New x17z maiden trip

[Feather17z]

Hi all,
I am new to this forum and new to the hybrid trailer life (or any travel trailer for that matter...). We just bought our x17z last week and went on our first two nights trip this week end. Everything worked pretty well on the trailer, except for a slow continuous drip on the bathroom faucet...I suppose I should try to fix this myself...
I tow with a 2004 dodge Dakota v8 4.7l, tow rated at 4800 pds. The rv dealer said I didn't need a weight distributing hitch, so all I have is one sway bar. The power of the truck seemed fine and it didn't seem to struggle towing, however I felt a lot of bouncing on the truck when the road was not too "even".... When hooking up the trailer you can definitely see the back of the truck lowering.
I have bilstein shocks on the truck, but they probably have close to 100k on them...wondering if I should put new shocks, or would a weight distribution hitch help? I have also heard of stiffer springs or these black rubber springs?
As I said I am new to the trailer life but we loved our week end...just trying to make the towing a little more smooth...thanks all

[howie]

Welcome and congrats on the trailer Feather!
Regarding the Dakota, I had one before I bought my Ram. I towed a pop-up with it and the rear would sag quite a bit. I did not have a weight distribution hitch at the time. When I "upgraded" to a 16' travel trailer I had a WDH. It sat more level & rode better towing the TT better than the pop-up. Based on that, I would recommend getting a WDH.
Good luck!

[go wild]

I would recommend a WDH. It will get the hitch weight more evenly distributed over the front tires and trailer tires, giving you better steering control and an even ride. The Equalizer WDH also has the added benefit of built-in sway control, which is great when passing semis or towing against a cross wind. Overall a much safer travel experience.

[WASABI]

The WDH makes the world of difference. I would suggest buying one. We towed our X17Z with a Mazda CX9 and there was way too much sag going on without one. We have since upgraded our TV to a Surburban (8000lbs) and we still use the WDH.

[Feather17z]

Thank you for the answers, I guess a WDH is in my close future.....