WDH really necessary for my setup?

[budgetdude]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the community but have found that this place is a great source of information (new to RVing, first time using a TT at all). We're picking up a Jayco 174BH Baja Edition next weekend. Before the dealer tries to sell me, or purchase one beforehand, is it necessary that I get a weight distribution hitch?

Unless I am wrong, the WHD helps with tongue weight right? Here are my numbers:

TT dry weight is 3100lbs
Truck payload is 1743lbs (from sticker on the side of door)
Truck hitch is rated at 1200lbs (from sticker on the hitch)

If I estimate 3100lbs + 500lbs (batteries, some water, etc) + 1000lbs (other stuff in trailer) = about 4600lbs.

Then I take 15% of 4600lbs and get 690lbs tongue weight.

The 690lbs is well below the 1200lbs rating on my hitch. So is it necessary to get an additional WDH?

Thanks!

[sennister]

What is your tow vehicle?

If you have a 1/2 ton (F150 or the like) that 1200lbs capacity on the hitch is the Class IV rating. Maybe your truck has a class IV hitch receiver but it is more common to have a Class III hitch receiver. At least that is what I have seen. If you have a Class III hitch receiver and a Class III non WDH your rating is probably closer to 600lbs. That 1200lbs is only achieved with a proper Class IV WDH.

Of course this is speculation because I didn't see what you have for a vehicle. It is how it works with my Yukon and my Avalanche I had before both which were 1/2 ton trucks.

Edit: Also the WDH isn't really for tongue weight. Part of the tongue weight formula is suspension. If you put too much weight on the hitch receiver, that weight sags the rear suspension and takes weight off the front wheels. The bars (or chains) are designed to apply pressure to lift the rear suspension so it can work and transfer weight back to the front wheels so you can do fun things like, you know, steer the vehicle.

[DocBrown]

The WDH does not change the weight of the tongue. It spreads it out to better balance the TV and trailer. The reason you want/need a WDH is to restore steering control to the front wheels.

Without the trailer on the hitch, measure the height of your front fender wheel lip at the axle. Now put the trailer on and measure again. If you the fender moves up 1/2 inch or more you need the WDH.

The other test is to tow it at 60 mph and ask yourself if the steering control is the same as it is the same as it is without the trailer. The real test is in a 30 mph cross wind. You'll know real quick if you have good steering control.

GM says you have to adjust the WDH to bring the fender back to stock height. Ford has a different spec. Not sure what Ram says.

[bansai]

There are the common, best practice things you need to answer when determining if you need a WDH.

-Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
-The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
-You experience trailer sway
-Your tow vehicle's headlights point upward
-You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig
-You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch

That's from Etrailer.

[redsnapper]

Don't pull the budget thing when your yanking over 4000# down the byways.
You, your family and all the rest of us on the road will be happy campers.

A WD hitch with sway control can be had for under $400 clams.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...y/HT32215.html

[budgetdude]

Yes, it's a half ton. 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. How can I tell if I have a Class III or Class IV?

Here's a picture of the sticker on the hitch.

[budgetdude]

Got it. So it's more than just a tongue weight thing. It's more about even distribution and being able to keep better control of the TV and TT. I will definitely get one. Thank you all!

[bansai]

Originally Posted by budgetdude

Yes, it's a half ton. 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. How can I tell if I have a Class III or Class IV?

Here's a picture of the sticker on the hitch.

Google your part number. Here's your hitch -

GMC Sierra 1500 (2014-2016). #23344202: Trailer hitch.

Looks like a Class V to me. You might have to dig around on line a bit to confirm.

Edit typo- I meant class 4. Roman numerals still mess me up.

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by budgetdude

Got it. So it's more than just a tongue weight thing. It's more about even distribution and being able to keep better control of the TV and TT. I will definitely get one. Thank you all!

Its also about being safe for You Your Family and Your investments in your gear TT/TV.

Plus when everything is properly adjusted it makes for a much better driving/towing experience and less white knuckle experience

Just my opinion

[bedrck46]

BTW Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum.

[sennister]

Originally Posted by budgetdude

Yes, it's a half ton. 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. How can I tell if I have a Class III or Class IV?

Here's a picture of the sticker on the hitch.

For every model year the manufacture will release a towing or trailering guide. The salesman and forums cannot always be trusted so go by what the manufacturer says. Yes I know this is a forum but you have to go somewhere.

Here is the guide for a 2017 Chevrolet Trucks

http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam...wing-guide.pdf

There is a lot of info in this and some will dive into things on your truck like gear ratios and what specific model combination you have. RPO codes in the glove box can decipher a lot of this or the window sticker if you still have it.

Here is the comment on a WDH from the guide.

WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH This hitch type distributes the
trailer tongue load by using spring bars to shift some of the
hitch weight forward onto the tow vehicle’s front axle and
rearward to the trailer’s axles

Page 4 starts to get into the differences between the classes. Class I - Class V.

Page 9 talks about the weights for the 1500. You will be able to see where configuration (cab, box size, 2wd, 4wd, engine) impact the ratings. Now normally I would see hitch rating here. At least the guide for our 2011 had it.

I looked at your photo and it doesn't really say there either. I would crawl under there and see if you can find anything stamped into the hitch receiver. The sticker doesn't really say and I would lean toward you are going to need a WDH.

[sennister]

Originally Posted by bansai

Google your part number. Here's your hitch -

GMC Sierra 1500 (2014-2016). #23344202: Trailer hitch.

Looks like a Class V to me. You might have to dig around on line a bit to confirm.

Edit typo- I meant class 4. Roman numerals still mess me up.

Hmm I guess I would agree they are putting a Class IV (4 ) hitch on it. Either way if the suspension on the front changes enough the WDH would still be needed.

I guess that is why the only number we are seeing is that 1200 rating.

[bansai]

My understanding is that his hitch supports weight distribution by being frame mounted like it is, but it doesn't actually supply any on it's own.

Agree that a WDH setup is still required / highly desirable in order to leverage the weight distributing capabilities of the trucks built in hitch.

[Ruth]

I wouldn't tow a trailer of any size without a WDH and anti sway control. It allows for much better control especially with windy conditions. A small price to pay for safety in MHO..

[ttavasc]

Originally Posted by budgetdude

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the community but have found that this place is a great source of information (new to RVing, first time using a TT at all). We're picking up a Jayco 174BH Baja Edition next weekend. Before the dealer tries to sell me, or purchase one beforehand, is it necessary that I get a weight distribution hitch?

Unless I am wrong, the WHD helps with tongue weight right? Here are my numbers:

TT dry weight is 3100lbs
Truck payload is 1743lbs (from sticker on the side of door)
Truck hitch is rated at 1200lbs (from sticker on the hitch)

If I estimate 3100lbs + 500lbs (batteries, some water, etc) + 1000lbs (other stuff in trailer) = about 4600lbs.

Then I take 15% of 4600lbs and get 690lbs tongue weight.

The 690lbs is well below the 1200lbs rating on my hitch. So is it necessary to get an additional WDH?

Thanks!

Check the yellow sticker on the trailer. I believe the 174BH Baja will have the same GVWR as my 195RB Baja which is 3750. You do not want to exceed this rating when loading the trailer. My 195RB Baja as delivered is 3015 "dry" (which includes full propane) leaving only 735 for all other cargo. 15% of the 3750 will be about 570 tongue weight. Loaded and rolling down the road mine is 3680 with 440 tw, which is about 12%. I would still invest in a good quality WDH, preferably one with integrated anti-sway.

[TWP723]

I agree with the others. I'd definitely get a WDH. Can't hurt. Once you tow with one, you'll always tow with one.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by TWP723

I agree with the others. I'd definitely get a WDH. Can't hurt. Once you tow with one, you'll always tow with one.

X3! Or are we up to 6?

No matter what the tongue weight, geting the front end put back in place makes towing so much more pleasant!

[Subaru297]

No offense to anyone here but why are you making this so difficult and confusing with opinions and rules of thumb?

Most receivers will have two ratings on them a weight carrying limit and and limit with a WDH. Usually this is on a sticker on the hitch itself but maybe not in this case. It shoudl be in your owners manual. Have a look for it there.
For most 1/2 tons it is 500lbs max tongue weight for weight carrying mode. Anything over that and you need a weight distributing hitch.

This site indicates it is a little higher than that for the GMC Sierra but the exact number should be in your manual.
Tongue Weight Is Key To Safe Towing - GMC Life

All that being said if you are around your estimated 690lbs tongue weight then yes you probably need one.

Cheers

[RPreeb]

Originally Posted by budgetdude

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the community but have found that this place is a great source of information (new to RVing, first time using a TT at all). We're picking up a Jayco 174BH Baja Edition next weekend. Before the dealer tries to sell me, or purchase one beforehand, is it necessary that I get a weight distribution hitch?

Unless I am wrong, the WHD helps with tongue weight right? Here are my numbers:

TT dry weight is 3100lbs
Truck payload is 1743lbs (from sticker on the side of door)
Truck hitch is rated at 1200lbs (from sticker on the hitch)

If I estimate 3100lbs + 500lbs (batteries, some water, etc) + 1000lbs (other stuff in trailer) = about 4600lbs.

Then I take 15% of 4600lbs and get 690lbs tongue weight.

The 690lbs is well below the 1200lbs rating on my hitch. So is it necessary to get an additional WDH?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ttavasc

Check the yellow sticker on the trailer. I believe the 174BH Baja will have the same GVWR as my 195RB Baja which is 3750. You do not want to exceed this rating when loading the trailer. My 195RB Baja as delivered is 3015 "dry" (which includes full propane) leaving only 735 for all other cargo. 15% of the 3750 will be about 570 tongue weight. Loaded and rolling down the road mine is 3680 with 440 tw, which is about 12%. I would still invest in a good quality WDH, preferably one with integrated anti-sway.

Totally agree with ttavasc, 1500 pounds is way too much for that trailer. In Jayco's specs for the base model it shows a max of 620 pounds cargo carrying capacity, and that includes the propane and battery. So you only have about 500 pounds left for water and everything else. I don't know how robust the Baja version is, but I doubt that it's enough to more than double the CCC.

[ttavasc]

The Baja Edition increases gvwr by 250 pounds.

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