Community Forums

kevinvinv · 03-28-2022, 06:45 PM

Hello, I have a smallish trailer but I want to put a weight distribution setup on it. I have my eye on a used setup that was used for a 30' TT. Mu trailer is more like 12'.

Is it bad if I buy this heavier duty weight distribution setup? What is the down-side of over doing it in this regard?

THANKS!!!

K Charles · 03-28-2022, 07:07 PM

Weight distribution hitch is not for how long the TT is, its to distribute weight. How much does the tongue weigh ?

NevadaNick · 03-28-2022, 07:35 PM

Why ?

Old-Biscuit · 03-28-2022, 07:53 PM

You should pick one based on the trailer and tongue’s weight. If you pick a hitch with insufficient weight capacity, it might break off as you drive. On the other hand, a hitch that has an overly high weight capacity makes for an uncomfortable ride.

The right tool for the job

WDH for 30' TT is not the right one for a 12' TT

What are you using for tow vehicle...year/brand/model?
What is the Trailer tongue weight?

Those 2 answers will help in which WDH you should look for
*the one for the 30' TT----what are the spring bars rated for?
1000#, 1200# etc

twinboat · 03-28-2022, 07:53 PM

The down side is if the weight bearing bars are to strong for the tongue weight, they won't bend and you will lose traction on the rear of the car.

I once used 1000 lb bars on a 18 ft trailer and a Bronco II. As the front wheels went up a RXR crossing, the rear wheels of the Bronco II spun a bit. I regained traction once the rear wheel hit the grade.

Rob_M · 03-28-2022, 08:03 PM

Why do you want to use the WD hitch?

kevinvinv · 03-28-2022, 08:08 PM

I don't have the weight numbers... I'll have to get a measurement of tongue weight somehow. I pull this trailer with a lifter 94 full size blazer... the tongue is heavy enough that it sags the rear of the truck enough to make me want to "fix it".

The setup I am looking at buying used I am pretty sure is for a 10k # trailer. My trailer is probably more like 5k worst case (trailer weight)...

Thanks for all the input!!!

radar · 03-28-2022, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinvinv

I don't have the weight numbers... I'll have to get a measurement of tongue weight somehow. I pull this trailer with a lifter 94 full size blazer... the tongue is heavy enough that it sags the rear of the truck enough to make me want to "fix it".

The setup I am looking at buying used I am pretty sure is for a 10k # trailer. My trailer is probably more like 5k worst case (trailer weight)...

Thanks for all the input!!!

Hmm. Maybe run it across the scales and then check the tongue wait with a bathroom scale setup. A 12 foot trailer shouldn’t have a really heavy tongue wait. For reference ours is 18 feet including the hitch and the tongue is 345 pounds.

Good luck

TXiceman · 03-29-2022, 09:36 AM

YOu never told us what trailer and tow vehicle you have. I seriously doubt if you need a W/D hitch for a 12 foot trailer, but we need more info to know for sure.

The W/D hitch is bought and set up based on trailer tongue weight. not length.

Ken

Dave Pelletier · 03-29-2022, 09:45 AM

the downside is the potential of folding your trailer A frame like a $2 taco.....as the others said, weigh it and determine if you need one and IF you do (you probably don't) then get one with the right size bars.

If it's vehicle sag that is the issue, air bags, timbrens, etc. can restore ride height.

Dave

Rob_M · 03-30-2022, 11:26 AM

I don’t know if you can still get them, but air shocks work well. Back when Dad used to tow with a car he installed air shocks. Alternative would be air bags. They are about $300.

**Spdracr39** · 03-30-2022, 11:33 AM

Many W/d hitches also act as an anti sway device. I would use one simply to have that protection. Airbags won't address that.

Mudfrog · 03-30-2022, 11:38 AM

I can't imagine a manufactured 12 foot travel trailer being an issue for a full size Chevrolet Blazer. Is this a homemade trailer or tiny home by any chance?

CecilD · 03-30-2022, 02:40 PM

Reese makes a number of weight distribution hitches incorporating anti-sway for light tongue weight situations. I agree, using 1,000# bars on a lightweight trailer frame is asking for trouble.

I towed a Coleman tent trailer behind a half ton truck and it would sway terribly when the water tank was full as the tongue weight was reduced. I towed that trailer with a WDH made for the job. Prior to the WDH, a lot of bouncing forces as a result of the single axle were transmitted to the cab. That was when we had a Toyota T100.