Weight Distribution Hitch Help

[Ryan79]

Currently looking at a Pro-Series weight distribution hitch for my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a tongue weight of 600lbs.

My TT is a 2011 Jayco Jay Feather 19H with a hitch weight of 440lbs. Does this include full propane tanks and battery?

The 2 hitches I was looking at had a tongue weight of 550lbs and 750lbs. Which would be better suited for my setup? We take weekend trips mostly so a ton of cargo is not with us, couple suitcases, food, camping chairs, blankets, cooler.

Thanks in advance!

[DocBrown]

Where are you getting a hitch weight of 440#? Dry weight? You can't go by the dry weight numbers. They are fictional. You need to use real world, ready to camp weights. So yes, you must plan with full propane tanks and the battery.

Probably should get the 750#. The 550 will be under what the actual loaded weight will be.

For planning, use the GVWR and figure on 13% of that for your tongue weight, in this case 643#. Obviously you'll probably be under that. But the only real way to tell is to weigh it at a CAT scale or use a tongue scale.

[Ryan79]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Where are you getting a hitch weight of 440#? Dry weight? You can't go by the dry weight numbers. They are fictional. You need to use real world, ready to camp weights. So yes, you must plan with full propane tanks and the battery.

Probably should get the 750#. The 550 will be under what the actual loaded weight will be.

For planning, use the GVWR and figure on 13% of that for your tongue weight, in this case 643#. Obviously you'll probably be under that. But the only real way to tell is to weigh it at a CAT scale or use a tongue scale.

The yellow sticker on the camper and brochure both state 440# for hitch weight.

Is getting a 1000# hitch overkill?

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Ryan79

The yellow sticker on the camper and brochure both state 440# for hitch weight.

That's odd, no?

[DocBrown]

The yellow sticker shows weight as delivered and assumes a 10% tongue weight. I agree, it's odd that it would be the same on both the brochure and sticker. My understanding is that propane is included in that, but not a battery. The battery is installed by the dealer and in theory they are supposed to amend the weight sticker. Either way, that's not the weight the tongue will be when you go camping.

Yes, I think 1000# bars are too much, in fact may even damage the frame. There should be a sticker on the tongue that tells what the max weight bars you can use.

I'm using 650# bars on my X20E which has a GVWR of 4750#. I've thought about changing to 800# but it setup and tows just fine.

[Ryan79]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

The yellow sticker shows weight as delivered and assumes a 10% tongue weight. I agree, it's odd that it would be the same on both the brochure and sticker. My understanding is that propane is included in that, but not a battery. The battery is installed by the dealer and in theory they are supposed to amend the weight sticker. Either way, that's not the weight the tongue will be when you go camping.

Yes, I think 1000# bars are too much, in fact may even damage the frame. There should be a sticker on the tongue that tells what the max weight bars you can use.

I'm using 650# bars on my X20E which has a GVWR of 4750#. I've thought about changing to 800# but it setup and tows just fine.

Thanks, I'll check it out again when I get home. So I should be safe using 750# bars? I had asked the question on etrailer and they said 550# bars, I assumed the weight would exceed that, I needed a second opinion.

[Murff]

Ryan,

You might consider this WDH:

Andersen 'No-Sway' Weight Distribution Hitch

No grease, very easy to use and no bars! We have a WhiteHawk 20MRB just under 6000 pound rated and use this hitch. Excellent set up for WD and sway control.

Murff

[JeepGuy]

is that 1000# setup not adjustable? mine has chains on the ends of the bars and you just pick he correct length to get the correct amount of "spring" this is the only WD hitch ive had and it was given to me 2nd hand from my in-laws.

[Skaling]

If you go with a heavy bar ( 1000lbs) you will feel more bumps and jolts transferred you your tow vehicle as you hit bumps, giving you a non smooth ride.. If you go with a bar closer to your actual tongue weight you will have a smoother ride.

[Southernbella]

Originally Posted by Ryan79

Currently looking at a Pro-Series weight distribution hitch for my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a tongue weight of 600lbs.

My TT is a 2011 Jayco Jay Feather 19H with a hitch weight of 440lbs. Does this include full propane tanks and battery?

The 2 hitches I was looking at had a tongue weight of 550lbs and 750lbs. Which would be better suited for my setup? We take weekend trips mostly so a ton of cargo is not with us, couple suitcases, food, camping chairs, blankets, cooler.

Thanks in advance!

Have you checked out Hitchweb? They have a ton of selection: Weight Distribution Systems

There's a lot of selection for 600 lbs tongue weight, with or without sway control. Pro Series is really good and reliable. I see that brand on the road a lot.

Hope this helps!