F250 and No Weight Distribution Hitch?

[lucca53]

If you feel the need there is also equalizer bars and sway for this unit,but how it works is you simply fill with air to level thats it, thats what equalizer bars do, now if you have a light truck or car you may still need sway arm but we are taking of a f250 or bigger there should be no sway....I drove doubles in my trucking career so I think I know what sway is and how dangerous it can be when towing...This unit is a great option that dealers don't tell you about,you get these made directly from factory here in the USA.Hope this helps some and by the way next time you look at a truck rig there are no equalizer bars or sway bars on a Simi take a look.....

[lucca53]

djarrett I bet a Hensley tow setup is lots heavier that thing is a monster and how come you can't jack knife a trailer or back them up with the bars on with out damaging them.....because they are only made for going forward and not making tight turns just some thoughts for you

[jcl]

Originally Posted by lucca53

but how it works is you simply fill with air to level thats it, thats what equalizer bars do

That isn't what equalizer bars do at all. That is the effect equalizer bars have on height, but it isn't the only thing they do.

[lucca53]

jci you are right but we are taking about a f250 I have a f350 dually I'm set up to tow 29,000 pounds plus what ever I have in the bed plus dogs I don't worry about sway,it all depends what you are towing with or how heavy your rig is for sure everyone should do their own home work before deciding on a unit...

[SailorSam205]

Originally Posted by djarrett

Im researching the Anderson Weight distribution hitch, as it is light weight and a new approach. I've seen the Hensley, but it looks like it weights a ton. I realize you leave it on the trailer, but sooner or later you're gonna have to take it off.
D

The ONLY time you have to take the hitch off is if you want to sell the trailer and keep the hitch. As I recall, the stinger weighs about 60 lbs. I put a thin coat of grease on the part of the stinger that goes into hitch. When I unhitch, I put a plastic bag over that section, then remove the pin in the TV receiver, pull the stinger and put it in one of my TT storage compartments. Quick and easy. Of course you could leave the stinger on your TV, but I see it as a shin target.

Also, I think the Hensley style hitches weight about 70 lbs more than a conventional WD/Anti-Sway hitch.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by lucca53

. . . by the way next time you look at a truck rig there are no equalizer bars or sway bars on a Simi take a look.....

The reason bumper pull trailers need weight distribution (equalizer) hitches is because the hitch weight on the bumper is likely to cause the tow vehicle's steering axle to be too light for good control and braking. The hitch weight may also overload the rear axle.

The reason bumper pull trailers need sway control/elimination devices is because yaw (sideways) forces push the back of the tow vehicle sideways; that sideways push pivots on the tow vehicle's rear axle and pushes the steering axle sideways in the opposite direction. Dangerous, uncontrollable sway happens when that sideways movement increases rapidly as the trailer tries to overtake the two vehicle.

Unlike a bumper pull trailer, a semi trailer (and fifth wheel trailer) rests over the truck's rear axles. The yaw forces are placed right on the semi's rear axles, not far behind it like a bumper pull trailer. Semi trailers sway, but it is not leveraged forward to the steering axle, it is stopped at the rear axles. The increasing oscillation is much less likely, if at all.

With bumper pull trailers, resisting sway is much more a function of weight on the steering axle and wheelbase than weight on the rear axle. If the sway forces overcome that resistance, dangerous increasing sway can happen. That's why we use sway control devices as a safety measure.

To see if your bumper pull hitch weight AND weight in the truck bed are taking too much weight off the steering axle, take your empty truck over the CAT scale and note the axle weights. Then during the next trip run it over the CAT scale and compare to unloaded weights. Also a good time to compare your rear axle load to your rear axle GAWR.

[dkottum]

BTW, the Hensley/ProPride hitch design also stops yaw forces at the tow vehicle's rear axle, it's not transferred forward to the steering axle. Unlike a semi or fifth wheel trailer, the Hensley/Propride also prevents the trailer from moving sideways out of alignment with the tow vehicle, they're locked in alignment unless only the tow vehicle initiates a turn. The trailer does not follow the tow vehicle at an angle in stiff side winds. Rock solid stability and more efficient towing.

[james.mileur]

Check out the massive Pro Pride thread for complete discussion about this excellent product. My second in two decades for TT & TV combos, I would hire a neighborhood teenager to lift it before towing without it. All the airbags on the rear axel may make the TT look level, but may result in an overloaded rear axel and steering axel bouncing when you hit that crappy road surface on the interstate, like through Amarillo, where the TT & TV start bouncing up and down in a syne wave. The PP truck receiver end can be left connected to the trailer and you drive off. Just leave a receiver lock pin through the stinger so it's (PP & TT) there when you return. The PP adds so much safety margin for you, it's worth buying a floor jack to do the heavy lifting at home.

Cheers, James

[james.mileur]

Potatoe, potatoes, axel, axle? Who would know?

[djarrett]

I appreciate everyones input. That said, I've read every thread on weight distribution hitches on these boards ad nauseam. I've also read every thread on TV choices.

I like the F250 and that's the end of that subject for me.

It isn't that I don't like the performance of the Equalizer. If I wanted a different (but similarly weighted) hitch, I would have asked that question. But that's not what I am looking for.

I saw the aforementioned and referenced video where it is claimed the new 2017 F250 didn't require a weight distribution hitch, and wondered.

Additionally, while watching it one thing also dawned on me; he mentioned today's body panel adhesives are stronger than welding. So, I wondered about aluminum hitches. I came across a thread about the new 3" shank aluminum Anderson Rapid Hitch (as the new F250 has a sleeve for the 2" shank and it's removable to use a 3" hitch shank). In the video, a 6 year old kid easily loads the Rapid Hitch tow hitch which is rated to tow 15,000 lbs. The hitch also features a ball called the No Grease ball (has some sort of nylon insert in the tip).

It got me to thinking if the new F250 didn't need a weight distribution hitch, that I could use the Rapid Hitch (weight issue for both towing and lifting and storage of hitch solved) with the no grease ball (getting grease on my hands and clothes solved) to tow with.

That lead me to discover the Anderson Weight distribution hitch.

So the questions were is anyone towing a 27foot airstream (or shorter) with a new F250 without the use of weight distribution hitches and experiencing no issues?

If I could get an F250 with the heavy duty rear suspension package, and use the Anderton weight distribution hitch simply to handle sway, would this possibly work?

Technologies change and evolve (just like the body panels being held on by adhesives). I was slow to join the LED band wagon as I liked incandescent light, but when a friend asked if I was still driving a steam engine car, I realized I should check it out and glad I did).
So, since technologies evolve, that is what I am looking for with this thread. Outside of the box thinking on innovative, clean and light weight towing solutions that don't compromise safety.

Thanks for listening and understanding.

D

[Mgieselman]

Originally Posted by djarrett

Does yours have the HD rear spring package?

I don't see that as an option, on the Ford site I see "Trailer Tow Package - High Capacity" and "Heavy Service Front Suspension" both of which include "Max Front Springs".

[Mgieselman]

Originally Posted by avionstream

How much does the front rise?

I'll measure next time I hook up the trailer and let you know.

[64airstream]

I'll offer my experience, although it's not a perfect fit. My F250 was a 2001, so it didn't have any special or computer controlled suspension capability. I often pulled a 22' Safari and a occasionally a 26' Overlander (actually 27' long), without a weight distribution hitch, with no sway or control issues at highway speeds to 70 mph. We bought an Expedition in 2012 and experienced significant sway on either trailer. The sway was reduced but not eliminated with the WD hitch (EZ). I change the Expedition rear sway bar with a heavy duty bar and the sway was eliminated with the WD hitch and very minimal sway without. Traded in the F250 in December and got a Ram 1500, even though I was slightly concerned about the potential behavior of the rear coil springs. Only one test drive towing, so far, with the 22' without WD hitch. Minimal sway to about 65 mph. We'll add the WD hitch on the first spring outing.

If you're set on buying the WD hitch anyway, you may want to try towing once locally at speed without one, then decide. I know that sounds taboo to many, and we typically use the WD hitch. I believe there are safety benefits as others here have indicated.

Good luck and safe journeys,
Roy

[cabinetmaker]

We tow our 26U on ball only. Our tow is a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 Megacab.

We have towed several times now with no hint of sway. Towed in high winds and at posted speed limits.

I seriously doubt you need a hitch that is going to move weight to your trucks front end. These diesel engines weigh enough as it is. Also you don't need to move weight to your trailer axles if you don't have to.

Only reason to have a weight distribution type hitch with bars or chains is if you don;t have enough tow vehicle. Then they are a must have.

Towing on the ball is much easier on you and your trailer. Much less shock transmitted to the trailer frame and vise verse.

If anything you might want to add a sway bar. These bolt to the trailer frame and weld to the ball mount. Very light weight and can be adjusted easily. cost is around $100 if I remember correctly. That's all you really need with the truck you have. I haven't added them yet and may not as the 26U tags perfectly.

Like a few others have suggested here...try it on the ball first and see how it does. If you don't have to have those awful hitch bars and chains you will be much happier when hooking and unhooking from your tow vehicle.

[Ososlow]

Hello, very interested in your Airsafe hitch. Last spring and summer was our first season and we towed for about 11,000 miles with nothing more than the ball and standard coupler.....with a simple friction sway control bar installed. Light load in our 27' was balanced and F350, 2002 diesel TV was carrying 1500 lbs. Mountains, plains, winds and large trucks passing seemed to make little trouble. However, we were aware of the rough ride at times and are looking for some advice on dampening the bounce.
Reading everything I can makes me question the advice (from a dealer) so I am asking 'old salts' to point out the error of my ways.......please.
Cheers, Gordon

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Ososlow

. . .
However, we were aware of the rough ride at times and are looking for some advice on dampening the bounce.
. . .

This earlier post may be germane, as dampening the hobby-horsing is an under-recognized function of weight distributions systems IMO:

[click on arrow in quote to go directly to the post]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

One function of a WD hitch goes beyond the static measurements being considered, and is the most important one IMO -- that of the rig in motion on roads which are not perfectly flat. As the road surface undulates up and down, and the combined rig of TV and AS reacts by Hobby-horsing up and down, the WD hitch dampens these dynamic oscillations. The complicated hitches like Hensley and Pro-Pride control this dampening in a serious way, but all WD hitches do it to some extent.

No matter how much static load the new F-250 will handle, dealing with the combined rig in motion underscores -- IMO -- that almost all trailers require some WD except for maybe the smallest at 16' to 19' or so.

And on this issue there are tons of other threads . . .

Good luck!

Peter

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

Peter

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by djarrett

I appreciate everyones input. That said, I've read every thread on weight distribution hitches on these boards ad nauseam. I've also read every thread on TV choices.

I like the F250 and that's the end of that subject for me.

It isn't that I don't like the performance of the Equalizer. If I wanted a different (but similarly weighted) hitch, I would have asked that question. But that's not what I am looking for.

I saw the aforementioned and referenced video where it is claimed the new 2017 F250 didn't require a weight distribution hitch, and wondered.

Additionally, while watching it one thing also dawned on me; he mentioned today's body panel adhesives are stronger than welding. So, I wondered about aluminum hitches. I came across a thread about the new 3" shank aluminum Anderson Rapid Hitch (as the new F250 has a sleeve for the 2" shank and it's removable to use a 3" hitch shank). In the video, a 6 year old kid easily loads the Rapid Hitch tow hitch which is rated to tow 15,000 lbs. The hitch also features a ball called the No Grease ball (has some sort of nylon insert in the tip).

It got me to thinking if the new F250 didn't need a weight distribution hitch, that I could use the Rapid Hitch (weight issue for both towing and lifting and storage of hitch solved) with the no grease ball (getting grease on my hands and clothes solved) to tow with.

That lead me to discover the Anderson Weight distribution hitch.

So the questions were is anyone towing a 27foot airstream (or shorter) with a new F250 without the use of weight distribution hitches and experiencing no issues?

If I could get an F250 with the heavy duty rear suspension package, and use the Anderton weight distribution hitch simply to handle sway, would this possibly work?

Technologies change and evolve (just like the body panels being held on by adhesives). I was slow to join the LED band wagon as I liked incandescent light, but when a friend asked if I was still driving a steam engine car, I realized I should check it out and glad I did).
So, since technologies evolve, that is what I am looking for with this thread. Outside of the box thinking on innovative, clean and light weight towing solutions that don't compromise safety.

Thanks for listening and understanding.

D

FYI
Last December I received my Special Order F-250 Lariat Ultimate (Sun Roof) Diesel Crew Cab 34 GL Tank 6' 9" Box.. Payload 2,400 LBS. All stock suspension because I wanted the best ride possible in a heavy truck and 18" wheels so it would fit in my garage. (Made it with 3/4" to spare)
First trip out fully loaded, fridge to the hilt for travel, 975 lbs tongue weight full tank of water empty waste tanks, two humans and two dogs (who think they are humans) and had it scaled.
Steer Axle : 5,100 lbs
Drive Axle : 4,460 lbs
Trailer Dual: 7,460 lbs, AS is a 30' International. (Blue Ox WD engaged)
Front end opening at 40"
Rear opening 41", after settling 1". I hope this is helpful information for those contemplating a 2017 F-250, its an awesome truck.
I can tell you one thing I noticed that the heavy steer axle makes all the difference in the world. Talk about no sway.

[ratchet]

We pull our 2014 31' classic with an F-250 diesel. With a WD hitch or not I think the truck with it's stiff suspension really beats the trailer up. We use the Air Safe hitch along with an WD Equal-I-zer. The Air Safe really softens out the trailer ride. I wish Ford would come out with the rear airbag suspension like Dodge. It would really help the ride.

With the F-250 at 8,000 plus pounds and stiff suspension I don't think you get much weight transfer if any with a WD hitch. I do think you get a good amount of sway control though if set up correctly. Good luck with your travels.

Originally Posted by djarrett

I appreciate everyones input. That said, I've read every thread on weight distribution hitches on these boards ad nauseam. I've also read every thread on TV choices.

I like the F250 and that's the end of that subject for me.

It isn't that I don't like the performance of the Equalizer. If I wanted a different (but similarly weighted) hitch, I would have asked that question. But that's not what I am looking for.

I saw the aforementioned and referenced video where it is claimed the new 2017 F250 didn't require a weight distribution hitch, and wondered.

Additionally, while watching it one thing also dawned on me; he mentioned today's body panel adhesives are stronger than welding. So, I wondered about aluminum hitches. I came across a thread about the new 3" shank aluminum Anderson Rapid Hitch (as the new F250 has a sleeve for the 2" shank and it's removable to use a 3" hitch shank). In the video, a 6 year old kid easily loads the Rapid Hitch tow hitch which is rated to tow 15,000 lbs. The hitch also features a ball called the No Grease ball (has some sort of nylon insert in the tip).

It got me to thinking if the new F250 didn't need a weight distribution hitch, that I could use the Rapid Hitch (weight issue for both towing and lifting and storage of hitch solved) with the no grease ball (getting grease on my hands and clothes solved) to tow with.

That lead me to discover the Anderson Weight distribution hitch.

So the questions were is anyone towing a 27foot airstream (or shorter) with a new F250 without the use of weight distribution hitches and experiencing no issues?

If I could get an F250 with the heavy duty rear suspension package, and use the Anderton weight distribution hitch simply to handle sway, would this possibly work?

Technologies change and evolve (just like the body panels being held on by adhesives). I was slow to join the LED band wagon as I liked incandescent light, but when a friend asked if I was still driving a steam engine car, I realized I should check it out and glad I did).
So, since technologies evolve, that is what I am looking for with this thread. Outside of the box thinking on innovative, clean and light weight towing solutions that don't compromise safety.

Thanks for listening and understanding.

D

[SailorSam205]

That really is an interesting question. Can an Equalizer, Blue Ox, etc. ball mount style hitch control sway if the weight distribution is NOT engaged. How would this be done?

I suspect that the ProPride and Hensley hitches can be run this way. The anti-sway mechanism is totally separate from weight distribution. I would want to hear from Sean or Hensley directly. Stinger still weighs in at 60 or so pounds, so a 6 year old isn't going to carry it...

Waiting for someone with experience to answer!

[xrvr]

No. Only an eazlift can because the sway control is separate from WD bars.