23 FB Flying Cloud, Signature, or Serenity

[Kittyfeet]

I am so confused. Published hitch weight on these units is 467 lbs. Total max trailer weight is 6000 lbs. Everything I have read says 10-15 percent of trailer weight should be on hitch. That would be from 600 to 900 lbs. With the beginning trailer hitch weight, even with some loading, it would seem there would be no need for wd hitch. I do need sway control however. What hitches are you using and are you satisfied with them? Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thanks from this newby.

[Kittyfeet]

By the way, pulling with a F-150 Eco boost, with all the trailering options.

[LAWBC]

Our first trailer was a 23 FB, and it towed like a dream with the Dodge Ram 1/2 ton. Used the Equal-I-zer hitch, Model 90-00-1000 .
Never weighted the tongue, but always suspected it was heavier than 467 lbs. when loaded up.

[Kittyfeet]

I thought I wanted an equal-i-zer but felt if I did not put any wd, the sway bars would not have enough stability to control sway control.

[field & stream]

The hitch weight of 467 pounds appears to be the hitch weight when the trailer is empty, and that is just barely under 10%.

You compared it to the maximum loaded weight rating of 6,000 pounds. When you load the trailer with your stuff, you need to think about where you put things and the resulting effect on actual hitch weight when loaded.

[snow]

I talked with an Airstream rep at an rv show a few weeks ago, and he suggested that the 23fb pulled a little better with weight in the trailer loaded up front, to give the hitch more weight. He said the opposite was true with the 23d. I don't know for sure, I don't own one - yet.

[LAWBC]

Originally Posted by Kittyfeet

I thought I wanted an equal-i-zer but felt if I did not put any wd, the sway bars would not have enough stability to control sway control.

Yes you do need a WD hitch and you need one with sway control ,
I doubt that there is anyone in this Forum that tows an Airstream without one.
For example ( with my current trailer)we where coming home down a hill at 60 plus mph, and a deer darted out in front on me , had to pull to one side and hammer the brakes . My heart was in my throat and it was close but if I did not have my towing set up with an Equal I zer hitch , I think I would have been wearing the trailer. The sum total of that experience taught me that an accident is just parts of a second away. When I think about it now I still cannot believe that we did not hit that deer .

[Kittyfeet]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Kittyfeet]

The 90-00-1000 is what the equal-i-zed calculator recommends

[PKI]

Our 23FB quickly gets to 600#s tongue weight and requires a bit of care in loading to keep it below that. So don't expect to have a problem with the 10%. Much of the storage is forward including the fresh water tank. Pat

[Steamy1]

Regardless of the brand, you need a wd hitch to properly connect the tow vehicle with the trailer for it to function as one unit.

[dkottum]

You need a weight distribution hitch with sway control or sway elimination. A hitch style with round, tapered weight distribution bars will have more flexibility than one with square bars, gentler on your Airstream.

This article will explain the need, how they work, and help select the right size.
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx

[dkottum]

If you plan on traveling about the country a lot, you may want to look into a sway elimination hitch, ProPride or Hensley. Although relatively expensive, we tow thousands of miles every year and would not be without one.