Help with max tongue weight question

[MJBX213]

Hi guys, I have a question.



I currently have a Jayco X213 with a Husky Centerline TS WD hitch. Dry hitch weight of the current trailer is 425. We’re looking at a Jayco 23BHM with a dry hitch weight of 600. Here’s my question. When I back my current trailer into my driveway I always remove the spring bars. The max tongue load on my F150 in the tow guide says 500 with no WD hitch, so I’m ok. My question is, will I be able to do this if I get a trailer with a tongue weight of 600?


I’ve been told you can’t back a trailer with spring bars on, and I want to make sure if I get this trailer I’m still ok and I’m not going to break anything. I also have this concern due to where I store it, when I back it into the storage spot its not flat, so having the spring bars detached makes it very easy to park.


Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Hazman65]

I have the same hitch and never removed the bars when backing up. I was told by the dealer that it wasn't necessary with this hitch and the friction sway control it uses. Have never had any issues.

[Ruth]

When we towed a TT, when backing, we loosened or removed the friction sway control. The spring bars were left on until we unhitched.

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[Flapper]

The Husky manual makes no mention of removing the bars when backing, but since it does make mention of proper observation when backing, one would assume if there was a need, they would have put it in the manual.
The rating for the max tongue weight is for prolonged use. Since you will be only backing for very, very short times, and very, very short distances there will be no issues. But, your actual tongue weight will likely be much more after putting stuff in the trailer. Again, you will not break anything, but if you want to be 100% sure, don't remove the bars until after backing.

[DocBrown]

If you have a friction sway that's all you need to remove when backing up. I've never removed the spring bars. I forgot to remove the sway control bar a couple of times and once it actually bent the bracket on the hitch a little.

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by Ruth

When we towed a TT, when backing, we loosened or removed the friction sway control. The spring bars were left on until we unhitched.

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X-2
Same here.

[BCK]

You will still be able to but like others have said it's probably not necessary.
Also, on my F-150 the 500lb without a WD hitch is referring to bumper towing with a direct bumper mounted ball. Tongue weight with a proper hitch receiver is determined by hitch/receiver class and available payload.

[ScottB1957]

I think it is proper to keep distributing the trailer load off the rear axles at all times. You just need to be careful if you are backing up a sharp incline that you do not drive the ends of the torsion bars into the ground or pavement as you back up. Removing them in advance will avoid that, but your truck hitch will also drop lower, possibly making you hit that on such an incline. It is even more important if you are approaching your max tongue weight.
I say of you have the ground clearance, you should leave them on until parked.

[MJBX213]

Thanks everyone for all of the great replies. I looked in the owners manual as well and didn't see any mention of needing to remove when backing, also saw on the website that it works in reverse, but wanted to be doubly sure and have you guys put my mind at ease.

Thank you all!