Newbie needs help WDH for single Axle 154BH

[E&Btravelers]

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with deciding if we should get a WDH for our new 154BH which is a single axle. I have seen on a few forums that it could bend the A frame, is this true?

I am the one who does the computer research in the family, but my husband will be driving the truck (2014 GMC Sierra 1500). He thinks we need a WDH to help with the sway. He drives a box truck for his volunteer job but never used a trailer. Would we be better off just getting sway bars instead of a WDH (with sway control)?

I have read Andersen hitches are great, but is it safe with a single axle TT?
Our dealer and a local RV service business are both saying they would put on a E2 WDH, not sure what size bars. I am assuming they are referring to a FASTAWAY brand. I think the dealer said 1,000 but this seemed too high for what I have read.

I know there are round and Trunnion, and both are 2 point. Is that enough or do we need the 4 point instead? I heard the Anderson is better since you don't need to disconnect before backing up, is this true?

If we get the sway bars only is it something a couple of novices can install, or should it be done by the dealer?

We have 2WD long bed, so the manual says Max trailer weight is 10,200 and GCWR is 15,000 so we are well within the weight issues. The 154BH is GVWR of 3450 lb.

Max tongue weight for TV without the WDH is 800, vs 1200 with.

I have also heard about airbags, is this a better option? Brand preference? How difficult are they to install?

I have learned a lot in the last few days, but still feel like I am over my head, this is all a new world to me. Any advice you can give me would be helpful.

[Grumpy]

There are light weight WDH that you can use, here's an example. I've never heard of a properly sized hitch bending the "A" frame.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Wei...o-200_lbs.aspx

and here's the whole list.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Wei...waApOvEALw_wcB

[RogerR]

I have the Andersen on my 195RB. Love it, never a sway even in winds and traffic. Got cut off by an idiot merging and crossing 3 lanes and I did an emergency lane change at 70 with no problem. Nebraska winds. No problem. Backing up, no problem. I just back up. Easy on off if you have an electric tongue jack. Installed myself, again, very simple.

Andersen factory people are great on the phone, patient and simple instructions. Never talked down to me and everything explained.

My Andersen leveler broke on a trip. They shipped one to my next stop free! Also, Andersen requires no maintenance, light weight and easy to store.

[Rustic Eagle]

E&Btravelers,

Welcome to JOF

Here are a couple 154BH threads associated with towing and WDH's that may be a helpful read as fellow members respond to your specific questions.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...rol-76519.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...4bh-66167.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ion-64923.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...4bh-62958.html

Bob

[ttavasc]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the 154BH!

Like RogerR I used the Andersen No-Sway for all 5 years that we had our 195RB and RAM 1500. It was a great hitch for the smaller trailer and has excellent sway control. Never had any issues or concerns regarding the A-frame. One of the nice things about the Andersen is you can easily reduce the amount of weight distribution without impacting the sway control - just back the nuts off the chains a little bit.

Although the range for tongue weight is 10-15% of loaded trailer weight I would recommend that you keep it in the 12-15% range. After hitching up and engaging the weight distribution the trailer should be level to slightly nose down. The 195RB always towed great about an inch lower at the front than the rear. Our loaded trailer weight was usually around 3700 with a tongue weight of 450 which was right about 12%.

[MontanaRick]

Also use Andersen with the single axle 195RB, same positive experiences as others noted.

[kayakterp]

I have the Fastway 2 point WDH with Trunion sway bars.
Works very well with my setup.
No problems with backing up or disconnect, etc.
1000 lb bars may be overkill as you could go lighter on the bars.