This has me rethinking a weight distribution hitch

Basically redistribution of the weight isn’t stable across all angles and it creates a very long semi-solid structure. Change that angle suddenly and aggressively and the pressure will find the weak point. So I’m wondering if an anti-sway bar and airbags aren’t a better solution? As well I don’t think his repair solved anything as it actually just moved the weak point further under the trailer or to his truck frame for that matter.

At the very least there’s a lesson here.

 

Sounds like my warranty work with another big RV dealer, ie, they didn’t pay for any of it. Thus the $3k warranty was useless.
Yep, 1/8” is totally inadequate unless it is a heat treated expensive steel. Should have at least been a boxed in tubing. Even my 3,500 lb gvw trailer has thicker u channel than that and I’m considering adding structure to it.
This sounds like a class action lawsuit potential to me.
Lesson learned…research well before you buy!

 

I haven’t seen the documentation that comes with a WDH but I’d bet that there’s a note in there about exactly the potential for this happening just like I’m sure there’s similar notes in the owners manuals of trailers.

I’m sure they’ve got their asses covered legally.

 

The problem isn't the weight distribution hitch, it was the material used in the frame. The frame people say they make it to the manufacturer's specifications so it is on the manufacturer to order steel that can support the structure. The issue isn't in the WDH it is in the frame of that mass produced, over priced shit box.

 

Sure, but what can you change? You can only change if and how to use the hitch. There’s not a bunch of huge V8 powered cars running 75 cent a gallon gas anymore. They’ve got to build them lighter or they’re out of business. Trucks are still in a minority on the road. I had a 1988 fifth wheel made in Canada by Glendale. Built like a brick shit house as my dad would say. I was following a friend back from Florida with his brand new Prowler when we went over some rough asphalt in New Jersey. The suspension on that prowler just exploded and he had to be towed. I flew through it like nothing. I’m sure that bastard Glendale is still in use today. BUT that SOB was SO hard to pull with a full size so I’m glad they’re making some light stuff that the Tacoma can pull. But what happened to my buddy was avoidable just by slowing down.

 

It's a risk if you take your trailer over drastic changes of incline (like whoops, driveways, or dips) and/or you overload the trailer tongue. Under normal use with an appropriately sized WDH, I wouldn't be too worried.

And the other side to the story was that the trailer was toast but the truck frame probably wasn't. If I had to choose, I'd sacrifice the camper.





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That said, I don't run a WDH. Not from fear, but because I take the trailer places it has no business going.

 

Interesting. I’ve towed trailers since 1967. They’ve been as long as 33’ and weighed up to 12,000 lbs. Used a 1955 Chevy up to an F350. Towed on some quite rough roads. Never anything like that happened.
But, just like cars today they try to reduce all the weight they can for economy’s sake. Toyota has done the same thing. Their Hilux in the rest of the world has a 2,000 cargo rating, while here the Tacoma has a 1,040 lb rating. Even my 2003 was rated at 1,460 lbs! Biggest disappointment when I bought my 2015.

 

I like your style. I only run an articulating hitch because I only take my trailer where other trailers aren't.

 

Lock n Roll on my small teardrop (2200 pounds gross). Ya, tiny 7" drum brakes back there. I like the road less traveled.

https://locknroll.com/