WDH overkill

NWEvo · 03-03-2021, 01:01 AM

New to this forum. I have found lots of info so far. Thanks.

I’m sure this has been answered but I could not find a definitive answer? Is it not a good idea to have a wdh that is rated over my toy hauler weight? I’m picking up a Evo 178 rt. It’s a small toy hauler. Sticker says tongue weight of around 500#s and dry weight of around 3500#s. I have found a used Equalizer wdh that has a tongue weight rating 1400#s. Obviously overkill but it seems like a good deal. Again my question is... is this too much hitch for my setup? And why?

Thanks

**bikendan** · 03-03-2021, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWEvo

New to this forum. I have found lots of info so far. Thanks.

I’m sure this has been answered but I could not find a definitive answer? Is it not a good idea to have a wdh that is rated over my toy hauler weight? I’m picking up a Evo 178 rt. It’s a small toy hauler. Sticker says tongue weight of around 500#s and dry weight of around 3500#s. I have found a used Equalizer wdh that has a tongue weight rating 1400#s. Obviously overkill but it seems like a good deal. Again my question is... is this too much hitch for my setup? And why?

Thanks

Hard to say since you didn't provide any information on what you are towing with, neither in your post nor in your profile.
If you've got a 1 ton, then you may not need a WDH. Your vehicle's owners manual should tell you when you need a WDH.
I would say that a 1400lb WDH is overkill for that trailer. A 1000lb WDH would be more appropriate.

And Welcome to FRF from Camano Island.

moose074 · 03-03-2021, 06:44 AM

X2 on not enough info and overkill. Also there is a POSSIBILITY that being a toy hauler that your tongue weight will drop when hauling a toy. Making WDH unnecessary though sway might still be needed

The Evil Twin · 03-03-2021, 07:04 AM

Welcome!
As said, 1400lb is too much. I'm guessing your GTW is around the 5000lb mark which would put your tongue in the 700lb range when ready to roll. So you should be looking at a WDH under 1000lb. That model probably has some wiggle room as to how far fore/ aft you can load the toys so you can tune your tongue weight to a degree. Something like this comes closer to what you need.
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...rt/C17051.html

TowPro · 03-03-2021, 07:16 AM

The hitch is several parts that can be expensive. Used can save money. See how much it cost to by replacement spring bars that are more rated for your load.

Underthedog · 03-03-2021, 07:17 AM

You could also look in to the cost of buying new bars for the hitch you are looking at. We were able to upgrade the bars on our Reese wdh when we moved up to the Roo. That would also leave you with a heavier set for the next trailer...........

NWEvo · 03-03-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Hard to say since you didn't provide any information on what you are towing with, neither in your post nor in your profile.
If you've got a 1 ton, then you may not need a WDH. Your vehicle's owners manual should tell you when you need a WDH.
I would say that a 1400lb WDH is overkill for that trailer. A 1000lb WDH would be more appropriate.

And Welcome to FRF from Camano Island.

I should have stated I will be pulling it with 2018 Toyota Tundra. I have not looked at the manual to see when I need a wdh. But I will be using a wdh with sway control regardless. I know a 1400# rated wdh is overkill but is there a reason not to use one that is overkill? Will the wdh break or bend something or not work like it’s supposed to?

NWEvo · 03-03-2021, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TowPro

The hitch is several parts that can be expensive. Used can save money. See how much it cost to by replacement spring bars that are more rated for your load.

I looked into replacing the spring bars with ones that would be rated closer for my needs. On the Equalizer website it’s says the spring bars are only compatible with the matching weight rating hitch head.

The Evil Twin · 03-03-2021, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWEvo

. I know a 1400# rated wdh is overkill but is there a reason not to use one that is overkill? Will the wdh break or bend something or not work like it’s supposed to?

It will not break, but the ride would be very rough. On top of that, there would likely be too much weight taken off the rear axle of the Tundra. Would likely lead to handling issues.

NJKris · 03-03-2021, 11:19 AM

Too much is as bad as too little from what I've read.

TowPro · 03-03-2021, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWEvo

I should have stated I will be pulling it with 2018 Toyota Tundra. I have not looked at the manual to see when I need a wdh.

I was towing a 7x14' box trailer back and forth between PA and FLA a bunch of times as we moved. I was using a 2018 Ram 3500 dually (14,000gvwr) and still ran a WDH. it makes the truck ride better.

NWEvo · 03-03-2021, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Evil Twin

It will not break, but the ride would be very rough. On top of that, there would likely be too much weight taken off the rear axle of the Tundra. Would likely lead to handling issues.

Thanks for the reply. Both your points make sense. I will be looking for a wdh that is closer to my weight needs.

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