Oversized wdh-is this a problem?

[phrench]

I just bought a 19’ Hummingbird with a 3850 gvwr. My tv is a Ram half ton. I have an E2 Equalizer hitch with built in sway control in my garage rated for #8000 with #800 sway bars. I would like sway control for this little trailer, but would prefer not to have to spend on a new setup when I have one sitting here. Do I run the risk of damaging the trailer with the oversized wdh?

[JFlightRisk]

I think you should be fine with it. Our TT has a "dry" weight of just over 4100#, and we have an Equalizer hitch for 10,000#, with 1000# bars. Set up correctly it won't hurt the trailer.

[Jagiven]

I would take a quick look on the tongue, for any stickers. My htt says not to use a wdh over 10000 #. In reality, there should be no issues, when setup correctly.

[Screwby]

My trailer is in the 6k range and we have 10k bars on it. Rides just fine on both vehicles.

[Grumpy]

Bought our first WDH in 1977, 10,000 lb, used it on a 20', 25' and 28' TT all well below 10,000. Gave it to my DSIL who towed a 20' Hybrid and all with no issues. As was said just don't over tighten the bars.

[phrench]

I haven’t picked it up yet, so I can’t check the tongue for stickers. Users manual just says check with your dealership. I don’t always trust them. Does anybody have a Hummingbird that could look at theirs?

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Bought our first WDH in 1977, 10,000 lb, used it on a 20', 25' and 28' TT all well below 10,000. Gave it to my DSIL who towed a 20' Hybrid and all with no issues. As was said just don't over tighten the bars.

Grumpy, I haven’t been able to find a guide regarding ft.lbs. On the bars for say my trailer ( purchased used) at 5500 lbs & 21’ in length. I just do it by feel and I could be completely off the mark.

[Jim Davis]

On my 2018 17RK Hummingbird there are no stickers concerning a WDH. I use an E2 6000 pound with 600 pound bars and am totally happy with it. I have over 15,000 miles on the trailer. As others have said just make sure the dealer/installer sets it up properly and you will have to trust him.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by phrench

snip....... Do I run the risk of damaging the trailer with the oversized wdh?

As mentioned, you should be fine as long as there isn't any WDH restriction stickers on your TT A-frame, and the WDH is properly adjusted to your TV/TT typical loaded conditions. When there is a WDH restriction sticker the most common one I've seen is "not to exceed 1,000lb rating".

It's always a good idea when setting up a WDH to a new TV/TT combo to visit a CAT scale under loaded conditions and confirm your WDH adjustment. The only way to truly optimize a WDH set-up.

CAT Scale how-to: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

[Duramaxsky]

When you change elevation at steep driveways WDHs put a huge strain on your trailer frame. Go with the lowest you can. I have auto adjust air bags on my 2500HD. I don't use a WDH. I use a Weighsafe hitch to make sure the tounge weight is correct. If not things in the trailer get moved as needed. it is critical on my flat bed and tilt deck. On my tilt deck I put a car or my tractor on and move it to get the tounge weight at about 15%. The tractor with loader and backhoe weighs about 5000 pounds. Max for that trailer. So if the tounge weight is correct the weight on the axles is too. The Corvette at just over 3000 pounds it's just about distribution. It can't overload the axles. Tows great. No guess work.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Grumpy, I haven’t been able to find a guide regarding ft.lbs. On the bars for say my trailer ( purchased used) at 5500 lbs & 21’ in length. I just do it by feel and I could be completely off the mark.

There really isn't a ft/lb measurement. You just use the minimum amount of links needed to stay level. I always measured from the ground to the bottom of the front fender while level and kept that distance as close as possible after hitching. You really only need to do it once or twice then put a wire tie in the link you use for future reference. Always worked for me.