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Old 10-15-2019, 11:16 AM   #1
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PopUp Weight Distribution

I’m searching for a good weight distro for my 2018 228BHSE. I see there are factory positions for the distro attachment on the frame. Which hitch fits correctly? My research shows that Curt has long (Curt 17050) and short (Curt 17330) trunnion arms, while Reece’s hitch (Reece Pro Series 49901) doesn’t provide any dimensions. I’ll be towing with a Honda Odyssey, no doubt I’ll need something to help level the vehicle. Does anyone have a similar setup? Thank you!
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Old 10-15-2019, 01:08 PM   #2
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Take a look at the Andersen system; light weight and works great with our Toyota Sienna.
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Old 10-15-2019, 01:19 PM   #3
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One of the issues with WD and a PUP is finding a system that will work due to the construction of the A-FRAME up front.

For me, I had to build another platform off of the frame in the front to mount my propane bottles and allow the bars to move smoothly. I don't have a PUP now so I can't take a photo.

What does the front of your trailer look like? Can you.post up a pic?
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Old 10-15-2019, 04:33 PM   #4
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I have a Flagstaff 2019 T21TBHW A-frame. Max gross 3350lbs. Previously a 2014 Rockwood A122 (smallest model) A-frame, max gross 3150 lbs. Both towed with a 2008 Hyundai Entourage (re-badged Kia Sedona) minivan.

The A-frame camper caused the vehicle rear and camper nose to "porpoise" - bob up and down together without a WDH. Dealer installed an E2 600/6000 which solved my problems. He raised the propane tank shelf 1" with pipe spacers which allowed the brackets to fit a little closer than spec (25"). Everything was wonderful, the minivan rode as if the camper wasn't there.

When I bought the new high wall last year, I transferred the E2 over to the new camper. This time I trimmed the top of the arch on the brackets so they would fit under the stock propane tank shelf. The bigger A-frame camper put the brackets at the right distance. But I needed more weight transfer for the heavier camper (felt light in the front), so I added 2 washers per E2's instructions. This brought the ride back to where I wanted it. Aside from the extra windage of the high wall needing more power in some situations, everything is as good as it was with the standard height A-frame camper.

The E2 WDH combines weight distribution and anti-sway, it tows very well up to the 75mph speed limit of the trailer tires.

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Old 10-15-2019, 07:23 PM   #5
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Thank you for all of the responses. This is a picture of the frame where ForestRiver Flagstaff designed for the WDH to attach. I appears that these holes / slots are designed for a particular hitch based odd the length from the ball attachment.

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Old 10-16-2019, 07:55 AM   #6
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Thanks for all the responses. I attempted a picture, but I couldn’t get it to upload. I’ve contacted etrailer to see what they recommend.
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Old 10-16-2019, 07:58 AM   #7
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I got the upload to work. This is a picture of the double frame and the factory attachment area.
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Old 10-16-2019, 08:09 AM   #8
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Interesting..

The manufacturer is saying that those holes are for a WD setup? Do they go all the way through? If so, that's great.

I've seen others that have indicated that the holes are in the wrong place. My guess here is that if the added slots they had a specific type of hitch that they intended to be used.

From brand to brand there is different placing for the bracket that's needed to be fixed to the frame. If it were me I might try to contact the manufacturer of the camper and see if they have a specific hitch they'd recommend.
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Old 10-16-2019, 08:28 AM   #9
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I have emailed the manufacturer. The representative who responded did not know but is researching it. The owners manual does not reference those, but several dealer sites advertise “Built-in A-Frame Mounting Provision for Equalizer Hitch Bar Installation”. And it is in the ForestRiver Brochure under the options page. I’ve also emailed etrailer.
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Old 10-16-2019, 08:35 AM   #10
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Equal-i-zer is a brand and fits with what I was thinking might work well. Based on those holes.

The SKU: 99-00-0400 would probably be perfect. Do you know what the tongue weight is? I assume likely under 400lbs.

http://www.Equalizerhitch.com/store/...-control-hitch
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Old 10-16-2019, 08:48 AM   #11
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The tongue weight is 338. So less than 400. Thanks for the advice.
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Old 10-16-2019, 08:54 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cpickle1 View Post
The tongue weight is 338. So less than 400. Thanks for the advice.
Is that a posted dry weight? ... or is that loaded and weighed?
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Old 10-16-2019, 01:27 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cpickle1 View Post
The tongue weight is 338. So less than 400. Thanks for the advice.
That's the fantasy dry tongue weight. That's with no battery, no factory options, no dealer add-ons, no water and no cargo.
Loaded for camping, it could easily weigh 450lbs.
Please don't use brochure/website dry weight numbers. They are based on a stripped-down version of the trailer.
NO RV weighs that, loaded for camping.
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Old 10-16-2019, 02:15 PM   #14
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That camper will be close to hitting 3500 lbs loaded which is the max trailer capacity of most of the Honda Odyssey's. You'll be pulling the guts out of that van. Now factor in the wife and kids...No way. IMHO.
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Old 10-16-2019, 04:35 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82 View Post
That camper will be close to hitting 3500 lbs loaded which is the max trailer capacity of most of the Honda Odyssey's. You'll be pulling the guts out of that van. Now factor in the wife and kids...No way. IMHO.
Yes, way. Minivans make surprisingly good tow vehicles for a folding camper. Decently long wheelbase, plenty of power in their V-6 configuration, and payloads around 1200lbs. And when not towing, a minivan is a great touring vehicle for doing the tourist thing.

There are 2 drawbacks:
  • like all non-turbo V-6s, they have frontal area limitations at which you can maintain highway speeds. Full height trailers don't do so well with 250-300HP V-6 engines.
  • low-slung. Means a WDH is almost a necessity (for tongue weights over 300lbs) to avoid dragging the hitch when crossing dips or coming out of driveways with elevation change to the road.
I have towed 2 different A-frames just fine with my Hyundai (re-badged Kia Sedona) minivan through the Rockies and in the winds on the interstates in Nebraska and Wyoming. I would not recommend this without a WDH - which the OP is planning on.

My 2008 Hyundai minivan (3.5L V6, 5 spd tranny) just hit 215,000 miles returning from a camping trip to Ruidoso, NM. Interstate portions were at 72-74 MPH (due to 75 MPH tires on A-frame); 65 MPH on the 2 lane roads through the high desert and mountains. Route included 7,500ft Raton pass, campground at 9,000ft, and home is at 6,800ft. Original transmission failed at 97K miles, replaced by Hyundai at no cost under the 100K/10 year powertrain warranty. Never towed with the original transmission. New transmission has withstood towing just fine, as have original suspension (struts and shocks). A-frame as towed weighs about 3100lbs (3,280lbs with full water) according to scales.

I do note max gross of the OP's pop-up is 3800lbs (1200lb CCC), so loading has to be judicious. Can't use all the CCC and stay within the book limits.

just my experiences
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2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan with E2 600/6000 WDH
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Old 10-16-2019, 09:50 PM   #16
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E2 600 works great for me on minivan and Ford Edge.
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Old 03-16-2021, 02:10 PM   #17
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I'm looking to buy a 2019 228BHSE and tow it with a 2017 Kia Sedona minivan, so I'm hoping the OP is still around to describe the setup that you ended up with? I'm very curious about using a WD hitch that can accommodate the difference in the low hitch of the van vs. the high coupler on the 228BHSE. Thanks!
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Old 03-16-2021, 08:34 PM   #18
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Your going to be over the max limit

There are 3 things that matter according to the Honda owners



Maximum Total Trailer Weight

Number
-- of --
Occupants *1


1 ------------------ 3,500 lbs (1,580 kg)
2 ------------------ 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
3 ------------------ 3,200 lbs (1,450 kg)
4 ------------------ 3,050 lbs (1,380 kg)
5 ------------------ 2,900 lbs (1,310 kg)
6 ------------------ 2,750 lbs (1,250 kg)
7 ------------------ 2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) *3 1,550 lbs (700 kg) *4
8 ------------------ 650 lbs (290 kg)


*1: Including driver. Based on 150 lbs (70 kg) per occupant.
*2: See page 407 for information about fluid coolers.
*3: U.S. LX and Canadian DX models
*4: EX, EX-L, Touring and Canadian LX models

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the tongue load is 6,019 lbs (2,730 kg).

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed 2,910 lbs (1,320 kg) on the front axle, and 3,197 lbs (1,450 kg) on the rear axle.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer is 8,410 lbs (3,815 kg).
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