Towing question

[orlo]

Question: Does anyone here use a weight distributing hitch when they are towing a flatbed or skidsteer trailer?

I never have, but on my particular hitch/vehicle (2002 GMC 2500HD - 9200GVW) they recommend one when towing more than 7500lbs (Hitch is rated 12000lbs).

I'll be running maybe 9000lbs with the trailer and my 3720 cab on it (With the ballast block, loader, etc.)

My question is has anybody run with one vs not with one and does it make a big difference? Is it overkill for an 18' skid steer trailer? (I've only ever seen them on large camping trailers).

Thanks,

 

[Bird]

I've only personally used them on travel trailers, but yes, they're a good idea for your trailer. I'm assuming you do have electric brakes on the trailer, and everything will be more stable with the spring bars; i.e., weight distributing hitch, especially if, when the trailer is loaded, the tongue weight is excessive.

 

[swines]

Yes - I've got a Reese weight distributing hitch for my truck. Makes the load a lot more manageable as it leverages the weight forward and balances the load between the front and rear wheels. You can really feel the difference in how much better the vehicle can control the load. You can especially feel the better control when changing lanes.

 

[flyngti]

In general, a weight distributing hitch is always a good idea if you want to run at or near the max GVW of your tow vehicle. As others have said, it will increase stability as well as balance the load amongst all the axles. For some reason, I've usually only seem them used on travel trailers or horse trailers. Not as many people run them on flatbeds, although they probably should. On a flatbed, you run a greater risk of inadvertently not balancing the load correctly on the trailer (too much weight behind the axles) and can create a dangerous sway condition. In such a condition, a WDH can reduce the sway although there's no excuse for a poorly loaded trailer.

 

[orlo]

Thanks for all the advice. I've also see lot's of flatbeds without WDH's on them.
I agree completely about the flatbed and where the load is positioned. From what I've seen most LDH's also come with anti-sway bars also.

I've towed small to medium trailers for years and never had an issue until one time I was towing the 2305 on a flatbed (Maybe 6000# between the tractor, ballast block, trailer and some implements) - I must have been tongue light due to the BB being right at the back. All of a sudden after maybe 60 miles with no warning I had wicked sway. Slowed right down, stopped and checked everything and it didn't happen again in the next 140 miles - Must have been a gust of wind or something that got it going but being tongue light let it happen.

The next day I bought a 2000lb tongue scale and always balance the load on the heavy side of 9-11%+ and haven't had another issue.

I think I'll invest the $$ in the interest of safety and handling.