Is a weight distribution hitch necessary?

[streamslave]

I have a Dodge 3500 diesel dually & was wondering if a Hensley hitch is needed? I towed my project trailer 100 miles or so on just the Reese receiver hitch. (67 28' Ambassador)
I almost have it ready for the road & if I do need a hitch, can someone send a link to a good reliable one?
I've read a few threads on this subject, but with all the opinions & equipment available, it's very confusing.

thanks in advance,
Jerry

[sandlapper]

I am sure you will get a variety of answers to your question. Probably all good answers.

I can tell you that I pull my '34 with a 1 ton DWR and don't leave home without my Reese Dual Cam set up. I don't pull it up particularly tight, just enough to allow the sway control part to work without making the ride even more stiff for the trailer.

There are many opinions going both ways. Personally, I would err on the side of caution and use WD/sway control. Been running my Reese set up 25 years. Works great.

John

[sandlapper]

I probably should add that I run #750 bars. John

[perryg114]

You might want to consider an Airsafe hitch as well. Those big trucks with the stiff suspension tend to shake Airstreams to death.

Perry

[HowieE]

You do not need a WD system with that truck. You may want to consider a sway control system though.

I would suggest you look at the Andersen. While the Andersen is sold as a WD hitch it stronger consideration is it's sway control and simplicity of usage.

[PharmGeek]

My 3/4 ton truck with 30fb bunkhouse needs WD in my opinion

I adjusted my hitch a couple times with very little WD applied to see if ride improved - but greatly noticed a difference in my steering

With a 1 ton perhaps it would be imperceptible? Depends on what and how much you load on the truck I suppose?

Many hitches do both sway control and anti sway so to that extent it's moot...

As far as which hitch there are a lot if opinions and personal experience voiced in here as well as some in other sites like RV.net - read till your heart is content - or you get dizzy and or nauseous




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[Inland RV Center, In]

Is a seat belt necessary?

Andy

[dkottum]

I would have some concerns about that truck beating up your 28' Airstream. You might look into AirSafe to isolate the trailer from the rough truck suspension and a simple sway control setup.

Or a light truck. Best to match the truck to the Airstream, then an appropriate w.d. hitch with sway control.

[PharmGeek]

If you have that thang loaded down a lot then I assume it would be not as rough - but if only a relatively small payload it would be rough


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[perryg114]

Those 1 tons have progressive springs on them. They don't tend to move much even with 2000 lbs in the bed. PharmGeek's probably has twice the tongue weight of that 67.

Perry

[PharmGeek]

Oh I missed that this is a 67.....

[RickDavis]

You can certainly tow it without a WD hitch however it will be more pleasant with one. Probably lighter bars would be fine. Certainly no need for a Hensley though unless you really want to go that way. Reese or similiar will do a fine job

[Road Ruler]

Jerry, in reality you have the perfect TV for a nice, big, heavy triple axle 5er.

For your Airstream a good match would be a half ton pick up, SUV's, or a car.

Any chance you have one of those as a 2nd vehicle?? That way you could save the dually for the heavy duty jobs.

[streamslave]

Thank you for all the replies & opinions.
Although this matter has been covered several times in the forums, it clarifies my specific need.
I have several more vehicles but not one of them would be able to pull the trailer up a hill let alone across the USA.
Thank you for your time.
Jerry

[Kline1966]

Hello Jerry,

I've got a 3/4 Dodge SRW, and have pulled my 1966 26' Overlander a few times, and agree that a WD hitch is not necessary. The tongue weight is not that heavy on our trailers. I do however use the sway control, so I've been using a WD hitch set up, just not putting the load bars on. I like having the sway control on there, but with your dually, you should be fine.

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Kline1966

Hello Jerry,

I've got a 3/4 Dodge SRW, and have pulled my 1966 26' Overlander a few times, and agree that a WD hitch is not necessary. The tongue weight is not that heavy on our trailers. I do however use the sway control, so I've been using a WD hitch set up, just not putting the load bars on. I like having the sway control on there, but with your dually, you should be fine.

I'm confused. How are you getting sway control out of the system without putting the bars on? The bars are what provides the sway control.

[J. Morgan]

Imo you NEED neither WD or antisway for your 3500 so long as you drive cool and keep it below about 62.

A ProPride or a Hensley will make your ride more pleasant though. (For the antisway, never mind the need for WD with your mildly loaded 3500)

As a disclaimer I will state that I have;

A. Towed on the ball.

B. Towed with a Hensley.

I cant say how well other devices change the towing experience, I can only state emphatically that an articulated hitch greatly alters the towing mannerisms of the combination to an amazing degree toward the positive.