Do I need a WDH?

Greg-22FB · 08-08-2018, 10:36 PM

Hello all, I recently downsized to a 2012 22FB and really like it. I’m towing with a 2013Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 with 6.7Cummins. I sold my weight distribution hitch with our previous camper.

Do I need a WDH to safely to the 22FB? Based on my information I am easily within “trailer tow weight”. My concern is actual tongue weight when loaded. Can anyone advise?

eagleback · 08-09-2018, 04:35 AM

I have a 3500 and if i tow my cargo trailer i use a ball mount adjustable with the anti sway tab, as i dont need a WDH ether. E-trailer has them around $125

nevermind · 08-09-2018, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg-22FB

Hello all, I recently downsized to a 2012 22FB and really like it. I’m towing with a 2013Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 with 6.7Cummins. I sold my weight distribution hitch with our previous camper.

Do I need a WDH to safely to the 22FB? Based on my information I am easily within “trailer tow weight”. My concern is actual tongue weight when loaded. Can anyone advise?

What class hitch is installed on the Ram? The "reported" tongue weight I saw for the 22FB is 570lbs. We usually can't rely on published specs, so have you checked the tongue weight? Is it within the rating for the hitch on the TV?

**Midnightmoon** · 08-09-2018, 05:45 AM

I tow a similar size trailer (22BHM) with my Ram 2500 Cummins. I have pulled it both without a WD hitch and with my Anderson WD. I wouldn't say that it is absolutely necessary to have one with this size trailer, but the WD hitch does return the steering feel and settle the trailer down just enough to make it very comfortable.

TWP723 · 08-09-2018, 06:35 AM

Yes, I'd still have a WDH. For it's other benefits.

EvilDoer · 08-09-2018, 08:37 PM

Do you "need" a WDH, no. However, as others have stated, you may "want" one to reduce sway and improve the comfort of the drive when towing.

DocBrown · 08-10-2018, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

but the WD hitch does return the steering feel and settle the trailer down just enough to make it very comfortable.

And this is the real reason to use a WDH. The need for WDH has far more to do with steering control than with rear squat.

My suggestion is to take it for test drive. If the front end feels "light" or "squirrely" going down the freeway at 60 then you probably need a WDH. If it feels pretty normal then you may not need it. Measure the stock height of your front fenders at the center of the wheel to the bottom lip of the fender. Then put the trailer on and measure again. If its within 1/2 inch then you will probably be fine. Typically your owners manual will provide a specification. GM says that the WDH should be adjusted to bring the front fenders back to stock height. I can't find anything in the RAM manual for this.

Bassdogs · 08-10-2018, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilDoer

Do you "need" a WDH, no. However, as others have stated, you may "want" one to reduce sway and improve the comfort of the drive when towing.

X2. For just about anything other than a basic PUP I'm going with a WDH for the reasons others have stated. Not that expensive if you know what you are looking for and shop online for a pre owned one. Just my opinion but its not worth cheaping out on your tow hitch.

01tundra · 08-15-2018, 10:35 AM

Our TT weighs in at 3,750 lbs loaded with a 475 lb max TW, we pull with a 3/4-ton truck.

We still use our Andersen No-Sway WD hitch, makes the handling better and provides sway control, don't necessarily need it for weigh distribution.

Greg-22FB · 08-15-2018, 07:56 PM

Thanks for the input. I bought an Andersen WDH and will be installing it tomorrow. I appreciate the advice.

CampNow · 08-16-2018, 01:32 PM

Rather then guess whether you need a WDH, why not scale your truck empty, then hitched up (with the travel trailer loaded) without a WDH to get some real, objective numbers. First, how much tongue weight do you have---very important to know. In terms of sway, need a minimum of 10% tongue weight (10% of the trailer's gross weight on the tongue)---ideally 13-15% (assuming your truck can support the weight/payload). Fact: more tongue weight---less sway. Secondly, this will also give you the opportunity to see exactly how much weight you have on your front axle (empty, and hitched, with, and/or without a WDH). Important to know---can't make an informed WDH decision (or accurately adjust a WDH) without these numbers---much more accurate than measuring the front and rear fender height.

We scaled our Ram 3500 SRW Cummins (*) and travel trailer and determined we didn't need a WDH. With 15% tongue weight (1,400 lbs.) we only lose 300 lbs. on our front axle. Hitched up (with NO WDH), our front axle weight is 4,500 lbs. (4,800 empty; FAWR 6,000 lbs.) and the rear axle weight is 4,900 lbs. (3,100 lbs. empty; RAWR 7,000 lbs.). Very good weight distribution without a WDH---thanks to that heavy Cummins engine sitting over the front axle. Rear sag is only 1.5 - 2.0 inches (measured from the frame bump-stop to the axle housing; no airbags or suspension mods).

Many would propose that we use a WDH to get the front axle weight back to 4,800 lb. However, after almost 10,000 miles towing cross-country (with and without a WDH) we concluded a WDH is not necessary for our SPECIFIC situation---keep in mind every situation is different (YMMV). This conclusion is based on the aforementioned numbers and on realworld use. We have zero-sway, even with 30-35 mph crosswinds. Due to minimal sag, no headlight issues. Handling and braking is perfect. An added plus, we can hitch and unhitch very quickly---nice not having to install, remove, store, and adjust a 100 lb. WDH.

(*) A 2014-2018 OEM Ram 2500/3500 Cat V receiver is rated for 1,700 lbs. of tongue weight---with or without a WDH.

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