Best Weight Distribution Hitch for x19h?

[giddyup]

Hi all,

We are hoping to pick up our brand new x19h in about two weeks from Richardson's RV in SoCal.

Almost everything I know has been gained from participating in this forum, so I am hoping that someone will share some ideas on the best WDH for this towing configuration.

Thanks!

[Ustabslim]

Cheapest you can find on ebay. Craig's list for good used one as well.
With you're weight I only use a regular hitch with a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck. You can add a sway control as well.

[Derek700]

With a SUV I would go with an Equalizer brand hitch they are not overly expensive and provide sway control as well it should serve your setup well. If you choose this route make sure you ask specifically for that brand, almost every dealer and person will confuse an Equalizer with a weight distribution hitch. Equaulizer is like Kleenex is to tissue.

http://www.equalizerhitch.com

[Ustabslim]

This has everything you need.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EAZ-LIFT-WEI...487d86&vxp=mtr

[clubhouse]

I like the Equal-i-Zer too. I like my hitch, Husky Centerline, it works great but is very heavy. If have been considering trading to an Equal-i-Zer myself.

[giddyup]

[QUOTE=Derek700;222096]With a SUV I would go with an Equalizer brand hitch they are not overly expensive and provide sway control as well it should serve your setup well. If you choose this route make sure you ask specifically for that brand, almost every dealer and person will confuse an Equalizer with a weight distribution hitch. Equaulizer is like Kleenex is to tissue.

Originally Posted by clubhouse

I like the Equal-i-Zer too. I like my hitch, Husky Centerline, it works great but is very heavy. If have been considering trading to an Equal-i-Zer myself.

Like the idea of its including the sway bars. Any particular model?

[Kellys]

Equilizer hitch has worked well for us

[Ustabslim]

I posted a link to e b a y..maybe not allowed. But this is the item number.
380964994438

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

This has everything you need.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EAZ-LIFT-WEI...487d86&vxp=mtr

The EAZ-LIFT WDH referenced in the link is rated at 1,000lbs..., IMO a little big for a HTT that has a published UVW of 3,320lbs, GVWR of 4,950lbs, and a dry hitch weight of 300lbs. Even under "maximum" loaded trailer and tongue weight (@ 15%) conditions a 800lb rated WDH would be more then enough.

Bob

[Ustabslim]

That's maximum weight, anything under that is ok.

[howie]

I have to agree with Texas. I am towing an X19H using a Reese round bar WDH that was a hand me down from the in-laws. It is probably 20 years old. It is rated at 750 tongue weight. No issues pulling our old camper that was about the same weight as the X19. So far no issues with the X19. Just added the sway bar this evening.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

That's maximum weight, anything under that is ok.

I would agree if one's tongue weight was 700lbs, maybe even 600lbs..., but anything lower then 600lbs the 1,000lb rated WDH can create a very unforgiving connection.

Reese doesn't make a 1,000lb WDH anymore..., but for example Reese recommends a 1,200lb rated WDH down to a 700lb tongue weight, 800lb rated WDH down to a 500lb tongue weight, a 600lb rated WDH down to a 300lb tongue weight, etc..

I guess my point is that every WDH has an optimum working tongue weight "range", and I tend to be careful with the "lite" trailer A-frames and lower tongue weights.... but that's just me

Bob

[blsh]

We decided to go with the Andersen WDH that also controls sway and have been very happy. We don't use it when taking our TT to the dealer for repairs since we live only a few miles away, but when we go camping up in the mountains we use it every time, and it has been great.

[cekkk]

Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff

That's maximum weight, anything under that is ok.

My understanding, and I'm no expert, is that spring bars that are for a much heavier load may put undue stress on the A frame. Am I wrong? Equalizer has been quoted as saying that 1000 lb. bars require 300 lbs. for the sway control to work. Yet, if one size fits all, why do they make lighter ones? That statement did not come from one of their engineers, though, just customer service. It's a company with great customer service, so you might call and talk to someone who actually works with the hardware. Them, I'd believe.

[Ustabslim]

Originally Posted by cekkk

My understanding, and I'm no expert, is that spring bars that are for a much heavier load may put undue stress on the A frame. Am I wrong? Equalizer has been quoted as saying that 1000 lb. bars require 300 lbs. for the sway control to work. Yet, if one size fits all, why do they make lighter ones? That statement did not come from one of their engineers, though, just customer service. It's a company with great customer service, so you might call and talk to someone who actually works with the hardware. Them, I'd believe.

This sounds like the best solution. I've used the same bars for over 20 years on different, but always large, trailers. Never thought the A frames being of a different strength on smaller trailers.

[giddyup]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I would agree if one's tongue weight was 700lbs, maybe even 600lbs..., but anything lower then 600lbs the 1,000lb rated WDH can create a very unforgiving connection.

Reese doesn't make a 1,000lb WDH anymore..., but for example Reese recommends a 1,200lb rated WDH down to a 700lb tongue weight, 800lb rated WDH down to a 500lb tongue weight, a 600lb rated WDH down to a 300lb tongue weight, etc..

I guess my point is that every WDH has an optimum working tongue weight "range", and I tend to be careful with the "lite" trailer A-frames and lower tongue weights.... but that's just me

Bob

Our dealer is installing the WDH and Brake Controller. Since I don't understand all of the input that has been offered, I am confused as to what I should order. To date, we have an Equalizer called out, but no particular model number. Would love to have a consensus as I don't want to inadvertently cause another issue.

Thanks for your help.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by giddyup

snip..... I am confused as to what I should order. To date, we have an Equalizer called out, but no particular model number.....snip

I'm assuming when you state "Equalizer called out" you are referring to an "Equal-i-zer" brand WDH. Some folks refer to standard WDH's as equalizers.

RV and WDH manufactures both recommend that a loaded tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the trailer's actual loaded weight. This allows for proper vehicle handling of the trailer.

Since we don't know your X19H's actual loaded ready-to-camp weight (as an average), let's assume a "maximum" weight condition which would be the X19H's GVWR of 4,950lbs.

So, (10% to 15%) of 4,950lbs = (495lbs to 742lbs) recommended loaded tongue weight range. Thus a WDH rated at 800lbs is all that would be required to address the heaviest tongue/trailer condition of the X19H. If you tend to load heavy and plan to tow with fluid in your tanks, a WDH rated at 800lbs would be the way to go. You could go with a WDH rated at 600lbs in this case as well, but it would require monitoring your tongue weight not exceeding 600lbs.

If it was my X19H, I would get a WDH rated at 600lbs, since I don't tow with my fresh water tank full......, and historically most folks don't tow at GVWR (unless the trailer has a low cargo carrying capacity like the X17Z). Even if I had a little water in the tank, the 600lb rated WDH would be more then adequate.

Special Note: On some of the smaller HTT's, the mounting frames of the LP/Battery on the A-frames interfere with mounting an Equal-i-zer brand WDH, not sure if this is an issue with the X19H. Your RV dealer should be able to advise you in this.

Also check if your Acura MDX has a maximin tongue weight limit specification, it would be noted in your owners manual, and/or on your Acura's receiver hitch.

Bob

[SecretCoveDave]

Thanks to all who posted. Very informative.