Weight distribution hitch

[Dargo]

...And a tailpipe hanger may or may not require replacement or modification.

Aww, c'mon Bird, I always am looking for new uses for that fancy plasma cutter I bought last year. You know, if that fuel tank is in the way, just cut a notch out of it, right?!

Actually, there are quite a few model specific hitches that basically do just bolt on.

 

[Egon]

The hitch that bolts to the truck frame is a separate unit from the weight distibution hitch which slides into previous unit's receiver.

I purchased a bolt on hitch from the dealer who sold me my truck. Bolted it on myself and have had no problems. Lots of heavy overweight towing with a Reese weight distribution hitch. On the first hitch one lever bar broke and I had to repace the entire Reese system.

 

[Highbeam]

You can do it yourself Rob. There are a few adjustments and a few goals but all are within the realm of most any mechanically inclined person. I would rather learn how and do it myself than trust an RV mechanic. It is nice to be able to make an adjustment in the future without having to go back to a dealer plus I think you'll appreciate the cleverness of this gadget.

Hitch head angle, height of ball, tension on spring bars, and bendiness of spring bars are all variables. Goals are spring bars parallel to road, trailer level, and even compression of both truck axles under the load.

I will highly recommend some of the RV sites for setting up your WD hitch since they seem to explain things in a simple manner so even someone like me can understand.

The WD hitches are standard and not truck specific, but the receiver that bolts to your truck can be more application specific.

I own a Robyn brand WD hitch system with 1000 lb spring bars, I really appreciate the fabrication, cost, powder coating, and weld quality of this brand. I purchased it from the local RV dealer who sells the nice Arctic Fox line of RVs.

Summit racing sells Curt brand too. There is some healthy competition out there for companies like Reese who have highly priced their hitches for a long time.

Whatcha towin Rob?

 

[3RRL]

Thanks all for good information. I sure appreciate it.

Whatcha towin Rob?

I'm planning to buy a 18' 7,000lb to 10,000lb trailer to tow my stuff up to the property. Maybe a larger one if I decide to buy a new truck or not? I've only towed small U-Haul trailers in the past. One of the items is an old MF35 (I believe) that the golf course is junking. I plan to restore it at the property. It's a small tractor and shouldn't weigh more than 4,000lbs with a sicle bar mower on it. I'll definitely keep the old 4wd Blazer as a tow truck/utility vehicle for use on the property.

Other things come to mind, I've got to move my Harleys and tool boxes, forklift and also a golf cart. Even thinking about moving my milling machines, lathe etc one by one? At this point, it's just easier if I move most of that stuff by myself at my own pace when I get room for it.

 

[stumpfield]

In searching for WD hitches, there were a couple of choices. Can anyone reccomend a specific make and why? I have a '94 Full Size Blazer so I would appreciate any feed back.
I read Highbeam's post that they must be installed properly. Is this best left to the dealership where bought to install or is it something I could do myself? I was hoping to order one on-line and install it myself?
Thanks,

3RRL:

If you want the best, go for the Hensley. Very pricey! Here's a link for more info. http://www.hensleymfg.com/whatisthearrow.html
Otherwise, most Reese models will do just fine. A lot of it depends on your tow vehicle. Your Blazer is a short wheelbase on a 1/2 ton frame. So, your towing capicity is very limited.
About the installation... you can certainly do a much better job than the average joe at any dealership. I have 1/100th of your mechanical skill and I recently installed the 5th wheel hitch on my 06' Ford F350 Diesel CC FX4 with tow command. Now, that's a tow vehicle

Tom

 

[mchasal]

3RRL:

If you want the best, go for the Hensley. Very pricey! Here's a link for more info. http://www.hensleymfg.com/whatisthearrow.html

That's quite a neat looking system, but $3000? Yikes!

Mike

 

[3RRL]

3RRL:

If you want the best, go for the Hensley. Very pricey!

....my 06' Ford F350 Diesel CC FX4 with tow command. Now, that's a tow vehicle

Tom

Tom, I'd have to buy a truck like yours first to make that Hensley worth while!!! I saw your rig and it IS something, indeed!