To use my weight distribution hitch or not?

[some zilch]

if your trailer is swaying, you have it loaded wrong. WD hitches are "band aids" for vehicles not proper for the trailer they are towing.

 

[jejeosborne]

WD hitches are "band aids" for vehicles not proper for the trailer they are towing.

False

 

[timswi]

if your trailer is swaying, you have it loaded wrong. WD hitches are "band aids" for vehicles not proper for the trailer they are towing.

Not true. They serve a definite purpose and it's not to overload a low rated vehicle. Everyone I know with a TT uses them whether they are 1 ton or 1/2 ton. The WD serves the same purpose. Not quite as common on car or equipment trailers but I'm thinking of getting one for mine due to the stability provided, not to increase the load rating.

 

[jejeosborne]

They serve a definite purpose and it's not to overload a low rated vehicle. Everyone I know with a TT uses them whether they are 1 ton or 1/2 ton. The WD serves the same purpose. Not quite as common on car or equipment trailers but I'm thinking of getting one for mine due to the stability provided, not to increase the load rating.

True!

 

[some zilch]

if they served such purpose, then "all" trailers would have them, or they would be used as commonly with all trailers (of similar weight) as they are used with nearly all camper type trailers. i cant remember the last time, if ever, i saw a car trailer with a WD hitch, nor an equipment type trailer. i believe we see them so much in the camper trailer world b/c of the prevelant use of f150s/tundras/1500s/titans to tow 30+ft trailers that have the aerodynamics of a brick, which will toss those little trucks around. they are sold to these owners b/c, technically, they are within the weight that the truck can tow.

if i had a trailer that swayed, as many of you seem to have, there is a problem with the trailer, or how its loaded. my trailer does not sway, and if it did, i would immediatly stop and figure out why. i would not buy some bar and chain contraption to mask the symptoms. but thats just me, to each their own......

 

[corl]

Almost all the car trailers at SCCA events have WD hitches. Many are pulling car trailers with half ton, 3/4 ton and full ton trucks. I used one to pull my race car 24 foot trailer and it made the truck much more stable. Sure I could have pulled it with a 6 or 10 wheel tractor but I got along great without one.

 

[jejeosborne]

if they served such purpose, then "all" trailers would have them, or they would be used as commonly with all trailers (of similar weight) as they are used with nearly all camper type trailers. i cant remember the last time, if ever, i saw a car trailer with a WD hitch, nor an equipment type trailer. i believe we see them so much in the camper trailer world b/c of the prevelant use of f150s/tundras/1500s/titans to tow 30+ft trailers that have the aerodynamics of a brick, which will toss those little trucks around. they are sold to these owners b/c, technically, they are within the weight that the truck can tow.

if i had a trailer that swayed, as many of you seem to have, there is a problem with the trailer, or how its loaded. my trailer does not sway, and if it did, i would immediatly stop and figure out why. i would not buy some bar and chain contraption to mask the symptoms. but thats just me, to each their own......

Ah, I see. You think weight distribution hitches are to prevent sway. That is not their purpose. Some WD hitches incorporate sway control but most don't. My 7000 lb car hauler has a WD setup.

You mentioned in another thread that you haul 12,000 lbs with an f250. If your hitch is stock, I'm betting you are overloaded and setting yourself up for a lawsuit if you are involved in an accident. Last I checked, f250 hitches are rated for 600/6000 lbs without a WD hitch.

I'm not trying to be an *****, just hopefully pushing you to read your manual and become informed on proper towing.

 

[RobertN]

My general take is if you are asking, you probably should. Better on the cautious side.

That said, I think you weight numbers are right. That tractor is relatively similar to my old Kubota B8200 in weight and size. I do not have a WD; I hardly noticed that load at all behind my 3/4 ton Dodge. Balanced right, it towed very well.

It's heavy and the truck is still butt high w/ 15% tongue weight.
Other than sway nothing.

Apologize for not making the original statement clear that the trailer is 2,000 and I'm pretty sure the B7610 tractor and FEL plus chains etc. is less than 2,000 for less than 4,000 total.

 

[some zilch]

You mentioned in another thread that you haul 12,000 lbs with an f250.

I'm not trying to be an *****, just hopefully pushing you to read your manual and become informed on proper towing.

i *doubt* i ever said that, because i have never owned an f250. the only ford i have ever owned is an f-super duty (old f450)

i believe that a heavy enough, properly proportioned truck does not need a wd hitch. half tons with huge campers do. thats all im saying. if someone feels good putting one on, then by all means, have at it.

i am quite informed on proper towing procedures. as a truck driver, i have over 700kmi under me, towing a lowboy with some big stuff on it; cranes, 988s, d8s and d9s, 100ft long beams, 18ft wide blacktop silos, etc. i suggest you not jump to conclusions on who knows what about towing

 

[crazyal]

My WD hitch has the place to mount a anti-sway arm but I've never bought it or needed it. I used the hitch to allow me to adjust the position of the load to maximize space.