WD hitch TW maxed out?

[Vladivar]

Hey guys. Looking for some thoughts from those much more experienced than me. We have purchased a new trailer (Rockwood Signature 8324BS) which we are picking up in the spring. I have been talking to the dealer regarding having a WD hitch installed when we do the pickup and he has recommended the Equalizer 4 1400/14000 hitch. I know that will be fine for the weight of the trailer (UVW 8621lbs) but I’m concerned that the max TW for the hitch is actually 1lb UNDER the stated hitch weight of the trailer (according to the specs on the FR website). Question is, am i going to be ok with this hitch - or should i push for something with a higher TW rating????

Just as an FYI - i will be towing with a 2017 Ram 2500 Cummins with a class V receiver and am planning to get the dealer to install the hitch with the optional 2.5” shank so I don’t need to use an adapter.

[jeffnick]

Originally Posted by Vladivar

Hey guys. Looking for some thoughts from those much more experienced than me. We have purchased a new trailer (Rockwood Signature 8324BS) which we are picking up in the spring. I have been talking to the dealer regarding having a WD hitch installed when we do the pickup and he has recommended the Equalizer 4 1400/14000 hitch. I know that will be fine for the weight of the trailer (UVW 8621lbs) but I’m concerned that the max TW for the hitch is actually 1lb UNDER the stated hitch weight of the trailer (according to the specs on the FR website). Question is, am i going to be ok with this hitch - or should i push for something with a higher TW rating????

Just as an FYI - i will be towing with a 2017 Ram 2500 Cummins with a class V receiver and am planning to get the dealer to install the hitch with the optional 2.5” shank so I don’t need to use an adapter.

I have towed 12,000 lbs (1,200 TW) using a 10,000 lb WD assembly over 20,000 miles with an '05 Ford van rated at 9,000 lbs...a little common sense goes a long way.

[wildcatter]

I think you have your #s wrong, for a TT the TW is usually 10 to 12% of the TT, for a TT at 9k that would be just shy of 1100 lbs, you should be good to go. here is a link to a TW calculator https://www.doubledtrailers.com/scri...alculator.html

[Vladivar]

Originally Posted by wildcatter

I think you have your #s wrong, for a TT the TW is usually 10 to 12% of the TT, for a TT at 9k that would be just shy of 1100 lbs, you should be good to go. here is a link to a TW calculator https://www.doubledtrailers.com/scri...alculator.html

I thought the same thing to be honest, but the weights are stated in the specs on the FR website. So i can only assume they are correct. The calculation works out to a TW of about 16%.

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Vladivar

I thought the same thing to be honest, but the weights are stated in the specs on the FR website. So i can only assume they are correct. The calculation works out to a TW of about 16%.

Your assumption is completely 180 degrees off!

The stated TW on the website is for a dry, unloaded trailer. Throw a couple batteries, propane tanks and load the trailer and the listed tongue weight will likely be a couple hundred pounds more.

The 1400/14000 hitch is likely correct. Please verify that your hitch can take that weight.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Vladivar

I thought the same thing to be honest, but the weights are stated in the specs on the FR website. So i can only assume they are correct. The calculation works out to a TW of about 16%.

NEVER assume website specs are correct.
FR is known for having inaccurate or outdated specs on their website and brochures.

It's always best to look at the factory weight sticker on the RV.

[Vladivar]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

Your assumption is completely 180 degrees off!

The stated TW on the website is for a dry, unloaded trailer. Throw a couple batteries, propane tanks and load the trailer and the listed tongue weight will likely be a couple hundred pounds more.

The 1400/14000 hitch is likely correct. Please verify that your hitch can take that weight.

Sorry - I’m not understanding your reply where I am 180 degrees off. If I add a couple of hundred more pounds to the TW for the batteries etc, it will push it to over 1600lbs. That makes the situation even worse. So how is the 1400/14000 “likely correct”?

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Vladivar

Sorry - I’m not understanding your reply where I am 180 degrees off. If I add a couple of hundred more pounds to the TW for the batteries etc, it will push it to over 1600lbs. That makes the situation even worse. So how is the 1400/14000 “likely correct”?

You're assumption is completely wrong because you're basing it off the listed tongue weight of your trailer...1401 pounds.

8324BS Specs

What FR fails to include into that weight is:
1. Your gear...how much will you pack into the trailer?
2. Propane tanks. 2 standard 20lbs tanks adds 74lbs about 3 feet behind the coupler.
3. Batteries. 2 standard 6 volt, 225 AH batteries will add another 120lbs about 4 feet behind the coupler.

Your wet (not dry) TW will add up and increase quickly to (just guessing) 1600+ pounds.

You are correct in that the 1400/14000 hitch may be overloaded at the tongue but will be within spec for the overall trailer weight. If they have an option for trunnion bars that are heavier duty than 1400 lbs, I would opt for that.

[emm-dee]

I’m pretty sure the Ram factory hitch has a fairly high rating for a WD hitch setup. But, Curt has a hitch for your truck advertised at 2550 pounds tongue weight.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2017_Ram_2500.htm

A tongue scale is the only way to be sure. In my case, two propane tanks and two batteries adds 45 pounds to the tongue hitch point (scale measured).

[Shamrockthecasbah]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

You're assumption is completely wrong because you're basing it off the listed tongue weight of your trailer...1401 pounds.

8324BS Specs

What FR fails to include into that weight is:
1. Your gear...how much will you pack into the trailer?
2. Propane tanks. 2 standard 20lbs tanks adds 74lbs about 3 feet behind the coupler.
3. Batteries. 2 standard 6 volt, 225 AH batteries will add another 120lbs about 4 feet behind the coupler.

Your wet (not dry) TW will add up and increase quickly to (just guessing) 1600+ pounds.

You are correct in that the 1400/14000 hitch may be overloaded at the tongue but will be within spec for the overall trailer weight. If they have an option for trunnion bars that are heavier duty than 1400 lbs, I would opt for that.

I think you guys are actually on the same page, and vladivar is not off base by questioning his dealer's recommendation of the 1400/14000 hitch. This hitch is too light for this trailer. Keep in mind that according the the Equalizer website, you have to count any weight packed on or behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle against your hitch weight as well.

I have been down this same path looking at larger (35ft+) travel trailers in the Rockwood Signature, Open Range and Grand Design brands. What I have learned by reading various forums and talking to owners is that these big, bedroom slide, travel trailers like the model you are considering have BIG TIME hitch weights on the order of 1600-2000 lbs ready to camp.

Assuming the specs are correct, the dry hitch weight of 1401 lbs already maxes the hitch before anything is loaded in the trailer and behind the rear axle of the TV.

I would recommend the Blue OX Swaypo 2000 for this trailer. It already comes with a 2.5 shank that fits your hitch with no adapter. There are lots of positive reviews on this hitch. I love my Equalizer, its a really nice hitch, it's just that the 1400/14000 hitch is not heavy enough for the some of the larger, hitch heavy, travel trailers out there right now.

[Oaklevel]

The Forest River web site is listing this trailer (Rockwood Signature 8324BS) max at 10,201 lbs loaded with gear (UVW 8621lbs is empty with no options and no gear) so the tongue weight is liked to be over 1400 lbs when loaded.

When looking at specs unless you do not plan on taking any gear or propane with you, use gross or loaded weight (ccc weight needs to be added to empty/ dry weight for a closer number). A weight on a scale is the only accurate weight when the trailer is loaded ready to camp. My guess is your trailer will weigh close to 10000 lbs once you start using it............

[chaps2018]

My experience was the dealer sold me a WDH based on dry weight Tongue weight. As mentioned above, after loading the trailer the WDH tongue weight was quickly exceeded by 200lbs or so. Within about 6 months the bars were shot and my 3500 drw rear end began to sag.

I was really disappointed in 1)my ignorance and 2)dealer's ignorance when I realized I had to buy a new hitch (as my hitch head was maxed out).

You are wise to specify the correct hitch and don't assume the dealer will do the correct thing.

Also as noted above, get a hitch that has more Tongue weight capacity than you need as it will last longer.

[elchilero53]

Take it to a local CAT Scale and you will know for sure. Stop guessing. Get it weighed.

[hunterrick]

I'm guessing the listed tongue weight spec is wrong, I'd perhaps believe it for a toy hauler but not for a TT. Anyway, I believe the Equalizer hitch that you are referring too is the highest capacity hitch available by any manufacturer. The Equalizer is also among the best hitches available. I'd go with that without hesitation.

Good Luck

Rick

[TheGerman]

Originally Posted by hunterrick

... Anyway, I believe the Equalizer hitch that you are referring too is the highest capacity hitch available by any manufacturer...

It's the highest capacity WDH made by Equalizer, but there are higher rated ones for 2.5" receivers from other manufacturers. 2" receivers are only rated for 14k/1400 lbs so as a CYA Equalizer doesn't offer one above that.

The dealer probably doesn't carry anything but Equalizer so that's their goto WDH. Might require some arm twisting to get them to provide a different and more expensive one.

[Shamrockthecasbah]

Originally Posted by hunterrick

I'm guessing the listed tongue weight spec is wrong, I'd perhaps believe it for a toy hauler but not for a TT. Anyway, I believe the Equalizer hitch that you are referring too is the highest capacity hitch available by any manufacturer. The Equalizer is also among the best hitches available. I'd go with that without hesitation.

Good Luck

Rick

[QUOTE=hunterrick;1692166]I'm guessing the listed tongue weight spec is wrong, I'd perhaps believe it for a toy hauler but not for a TT. Anyway, I believe the Equalizer hitch that you are referring too is the highest capacity hitch available by any manufacturer. The Equalizer is also among the best hitches available. I'd go with that without hesitation.

Good Luck

If you look at the floor plan of this travel trailer I think you'll see why the hitch weight is so high. It's a 35.5 ft TT with two super slides way up front. They didn't build travel trailers like this even five years ago and that's why we're not used to seeing this sort of hitch weight. Take a look at post #10 and you'll see what my experience has been with big TTs. The Blue Ox Swaypro seems to be the hitch of choice for the higher weights. There is a 1500 and 2000 lb version available with either the 2" or 2.5" shank.

[Shamrockthecasbah]

Originally Posted by TheGerman

It's the highest capacity WDH made by Equalizer, but there are higher rated ones for 2.5" receivers from other manufacturers. 2" receivers are only rated for 14k/1400 lbs so as a CYA Equalizer doesn't offer one above that.

The dealer probably doesn't carry anything but Equalizer so that's their goto WDH. Might require some arm twisting to get them to provide a different and more expensive one.

Not true on 2" receivers. My class five 2" Curt receiver for my Suburban is rated at 2400/17,000.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by Shamrockthecasbah

Not true on 2" receivers. My class five 2" Curt receiver for my Suburban is rated at 2400/17,000.

X1. My 2” receiver on my Ram 1500 is rated at 1,600/16,000. The identical hitch installed on a Ram 2500 is rated at 2500/17000.

[dbledan]

Question everything the dealer tells you. I cannot figure out how so many can get away with putting so many people at risk. There are good ones out there from what I have heard but more horror than happy stories.

Agree that 1400 is too light. I looked and the only thing I found on etrailer that had sway and wd was blueox at 2000lbs. A few more options at lower weights or without sway. The 2k blueox covers 1600-1900lbs (the hitch and bars weigh 100lbs). Likely more options if you check other vendors.

Nice thing on blueox is less adjustments (no washers on the head) as you just raise the TT higher before you engage it. Important if your weight changes a lot as only 1 tool instead of several are needed. Also if you get a different trailer you just buy the bars and use the same head...Sure they are a few hundred but cheaper than a whole new hitch.

My suggestion is buy the 2k blueox. I would buy the shank you want up front as well to simplify things. Just make sure it is rated right. Should you choose blueox I would also suggest using a 2-3ft breaker bar and socket to set it up rather than their 1ft tool...save your knuckles.

You really need to learn to do it yourself anyway when you are dealing with this much weight or close tolerances. I had dealer do it and they messed it up badly. The placement was wrong for the chains. Made for a scary ride the trip home and first ride out before I learned from a good trailer shop and fixed it.

The hardest part of doing it yourself was having wrenches large enough to torque the ball on. I took it to U-haul for that and they didn't charge me when I redid everything. The dealer under torqued the ball because it was WAY to easy to remove. The trailer shop could have done it as well but I had not thought that far ahead. You will be happy once your learn it and seems like you are well on your way with your research.

Best of luck with the new rig. Once you are loaded for camping weigh it to make sure you are good with your setup.

[checkmate99]

Valdivar.... while you're at it, check your payload on your Ram. I have a '17 Ram 2500 diesel as well. My payload is 2170 pounds. I'm about 120 pounds over on payload when my fifth wheel is loaded for camping. Just check your sticker on the drivers side door post.