To WD or not to WD...that is the question

[Leaf_eagle]

Before my questions, let me provide a few details.

I'm driving a 2016 GMC Sierra with factory tow package. (1000/10000).
I am pulling a 2016 Jayco JayFlight SLX 174BH. Factory specs are 3500# Gross Weight and 310# hitch weight.
I have a Curt 17200 Sway Control kit on it.
I've had this set up for less than a year. We have only pulled it on 1-2 hour trips. Obviously, the truck is more than capable when it comes to pulling this light trailer. No problem.
This spring/summer/fall, we are looking at longer drives (4-5 hours). I'm not worried about the ability of the truck to pull this. I'm wondering if a WD hitch would help smooth our the ride a bit. There seems to be a little bounce on the back end. Not a big deal, but if I could smooth it out, it would be great.

So, with such a light trailer, would a WD hitch help at all?
If so, should I go with as beefy a system as I can? Or should I try to match the trailer as close as possible?

Thanks!

[RogerR]

Excessive bouncing may be an indication you don't have enough weight on the tongue. With it loaded for camping including whatever you carry for water take it to a scale. We use a local grain elevator. and weight the whole thing off the hitch and then the tongue weight. Tongue weight should be 12 to 15 %.


An Andersen hitch would help with sway but not bounce.

[DocBrown]

Always plan 10%-15% hitch weight. Figure 13% to be safe. So possibly 455#. Better yet weigh your tongue when loaded to take a trip.

How does it steer? Does it feel the same with the trailer as it does without? If it feels like there is less steering control then you need a WDH to put weight back on the front wheels. That's what a WDH does, restores steering control. A WDH does not need to be adjusted to level the back end of the truck.

See also page 340 of your owners manual on proper way to setup a WDH hitch.

[bankr63]

If you go with a WDH, get one sized appropriately for your trailer; don't overbuy. Most work on a leverage principle, and having too heavy a bar (or load range) will not allow for proper adjustment for the current trailer. If you plan to upgrade trailers later, get a model that allows you to upgrade by simply buying heavier bars rather than replacing the entire unit.

[Flyrotor]

I have a WDH on my truck/trailer, my truck would handle my trailer just fine without it, what I do find is the WDH tends to smooth out the ride.

Most noticeable on concrete highways, the WDH makes it more comfortable, if I'm more comfortable, then I know the trailer is riding smoothly.

[Rustic Eagle]

Leaf_eagle,

Welcome to JOF

Originally Posted by Leaf_eagle

snip.....So, with such a light trailer, would a WD hitch help at all?....snip

Yes..., enhanced TV handling characteristics, especially during less than ideal towing conditions (weather, road conditions, sudden maneuvers, etc.).

Worst case scenario 174BH loaded to GVWR of 3,500lbs = 455lbs to 525lbs (13% to 15%) ideal "loaded" tongue weight range. A WDH rated at 600lbs would be ideal.

Like any WDH, proper adjustment under your 'typical' loaded TV/TT conditions is key in optimizing the function of the WDH.

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

Bob

[curver900]

is the bouncing from being to light or the bouncing from being to laden? If I had to guess my bet is those spectacular stock shocks are probably already past their prime.. I would look into a new set of bilstiens or similar...