Do I need a WD hitch?

[mefly2]

Listen to Andy.
We use an EQ wdh with our 2500 diesel...

[MYater]

Originally Posted by Uptightto

I've got a new F350 Turbo Diesel on order and we're looking for a used 27' Airstream. Some I've spoken to say I don't need a WD hitch....What say the pros?

Huge question that hasn't been answered, "What year is this used Airstream?"

This is why it matters. The vintage Airstreams had so very little tongue weight that a weight distributing hitch will do absolutely nothing when used. Period! The old trailers just had no weight to distribute too your front axle via the WD hitch.

An anti sway bar on the other hand when used with one of these light trailers is like adding a shock absorber at your hitch and it is absolutely a wonderful item to use on anything other than going around the block.

A new Airstream however with several hundred pounds on the tongue, or more, should use a WD hitch in conjunction with an anti sway device for the most security on the road.

I've towed 35' trailers with and without the anti sway using a WD hitch and you can absolutely feel the difference.

I think drastic weight change was in the mid sixties, but somebody else would have a better take on that then me, mine is only 40 pounds or so with a '48.

[Larry C]

I seriously wonder if you've got enough truck to pull the 27' Airstream....it might be a thought to change the order to a 450, or maybe even the 550. You would definitely want WD with any of them..

For whatever it's worth.

Larry

Originally Posted by Uptightto

I've got a new F350 Turbo Diesel on order and we're looking for a used 27' Airstream. Some I've spoken to say I don't need a WD hitch....What say the pros?

Thanks

[xrvr]

I would go with the 550 and put the AS on a commercial car hauler trailer. No need then to worry about hitches or tires for the AS. Of course one would need a Hensley for the truck with additional sway control, you know, just in case. Truthfully, all you need is good sway control. Jim

[JBCrete2]

We're interested in a 27'-30' early 2000's - 2007 depending on price. I'm aware a 350 or EQ Dodge or Chevy can send shock waves through a trailer so the Airsafe hitch Larry C uses will be a strong consideration.

[m.hony]

I honestly believe a 250 would give you all the "headroom" you would ever need. Airstreams are 1/2 ton towable, but right at the verge of its limits.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[J. Morgan]

Frankly I have never seen the need for weight distribution when towing my 72 Sovereign with my 1/2 ton Chevy.

The tongue just isn't that heavy, even with my mods.

I would like a ProPride or Hensley at some point so I can tow at 75 MPH even in the wind.....


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

Frankly I have never seen the need for weight distribution when towing my 72 Sovereign with my 1/2 ton Chevy.

The tongue just isn't that heavy, even with my mods.

I would like a ProPride or Hensley at some point so I can tow at 75 MPH even in the wind.....


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Your aiming to be a statistic, per history.

When and where is the only question.

Andy

[J. Morgan]

I have driven trucks of all sizes for a long time,

The tongue load on my trailer isn't enough to cause my truck to be unstable even through the sometimes abrupt bridge embankments.

At 65 my trailer is rock stable.

(I was being a little facetious on the 75 in the wind thing)

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[HowieE]

There are some threads within the Forum that at not adversely effected by humorist side comments. However treads relating to safety are not in that category. If you are to interject about up sizing to a 4 or 550, or under sizing the TV those comments should be noted with this smiley . As I assume you are not serious.

Not everyone reading here has the engineer capacity to to make the distension. That limitation may be why they originally asked a question.

[m.hony]

In the big picture, especially with a 250 or 350, I think anti-sway is a bigger issue, unless you have dual rear wheels.

[m.hony]

If I had a 350 dually I would try just setting it on the ball and going-

[J. Morgan]

Howie,,,,

I guess a yellow (not blue) smiley is required in such an instance?

Lighten up fellah.


When my trailer was built Airstream marketed these things to be towed with sedans.

Frankly I doubt that an F350 would in any way need WD.

It may well benefit from sway control, Imo WD on this vehicle is a waste of time and money.

To boot it is a freaking DIESEL, I don't care what RV trailer is hung from that hitch, the front end will NEVER get light.

In my quick review of the Ford website the lowest cargo capacity for an F350 is in excess of 3500 lbs. even a trailer with a 1500 lb tongue weight isn't going to use half of this.

There, now I have said it bluntly..

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Larry C]

For whatever it's worth, I've owned the AirSafe for 4 years,and have pulled our Airstreams somewhere north of 55,000 miles during that time. Things ride better in the trailer, I've had no sway problems, ( we've had direct crosswinds up to 55 mph).
The Dual Cam and AirSafe is a good combination....

Larry

Originally Posted by Uptightto

We're interested in a 27'-30' early 2000's - 2007 depending on price. I'm aware a 350 or EQ Dodge or Chevy can send shock waves through a trailer so the Airsafe hitch Larry C uses will be a strong consideration.

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

In my quick review of the Ford website the lowest cargo capacity for an F350 is in excess of 3500 lbs. even a trailer with a 1500 lb tongue weight isn't going to use half of this.

There is a significant difference in the dynamics between 3500 lbs. centered in the bed of a pickup and 1000 lbs applied behind the rear bumper, and that is not just 2500 lbs.

There is virtually no moment arm acting on the truck while traveling straight down the road from the weight on the bed. Depending on the length of the trailer being towed a significant moment arm can be applied to the truck from the actions on the trailer, wind and or trucks passing by at 70 mph.

Yes Airstream originally suggested towing with a sedan. The highway speed was 55 mph and the total traffic load was significantly less. Both have changed and the functions we are dealing with here are not just linear.

[J. Morgan]

There is more than enough room for differences in leverage with a 3500 pound payload.

The front of this truck will always be heavy, and the rear will never need help carrying this relatively meager load.

A WD wont hurt much except that it will make a stiff ride for the trailer even more stiff, but it isn't going to help in a practical manner either.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[xrvr]

I thought my post was so obviously rediculous that no one with any common sense would believe it! Guess I was wrong. Jim

[J. Morgan]

In fact, i might make the argument that the back tires of this particular truck would benefit from the added weight of the trailer tongue.

As I said, the front axle of this truck is always going to be heavy, jackknife trailers happen when the rear wheels of the tow vehicle slide sideways in a stop usually when the rear tires break traction.

I am going out on a limb and state for sure that if the F350 is a dual wheel job it will be better off without WD.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

By the way, in 1972 the speed limit on Arizona interstates was 75 MPH.

[J. Morgan]

I have towed a lot. I have never once been freaked out about a light front end sliding on an adequately sized tow vehicle. I have been freaked out about the rear breaking loose and being pushed around me by a trailer.

This is my experience. I encourage everyone to take it or leave it at their own discretion.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[dannydimitt]

In the 1960s the speed limit in most all of Texas was 70 MPH
The speed limit on a rural road was 55 MPH if not posted otherwise . even on dirt and gravel roads .