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Post by rvcouple on Feb 6, 2022 10:11:21 GMT -5
I have a C261RB that has a GVWR of 7,000 lbs. Dry hitch weight is specified at 770 lbs. I also have a 25 year old 800 lbs. rated EAZ Lift WDH that I've moved from trailer to trailer.
The problem is that even when adjusted to the maximum, the rear of the empty truck is sages +2" lower than the front after hooking up. Hitch instructions say it should be less then 1" I believe I'm exceeding what the old hitch can handle.
I'm going to buy a new hitch with a higher rating. Either a 1000 lbs. or 1200 lbs. hitch.
Is there any reason I shouldn't use the higher rated 1200 lbs. hitch? Any disadvantage in the extra hitch weight capacity?
Thanks...
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Post by lynnmor on Feb 6, 2022 10:20:11 GMT -5
Using a hitch rated too high may put too much stress on the trailer tongue. If your current hitch is adjusted to restore at least half of the FRONT height, then the rear springs on the truck are inadequate. A weight distribution hitch is not about leveling a truck, rather it is about transferring lost weight to the steering axle.
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Post by rvcouple on Feb 6, 2022 11:17:38 GMT -5
Yes, the WDH is about leveling the truck. That is the purpose of the WDH.
Being level is the indication that the weight has been moved from the rear axle to the front. If the truck is leveled back to it unhitch level by the hitch, there is an equal amount of the tongue weight on front and rear axles.
The stress on the trailer tongue should be the same no matter what rating the hitch has if it is moving the truck the same amount.
My installation instruction for the hitch says the front and rear heights of the bumper should change the same amount and the rear shouldn't drop more than 1/2" more than the front dropped. Right now my front is going up 1" and the rear dropping 2". The hitch is not distributing the weight correctly which is why I plan to replace it.
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Post by 660catman on Feb 6, 2022 20:29:26 GMT -5
The bars you choose must include all weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle too. This includes the weight of the WD hitch too. I had a camper with a hitch weight of 884 lbs and had 1200 lb bars. My Silverado owners manual had a section on getting 100% WD and how to measure.
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Post by lynnmor on Feb 7, 2022 20:03:03 GMT -5
Yes, the WDH is about leveling the truck. That is the purpose of the WDH. Being level is the indication that the weight has been moved from the rear axle to the front. If the truck is leveled back to it unhitch level by the hitch, there is an equal amount of the tongue weight on front and rear axles. The stress on the trailer tongue should be the same no matter what rating the hitch has if it is moving the truck the same amount. My installation instruction for the hitch says the front and rear heights of the bumper should change the same amount and the rear shouldn't drop more than 1/2" more than the front dropped. Right now my front is going up 1" and the rear dropping 2". The hitch is not distributing the weight correctly which is why I plan to replace it. Have it your way, you already have all the answers. |
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Post by 660catman on Feb 7, 2022 20:33:12 GMT -5
Before a long trip to Wyoming I took my truck to a scale with camper ready to go. Front axle weight went from 3217 lbs loaded but unhitched to 3234 lbs with trailer hitched and WD bars on. Rear went from 2450 to 3388. GAWR on both axles was 3950 lbs. I did not weigh it with the bars off. This was on a 13 Silverado 1500 4wd CC.
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