Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH)

[Smitty4188]

Hello, Iam purchasing a used 2021 Colman 1805 that weighs 4458 lbs. I will be pulling with a Chevy 1500 with a 5.3 motor. The previous owner told me the salesman said they did not need a WDH because the trailer was so light. Does this sound accurate?

Thanks

[franktafl]

The hitch weight is what you need to know compared with the ability of the truck. Usually about 10% of the weight of the trailer. About 450 pounds. - dry! You want the trailer and truck to be as level as possible when towing with the weight to be on both of the trailer wheels. When you see a trailer going down the road with too much forward weight, it’s putting more weight on the front set of wheels, increasing your chances for a blowout. A level trailer and truck also towes and stops better.

It would not hurt to have a WDH!

[ATCguy]

Originally Posted by Smitty4188

... The previous owner told me the salesman said they did not need a WDH because the trailer was so light. Does this sound accurate?

Thanks

A salesman has one goal: to sell a product, and turn a profit. The welfare of the buyer’s needs after the sale are of little concern. While there are a few out there who truly care about their customers… the majority of them will tell a prospective buyer anything they think the buyer wants to hear in order to sell the product. If that means telling them that they don’t need to spend even more money to by something extra for safety… then that’s what they’ll say.

But I agree with what Frank says above… “It would not hurt to have a WDH”.

[SlowNEasy]

I agree with everyone else but for a different reason. According to the specifications your TT is 22.75 feet. So though nicely compact you still have almost 20 feet of sail blowing in the wind attached to the rear of your vehicle. You also appear to be located in California which is reported to have some of the most amazing camping in the US that is separated by some of the most challenging roads. With that combination I would also want a weight distribution hitch with sway control. For $640 you are getting cheap insurance…


https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-P...7-eb60747b8daf

[dsol]

Check your truck’s towing capacity chart. They typically have an asterisk that says anything above 5,000 lbs require a WDH. As the others say, you would likely better better off with one but if your truck doesn’t squat and the towing chart says you only need a he WDH is above 5,000 you are probably safe provided the tongue weight does not exceed your capacity.

I tend to rely on auto makers as opposed to RV manufacturers that will push the envelope. Automakers have much more at stake and tend to under rate capacities.

Common sense applies too. [emoji4]

[Smitty4188]

I appreciate all the input

[chily3]

Most of us have the trailer down one inch at the tongue for stability when fully loaded and ready for the road.

[trucking]

[QUOTE=Smitty4188;81410]Hello, Iam purchasing a used 2021 Colman 1805 that weighs 4458 lbs. I will be pulling with a Chevy 1500 with a 5.3 motor. The previous owner told me the salesman said they did not need a WDH because the trailer was so light. Does this sound accurate?

Thanks[/QUOTE

I pull with a 2003 GMC 1500 sounds same as you use.
My trailer is a 2016 Kodiak Exxpress Ultra Lite 22ft .
The truck max load is 6400 lbs 14000max combined weight.
Usually on the roadtrip the truck is at 5400 to 5800lbs loaded.
The trailer unloaed is 4300lbs 6k max
The trailer is usually 5500 to 5800lbs loaded.
Combined weight 10900lbs to 11600lbs.
I use a curt 10,000lbs Wieght Distribution System with 1,000lb tongue weight bars,
And two anti-sway bars.
The truck pulls the trailer Great, no sway, evenly balanced, even following semi trucks pulling 40ft trailers 80 MPH (the speed limit for trucks pulling trailers) on interstate 15 threw Ceader city in Utah, smooth as silk.
Happy trails.

[Smitty4188]

Good info, thanks

[persistent]

For planning purposes you should use the gross vehicle weight of the trailer to determine towing capability. It is the actual weight while towing that matters, but often owner does not know that before buying.

See specs for towing capacity of your truck
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/01...-towing-chart/

WDH need depends on tongue weight and truck rear axle rear axle capacity. Anything in the truck bed also affects the need for WDH.

If the rear end sags and front raises a little, a WDH is required for a travel trailer.

[videoarizona]

My two cents:
Yes, you need a WDH. Minimum 8k lbs rated.
Best bang for buck...E2 Fast way 8k trunnion bar hitch.
Easy to install, set up and use. No issues backing up, going overland, etc..
Install and set up on your tube if your wish to be a informed consumer.

Regardless of brand, please do it.
David