Community Forums

cptdzl · 06-01-2019, 08:55 PM

I'm going to be new to WDH towing and was curious if I needed to use the bars for short in town moves. Specifically from the storage yard to the house when I want to load or wash the unit. Less than 6 miles and speed limits on those streets are 25-35mph. Thx

09 harley · 06-01-2019, 11:29 PM

You will probably be ok. I know my Super Duty doesn’t sag enough to even need the WDH bars. I use the mainly for sway elimination. I don’t have sway without them though. If you have a Ram truck with air bags, not real springs, you will need them because they sag real bad.

ASTMedic · 06-02-2019, 06:15 AM

There are different tongue weight limits on most hitches both with and without bars so it could depend on your hitch and trailer.

Elwood58 · 06-02-2019, 06:43 AM

It is difficult to predict what you might encounter, even on short in-town trips. The weight transfer and handling improvements of the bars might be important in avoiding an accident or dealing with a very rapid stop. I would be inclined to always use them.

SmokeyWren · 06-02-2019, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptdzl

I'm going to be new to WDH towing and was curious if I needed to use the bars for short in town moves.

A WDH without the spring bars is a weight-carrying (WC) hitch.

You have a half-ton pickup. I don't know about Ram, but Ford requires a WDH for any tongue weight (TW)more than 500 pounds on the F-150. I would be even more strict and say you need a WDH for any TW more than a coupla hundred pounds.

With a WC hitch, tongue weight on the ball about four feet behind the rear axle unloads the front axle, which reduces steering an handling capability.

So whether you're towing a few blocks or a few thousand miles, you need the WDH with spring bars tight and properly adjusted.

Can you "get by" with the reduced steering and handling capability for a few miles? Probably, if you're lucky and very careful and don't get in a hurry.

But why take the chance? After you learn how to install and adjust the spring bars, then after you have the trailer connected and plugged in with the safety chains connected, it requires only a few seconds more to properly install and adjust the spring bars.

cptdzl · 06-02-2019, 06:07 PM

Can you "get by" with the reduced steering and handling capability for a few miles? Probably, if you're lucky and very careful and don't get in a hurry.

I knew that but didn't think of that when asking.

But why take the chance? After you learn how to install and adjust the spring bars, then after you have the trailer connected and plugged in with the safety chains connected, it requires only a few seconds more to properly install and adjust the spring bars.

I would think with repetitive practice the few extra minutes wouldn't make that big a difference.

Everyone, Thank you for your input and advice. This will be change for me but again with practice should be a non issue. Safe travels ALL.

tuffr2 · 06-02-2019, 06:17 PM

I would say depends...depends on the speed you will travel. Towing at 35 - 45 mph is a heck of a lot different than towing at 65 - 72 mph on the freeway.

cptdzl · 06-03-2019, 06:27 AM

Yes 35mph tops just moving it in the city from storage lot to S&B. Fits in the driveway so we can load, wash and do minor maintenance. Just cant keep it there long term.

Cumminsfan · 06-03-2019, 09:05 AM

I would. That short distance and those speeds are going to cause sway or poor handling.
You don't say what the tongue weight is though. If it's over the max for no WDH then thats your call.

Itchytoe · 06-03-2019, 04:05 PM

As long as you have enough truck, you'll be fine. If you're trying to tow a 12,000 pound 40 footer with an F150, then no, use the bars. If you're towing a 5,000 pound 30 footer with an F250 diesel, then you're fine.

elite wa · 06-03-2019, 11:08 PM

It really depends on what type of truck you have but honestly it takes 5 mins or so to put the bars on so why not just do it.

Kschumake83 · 06-05-2019, 07:01 PM

My husky wd hitch specifically states its tongue weight without the bars hooked up is only 600lbs compared to 1200 with them hooked up. So not only look at your truck but your hitch too. On a side note last season was the first time I have ever hooked up a weight distribution hitch and now only one year later from backing up to pulling out fully hooked is only about 5 minutes or so. Once you figure it out you will start picking up little tricks to save you time.

Demiles · 06-06-2019, 03:06 AM

As mentioned it depends on how the TV reacts to trailer tongue weight. I tow my trailer from storage to home without WD applied regularly, it tows better without WD in my opinion.