Weight Distribution Hitch

[Oldrook]

Just acquired a camper through some quick unforeseen circumstances. Need to get a weight distribution hitch. Anyone have any recommendations? 25 foot camper towing home with 1500 Silverado Trying to get to Ky from southern Illinois this weekend.

 

[Tankt]

Very happy with my Harbor Freight hitch....the price is right too

 

[carnivore]

Sounds like you are on the right track but under no circumstances should you proceed with travel till you get it right. Your situation (needing to get home) may tempt you to push through a sketchy situation.
Make sure the camper sits level, and tongue weight is appropriate. Half-ton towing needs to be right or its flat out dangerous as the tail will wag the dog. Good luck!

 

[Oldrook]

Sounds like you are on the right track but under no circumstances should you proceed with travel till you get it right. Your situation (needing to get home) may tempt you to push through a sketchy situation.
Make sure the camper sits level, and tongue weight is appropriate. Half-ton towing needs to be right or its flat out dangerous as the tail will wag the dog. Good luck!

I’m going a day early to set everything up and get all my measurements set. Trying to limit my interstate travel for the ride home.

 

[baknblack]

I'd make sure the hitch also had the anti-sway dampers on the side. I've witnessed several wrecks due to a long trailer being pulled with a half ton.
Load distribution with anti-sway is the only safe way.

 

[Tankt]

I had never heard of them before and had no idea what they were but I learned quickly that they make a huge difference. Pulling my tractor and implements with my half ton was much smoother.

 

[Oldrook]

Yep. Buying a combo distribution hitch with sway control bar at Camping World. Probably be trading trucks soon…….ugh! Thanks for everyone’s comments

 

[beauhunter41031]

Just make sure ALL tires truck and camper are inflated properly. Then have spare tire and tools to change. I think you’ll be fine with the half ton. I like the adjustable height hitches. You will know if you tongue weight when you let it down. If any doubt I would buy couple hundred lbs of sand bags to throw in the bed and just don’t go to fast

 

[beauhunter41031]

How did it go?

 

[Oldrook]

Not bad. Took my time getting my set up as good as I could. Aired up tires, spares, etc….Handled fine. Going to need an upsize for the future. Appreciate everyone’s help.

 

[Oldrook]

Had an audience at set up. And the morning ride home was beautiful

 

[BODAB1]

Just acquired a camper through some quick unforeseen circumstances. Need to get a weight distribution hitch. Anyone have any recommendations? 25 foot camper towing home with 1500 Silverado Trying to get to Ky from southern Illinois this weekend.

I have been towing a 25 ft Jayco with a Tyndra for about 10 years. We use the equalizer weight distribution hitch. Zero sway and does a good job of reducing squat on rear of truck. https://www.equalizerhitch.com/

 

[GeoFish]

I have been towing campers a long time.
On the inside of the driver's door is the maximum cargo capacity for your truck. This number listed is the total of all passengers and cargo. Trailer tongue weight is also part of this number. The advertized towing capacity of a truck is not the real world.
Take the maximum charge capacity, subtract all passengers and cargo. What is left is the maximum trailer tongue load. The weight distribution hitch is also part of this number. They are heavy.
I don't know the weight of your trailer or the tongue weight but with a 1500 truck you may be short.
RV trailers typically have a tongue weight of 20% of the trailer GVWR weight.

 

[Oldrook]

I have been towing campers a long time.
On the inside of the driver's door is the maximum cargo capacity for your truck. This number listed is the total of all passengers and cargo. Trailer tongue weight is also part of this number. The advertized towing capacity of a truck is not the real world.
Take the maximum charge capacity, subtract all passengers and cargo. What is left is the maximum trailer tongue load. The weight distribution hitch is also part of this number. They are heavy.
I don't know the weight of your trailer or the tongue weight but with a 1500 truck you may be short.
RV trailers typically have a tongue weight of 20% of the trailer GVWR weight.

Added all up I still had some wiggle room. And yes, those hitches add significant weight. Bigger truck definitely on my list of must haves for the camper. Luckily I work where we have a certified truck scale and I can actually verify my math.

 

[GeoFish]

I have a Blue Ox hitch. I have had good luck with it.