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Weight distribution hitch types

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Nyneuro, Nov 4, 2020.

  1. Nov 4, 2020 at 8:15 PM
    #1
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok did search the forum but with so many hitch questions hard to get a hit on this one.

    For guys that use the round bar chain style wdh with small ball mounted friction brake, how you likly them? Only towed one trip with one and aside from admittingly long setup time i like the adjustability. BUT why do people claim you cam back up with the sway control on, i sure did with no issues. Honestly confused here.

    2nd the spring bar hard mount style with trunnion bars. If you increase or change the weight of what you bring do you have to readjust the hole setup. Do they really work. I like with the friction brake of 1st style you can just tighten it down if its an extra windy day.

    Some smart people here so looking forward to the replies =)
     
  2. Nov 4, 2020 at 8:29 PM
    #2
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    3rd the Anderson No Sway WDH. Easy setup, easy disconnect and reconnect, built in sway control, excellent customer service.
     
  3. Nov 4, 2020 at 8:35 PM
    #3
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Did read on the anderson alot. Seam good for tacoma sized trailers. But zero adjustability. Also going to say mixxed reviews from my reseach. People love or hate them. No its ok lol
     
  4. Nov 4, 2020 at 8:42 PM
    #4
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    I saw someone at a gas station that said his was worthless. You could move the chains by hand, he ran it loose and expected it to work.
     
  5. Nov 5, 2020 at 3:41 AM
    #5
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well some people are, well special
     
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  6. Nov 5, 2020 at 6:54 AM
    #6
    Aquatic Tacoma

    Aquatic Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Both are Stock - built correct from the start.
    I like Fastway E2. Google “best WDH”. There’s some good write ups out there. Then reach out to the techs at Etrailer.com. I’ve dealt with them for years. Always has been great customer service.
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2020
  7. Nov 6, 2020 at 6:14 AM
    #7
    varmintshooter

    varmintshooter Member

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    I use Anderson and am very happy with it. It is also adjustable. I do not have with other WDH.
     
  8. Nov 6, 2020 at 5:47 PM
    #8
    TacoTrooper

    TacoTrooper Well-Known Member

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    Fastway E2 Trunion 600/6000. Works great, built in anti-sway that you can reverse without removing.
     
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  9. Nov 6, 2020 at 7:55 PM
    #9
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    "reverse without removing" Thats the bit i dont get. Included an Amazon link of spring bar with friction break. (not one im looking to buy, just the style). The sway control it uses people say you cant back up.. you can. Just not at a crazy sharp angle. Granted only used this style or any style one long weekend trip but i backed up into multiple spots with no issues. Ironically the only time I noticed anything wrong was when backing up and the trailer went UP HILL a steep hill. Compressed the springs on the hitch and that force really made the truck resist moving. Being half intelligent (the lesser half) or lucky I decided NOT to push it. Didnt put together what happened till like a week later..

    Basically round bar style I like that you can change the spring force easily by using more or less chain links. This would allow you to account for different weights in the trailer. You cant do this with the fastway e2


    BUT. In writing this i realized for the FastWay E2, it dont matter. Once the unit is correctly installed the bar position and angle on the "bracket" wont change much. At least not with the difference of 2-300 pounds. So you like it? lol





    https://www.amazon.com/EAZ-LIFT-480...102604660601&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1
     
  10. Nov 8, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #10
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ I drink, and I know things… Moderator

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    I run Fastway E2 (now there’s E4) and Equal-I-zer brand hitches. My equalizer brand hitch pretty much wore out after 15 years of abuse. I could have rebuilt it, but already had the Fastway.
     
  11. Nov 8, 2020 at 9:28 AM
    #11
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ I drink, and I know things… Moderator

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    The style that isn’t rated for reverse....

    You can reverse a little with very slight turning. When I first started towing many moons ago, I had a LDH with the chains. I caused some damage to my trailer and broke a chain. I will say this...you don’t want to be anywhere near these bars under load if something lets go.
     
  12. Nov 8, 2020 at 5:06 PM
    #12
    KissmyTaco

    KissmyTaco Well-Known Member

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    I have a Gashole
    I have the EAZ Lift. Dealer installed when I picked up my NoBo. We discussed the Anderson and they said it was overpriced.
    I have to do a 90 degree back up to put my trailer into my driveway from the street. No issues with this hitch.
    Only complaint is the squeakiness of the antisway bar when you are turning corners.
    Once the ball is attached, I can set up this hitch in less than 3 minutes. The weight distribution bars go on and off very efficiently with a 110 degree turn of the bar.
    For the price, I don't think you can go wrong.

    https://www.amazon.com/EAZ-LIFT-480...102604660601&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1
     
  13. Nov 15, 2020 at 7:01 PM
    #13
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So after the above and other research, I honestly Still cant decide. But as its at best 20 weeks till the trailer i purchased is complete. I guess that is ok.

    I do have a follow up question however.

    I am Buying An apex Nano 193bh. Factory lists 370 lb, toung weight which we know is a lie. Another forum a poster measured his loaded to go at 613! I dont Believe I will load so heavy but would a 600/6000 hitch work? next step up is 10,000. Seams like a big jump.

    After being rear ended twice i also put on a after market bumper which ads 85lbs to my tail. From what i am reading this weight would be consider an add to the trailer toung weight which then reinforces the argument to go oversized.

    Just looking for confirmation i believe i need to go to the oversized hitch.
     
  14. Nov 15, 2020 at 7:37 PM
    #14
    KissmyTaco

    KissmyTaco Well-Known Member

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    I have a Gashole
    The bumper would not be considered part of the tongue weight but would be needed for calculating the GVWR.
    I purchased this on ebay to measure the tongue weight. Its cheap and hopefully fairly accurate. You can read about my calculations on my thread regarding my NoBo 19.6
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Trailer-To...r-Boat/192874481388?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
     
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  15. Nov 16, 2020 at 4:35 AM
    #15
    Jimiller5

    Jimiller5 Well-Known Member

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    Anything added behind the axle would lessen the tongue weight.
     
  16. Nov 16, 2020 at 1:48 PM
    #16
    unclebuck

    unclebuck Well-Known Member

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    No complaints from me utilizing the Equal-i-zer 600/6000 setup with my GeoPro trailer. Easy to setup and no issues towing or reversing. Pricey but worth the investment.
     
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  17. Nov 16, 2020 at 6:06 PM
    #17
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for saying the size you have! most dont and I find it helpful. As far as the Bumper I was referring to the bumper on the truck. It is 115lb of steel. E trailer confirmed via email today that its added weight would be considered cargo behind the rear truck axle therefor its weight is added to the strain on the WDH. That plus trailer i ordered is a bit larger means i should probably go with the 1k/10k hitch. Just annoying its a 600 to 1k jump.

    Apex nano 293bh is 370 lb factory tongue weight but add stuff, 2 lp tanks and battery i can see it go north of 500-550 quick.
     
  18. Nov 16, 2020 at 6:26 PM
    #18
    unclebuck

    unclebuck Well-Known Member

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    I hear you. My trailer has ~360lb tongue weight. I have two lp tanks and will soon be converting the batteries to lithium and moving them off the tongue and inside the trailer. That being said - with ~525 on the tongue and an additional 10 gallons of water and 10 gallons of gas along with a honda generator in the bed the rig handled fine at 60-70mph and towed easily in the mountains here in Utah.
     
  19. Nov 17, 2020 at 6:30 PM
    #19
    Nyneuro

    Nyneuro [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ok... trailer tongue wight going to be about 550. with added heavy ass Bumper (115 lbs) do i really need to go with the oversized hitch. ETrailer telling me to go with the 1k. Just seams like a huge step..

    if i put some stuff in the bed, what is the hitch arms going to blow?


    Dont know if I'm over complicating this but dealer wats to sell me a 600. Etrailer saud I need 1000 due to my bumper. But if I had a bigger truck with heavier rear end then smaller hitch ok??? Makes no sense
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2020
  20. Nov 17, 2020 at 9:26 PM
    #20
    RushT

    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    My logic meter tells me you only need a weight rating for the trailer tongue. No matter what your bumper weighs, it’s not part of the WD equation.
     

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