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Old 05-25-2015, 12:20 PM   #1
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advice on weight distribution hitch for newbies

Had the hardest time connecting chain in the third link as instructed. Another camper told me to raise the jack while still connected to the hitch ball. This made connecting the chain much, much easier. Maybe this advice will help someone else who buys a used camper.
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Old 05-25-2015, 01:53 PM   #2
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you may find 3 links is not enough. My dealer sent me off on 5 links, and I found myself bouncing on the front too much so went to the 6th link - much better.
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Old 05-25-2015, 01:58 PM   #3
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Quote:
Had the hardest time connecting chain in the third link as instructed. Another camper told me to raise the jack while still connected to the hitch ball. This made connecting the chain much, much easier. Maybe this advice will help someone else who buys a used camper.
Also raise the trailer when disconnecting the bars. This will take the pressure off and just might save a foot or several toes when the chains release.
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Old 05-25-2015, 03:27 PM   #4
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Also raise the trailer when disconnecting the bars. This will take the pressure off and just might save a foot or several toes when the chains release.
Just to make caper's point. Been there, done that.
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Old 05-26-2015, 11:47 AM   #5
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Have to raise trailer very high to clear hitch- can tongue jack handle it?

I think the tongue jack is nearing it's max length in order to clear the new weight distro hitch. Are there longer tongue jacks available? Should I invest in one?
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Old 05-26-2015, 12:01 PM   #6
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They already have them they are called (Blocks of Wood!) Youroo!!
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Old 05-26-2015, 12:06 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by tigerfan1964 View Post
Had the hardest time connecting chain in the third link as instructed.
Is that 3 chain lengths between the spring bar and snap up bracket ?? If so, that may not be enough, depending on the brand of WDH used. For instance, Reese recommends at least 5 lengths of chain to be used. There needs to be plenty of chain to allow for "swing" during turns.

What type of WDH setup do you have ?? Pictures ??
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Old 05-26-2015, 02:41 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by rkmavis View Post
I think the tongue jack is nearing it's max length in order to clear the new weight distro hitch. Are there longer tongue jacks available? Should I invest in one?
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Originally Posted by youroo View Post
They already have them they are called (Blocks of Wood!) Youroo!!
Lol.

Most tongue jacks also have a drop leg built into the bottom or foot part of it. My old manual jacks did and so does my electric one.
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Old 05-31-2015, 11:37 PM   #9
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three links is close to where you ought to be. the head will change pitch to accomodate this. i got a tutorial on this on the "good old rvs" site at the bottom of the main page.... " weight distribution hitches". a few good tips as well.
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Old 06-01-2015, 12:37 AM   #10
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Strap-Tek by Lippert! Never risk a injury from trying to let down loaded weight bars again. I now just use a standard ratchet to either tighten or loosen then. SO much safer!

In the spirit of full disclosure, Lippert is a sponsor of my trip. They did install the system on my toy hauler. Having said that, being in a wheelchair where I could not get out of the way if the pry tool slipped, even if they were not a sponsor the system would have been the FIRST upgrade I made to my rv! I would also not recommend a product I didn'r believe in, and I don't seel anything for any of my sponsors.
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Old 07-15-2015, 08:21 PM   #11
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Just bought the straptek system from e-trailer. They are extremely easy to install and make hitching up a breeze. I no longer have to jack up and down the TV--just ratchet up (or down) the straps. I took it out on the local interstate for a test drive (without using sway bars) and found the system to be all they claim. Passing trucks are no problem. I am looking forward to putting them to a longer test run tomorrow.
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