Newbie in training

[Wyowind]

Thanks for checking on me, my first post. Question about weight distribution hitch and the Roo 21SSL.
My TV is a Tundra 5.7 L. Half-ton. The Roo has a front deck for Toy hauling. This can cause a huge difference in tongue weight between hauling with ATV's on board (1300 lbs) or hauling dry - 350 lbs tongue wt. What are my options for a weight distribution / sway hitch to cover both hauling conditions ?

[ependydad]

I'd say plan for the heavier weights when you get a weight distributing hitch.

Then, figure out both adjustments - a heavy one and a light one and adjust the links/washers/whatever the hitch uses for tension. The adjust for load as you need to.

(Says the guy who has never used a WDH hitch.)

[Wyowind]

[QUOTE][I'd say plan for the heavier weights when you get a weight distributing hitch.

Then, figure out both adjustments - a heavy one and a light one and adjust the links/washers/whatever the hitch uses for tension. The adjust for load as you need to.

(Says the guy who has never used a WDH hitch.)/QUOTE]


That's the option I'm most afraid of - cost.

One other thing I considered is using a auxiliary water tank on the front, when not hauling the ATV's. It would take approx. 160 gal.s of water to equal the same weight as the ATV's. I could just take the tank(s) off when the ATV's are being hauled.

[prof_fate]

water moves when you're moving...160 gal of water is gonna make it interesting as it sloshed about (talk to anyone that drives a tank truck).

You need the heavier hitch of course. Set that up. Then remove the ATV and see what you've got - maybe just dropping it a couple of chain links will be sufficient compensation.

Maybe re-ask you question to find those with TT similar to yours and see what they did.

[Wyowind]

[COLOR="black"][prof_fate water moves when you're moving...160 gal of water is gonna make it interesting as it sloshed about (talk to anyone that drives a tank truck).

You need the heavier hitch of course. Set that up. Then remove the ATV and see what you've got - maybe just dropping it a couple of chain links will be sufficient compensation.

Maybe re-ask you question to find those with TT similar to yours and see what they did./COLOR]


Your right about the slosh. Just thinking out-loud about possible weight(s) to use that would be easy for me to handle, readily available and not too valuable to leave out in the open, on the deck, when camping.

Trying the hitch adjustment would be my first step for sure. I have read a few
Posts that indicate the towing is adversely affected if the weight distribution hitch isn't somewhat matched to the weight it was intended for.

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by Wyowind

[COLOR="black"][prof_fate water moves when you're moving...160 gal of water is gonna make it interesting as it sloshed about (talk to anyone that drives a tank truck).



You need the heavier hitch of course. Set that up. Then remove the ATV and see what you've got - maybe just dropping it a couple of chain links will be sufficient compensation.



Maybe re-ask you question to find those with TT similar to yours and see what they did./COLOR]





Your right about the slosh. Just thinking out-loud about possible weight(s) to use that would be easy for me to handle, readily available and not too valuable to leave out in the open, on the deck, when camping.



Trying the hitch adjustment would be my first step for sure. I have read a few

Posts that indicate the towing is adversely affected if the weight distribution hitch isn't somewhat matched to the weight it was intended for.

It all depends on how much control you have over making adjustments to the WDH. If you're trying to drive with it set up for the heavier weight out don't have the atv then yes, it might affect you. But if you can adjust it then you might be fine.

If you have something like an Equalizer, that doesn't use chains in order to gain built in sway control, then you'll be adjusting bolts to adjust the hitch. If it's like my Reese, that uses chains and requires a separate sway control, you might be able to get away with hooking up to a different link on the chain.

I'm on the mobile app otherwise I'd find pictures of the two kinds of hitches for ya.

[Wyowind]

Originally Posted by Kaadk

It all depends on how much control you have over making adjustments to the WDH. If you're trying to drive with it set up for the heavier weight out don't have the atv then yes, it might affect you. But if you can adjust it then you might be fine.

If you have something like an Equalizer, that doesn't use chains in order to gain built in sway control, then you'll be adjusting bolts to adjust the hitch. If it's like my Reese, that uses chains and requires a separate sway control, you might be able to get away with hooking up to a different link on the chain.

I'm on the mobile app otherwise I'd find pictures of the two kinds of hitches for ya.

The nice thing about it, I haven't purchased the hitch yet so, all options are open. The bad thing is, I haven't really handled one so I don't understand the mechanics and what the various types of hitches are.