 PM

Lot's of A frame folks here, I'm sure they will help you soon. Nice looking camper!

Wojo · 07-26-2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camping Buddys

Lot's of A frame folks here, I'm sure they will help you soon. Nice looking camper!

Thanks.

Camping Buddys · 07-26-2013, 03:44 PM

This is from Forest River rv owners manual.
weighT disTribuTiOn hiTChes
Hitches can be installed on units with box tube A frames (i.e. not on C-channel A frames), with the following five stipulations:
1. Properly installed by a qualified trained technician.
2. Match system with GVWR of the camper.
3. The camper is loaded per the manufacturer’s recommendations. 4. Never exceed 15% of the GVWR on the ball hitch.
5. No weld on weight distributing hitch mounting brackets.
note: failing to folloW any of the above 5 stipulations Will voiD the fraMe War- ranty on your CaMper.

Jeep4Two · 07-26-2013, 05:48 PM

O have a Reese lightweight WDH on my A126, works great an no problems. You won't want to use a heavy spring bar system (I.e. your old one) for the AFrame.

Jeep4Two · 07-26-2013, 05:50 PM

Oh, depending on your tv, I doubt you'll need wdh (unless you also downsides your tow vehicle. Sway is also of little concern on the aframes. I don't have anti sway on mine and tow with a 2-door jeep wrangler. Performs like a champ.

handbuilder · 07-27-2013, 10:49 AM

Congrats on your new trailer! Using a WD with it shouldnt be a prob, that all depends on your tow vehicle.

64c10 · 07-27-2013, 10:54 AM

Welcome to the group Wojo, as jeep4two said depending on Tv you may not need WDH. we tow with 06 honda ridgeline with no issues and use nothing but the hitch

Wojo · 07-27-2013, 02:31 PM

Thanks all for the advice! I should say that I'm towing with an '09 Explorer. It's been so long since I've towed a popup that I had to remind myself that I never used or needed a WDH before the hybrid. So, why would I need one now?

I'm going to tow it the 1 1/2 hours home from the dealer without it and see how she rolls, and decide from there. I suspect that I'll be listing a WDH on Ebay.

Pooneil · 07-28-2013, 02:30 PM

Nice trailer. I have the similar camper with a slightly different wrapper. Welcome to the forum.

OldCoot · 07-28-2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wojo

Thanks all for the advice! I should say that I'm towing with an '09 Explorer. It's been so long since I've towed a popup that I had to remind myself that I never used or needed a WDH before the hybrid. So, why would I need one now?

I'm going to tow it the 1 1/2 hours home from the dealer without it and see how she rolls, and decide from there. I suspect that I'll be listing a WDH on Ebay.

I might hook up a couple of friction sway bars just for added peace of mind, but that would be about all.

Wojo · 07-29-2013, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pooneil

Nice trailer. I have the similar camper with a slightly different wrapper. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I might hook up a couple of friction sway bars just for added peace of mind, but that would be about all.

Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. I'm going to see if the dealer will trade me even up...a friction sway bar for my weight distribution setup on the hybrid. It'd be easier for both of us if I just left it with the hybrid, so I'm hoping he'll bite.

SurveyorWI · 07-29-2013, 07:26 AM

I have a 2014 Rockwood A122BH and pull it with a 2013 Ford Explorer with Towing Package and don't have any add on Weight Distribution Hitch. I have had no problems towing it and have gone camping with it 18 nights so far since purchasing the unit in late June.

Wojo · 07-29-2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RascalRv

I have a 2014 Rockwood A122BH and pull it with a 2013 Ford Explorer with Towing Package and don't have any add on Weight Distribution Hitch. I have had no problems towing it and have gone camping with it 18 nights so far since purchasing the unit in late June.

First, congrats on the camper. Eighteen nights since late June...sounds like you're getting some darn good use out of it.

I was thinking of using my existing WDH primarily because it has a built in friction sway bar. Why buy something when I already have it, right? I see now that it'd be overkill, and wouldn't be sized right for the camper. So, if I find I need a sway bar I'll get one...and not worry about WDH. With your experience I'm feeling good about how she'll track down the road.

SurveyorWI · 07-29-2013, 08:18 AM

Enjoy your new camper as well. I do like mine because it is easy to tow and good with the gas mileage. The true test is when I leave this Saturday to head out to the 2013 Forest River FROG Rally that is being held in Indiana August 4th through the 10th. I will be using it for 8 consecutive nights. Over 700 Forest River RVer's will be attending with all brands of Forest River RV's.

thehamguy1 · 07-29-2013, 08:33 AM

In 3 years and over 18,000 miles without either a WDH or an anti-sway bar, there's never been even a hint of trouble towing my A128. I have an old half-ton pickup that's pulled it on some terrible roads and zoomed with it down interstates; no sway or sag. I think you'll be pleased with your new Aframe!

Wojo · 07-29-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RascalRv

Enjoy your new camper as well. I do like mine because it is easy to tow and good with the gas mileage. The true test is when I leave this Saturday to head out to the 2013 Forest River FROG Rally that is being held in Indiana August 4th through the 10th. I will be using it for 8 consecutive nights. Over 700 Forest River RVer's will be attending with all brands of Forest River RV's.

Man, that sounds like a good time! It'd be fun just to wander around and look at all the rigs and mods.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehamguy1

In 3 years and over 18,000 miles without either a WDH or an anti-sway bar, there's never been even a hint of trouble towing my A128. I have an old half-ton pickup that's pulled it on some terrible roads and zoomed with it down interstates; no sway or sag. I think you'll be pleased with your new Aframe!

With every response I'm feeling better and better. Thanks!

ko777 · 07-29-2013, 11:43 AM

I was debating about getting a WDH and after 3000 km without any problem of sway issues, I decided not to get it.

I hope my TV will survive my East Coast trip next month. I will approximately travel over 5000 km. I have the A128S-2012, I got it last August. My SUV has a tongue limit of 350 lbs and my fully loaded TT goes between 340-400 lbs tongue heavy.

I'm enjoying my TT and I know you will too!

Please post your adventure with lots of pic as I do and welcome to the Forum.

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