Hitch recomendation

[steven2themax]

After welding my frame back together (and putting on new axles monday) I will need to get a new WD hitch because the one with 1000# arms is NOT going back on the AS.

So I have been doing some reading on all this but I still have some confusion.

1973 31 foot airstream with 3500# axles, towed by a diesel excursion.

I can't get it weighed now because it is up on jacks.

My family of 5 (plus 100#) dog will be traveling full time in this so I'm sure we will have more than the average weight.

I will try to put the heavier stuff in or on top of the Excursion.

Is directly over the axles the best place to put a box of homeschooling books?

If I get 600# arms will the rest of the hitch be too light? can I get a hitch that is rated for more trailer weight and tongue weight but with lighter arms?

Any clarity would be appreciated.

[Jammer]

Well, I'd get a propride hitch with either 1000# or 1400# capacity bars but that's just me.

[markdoane]

I think sometimes we get a little carried away with using light duty bars to give the trailer a soft ride, and forget that the arms need to be able to transfer sufficient weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle, to provide adequate traction on the front wheels.

Knowing little about the spring rates and other characterisitics of the Excusrsion, I think you need to talk with an expert. The standard recommendation of light duty bars might apply to a 3/4 ton pickup with 2000 lbs of load carrying, but I doubt the Excursion has the same deadweight load carrying capacity.