Sway control only?

[out of sight]

Sorry, greater than 0.3 damping ratio.

[jaybauman]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Does a 3p hitch need WD?
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Strictly speaking...it depends. As stated previously, the Hensley design completely separates WD from sway elimination. So, technically you can eliminate all sway with zero WD. The instructions that came with my TV says WD not required for any tongue weight, up to and including max trailer. However, the manual also states that if you do want to go with WD, only 25% FALR is recommended. We haven’t been out since I got the new truck, so I have not yet been able to check everything on the CAT scales. I’m looking forward to comparing the 3-pass “required” WD to GMC’s recommendation of 0-25% FALR to see how well these 2 strategies align for my 3500HD. That being said, I think my rig tows much better with some WD dialed in to the 3P spring bars. So....”need” is probably too strong...but in my practical experience, it’s a “good idea” to go with WD.

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Does a 30' AS need a 350?
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Once again, it depends. I have measured the tongue weight on my FC30 (with 3P hitch assembly) at >1100lbs. Since I was right at the payload limit on my previous 2500HD (~2200lbs), I went with a 3500HD on the new TV so we can bring all of our current (and future?) toys along on our journeys. Others may find their camping styles allow for TVs with lower payload capacities....

[pcskier]

Just realized the original post is from more than a year ago and he's long gone...though I guess it's always worth continuing the discussion.

[out of sight]

Truck manufacturers are beginning to recommend that FALR is limited to no more than 25%. There is a reason for this. They now have to pass the SAE J2807 understeer test and they cannot do it if too much weight is taken off the rear axle. In fact the ideal FALR for passing this test is 0% (i.e., no weight distribution) as long as the rear GAWR is not exceeded. The understeer test is important because it ensures that the inertia of your trailer will not jackknife your rig in a hard turn, as will occur if too much weight is taken off the rear axle.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Properly set up WD should never take too much weight from the rear axle...Just look at your actual weight tickets.

FWIW…I am fully aware of the capabilities of the 3p hitch design, we have used one for 16yrs.

As far as the relevance of 'payload', better to concentrate on GAWR's and tire load ratings and NEVER overload.

I do not strictly follow the Mfgr WD recommendations...they are not the ones driving my rig.
I prefer to drive my rig and adjust the WD to the LOAD and how it handles/feels/seat-of-the-pants.
.
Sure I could tow our AS without any WD, headlights in the stars and porposing like crazy.

Drive too conditions and I doubt a properly set up WD will ever cause the trailer to 'oversteer' or the truck to 'understeer'.

The happy thing...those promoting such foolishness we will unlikely ever meet on the road that we are all traveling, some of us just further along than others..👍

Bob
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[rmkrum]

Yup. Exactly what I do. And it tows “just fine” under all conditions. The best part is DW can take a nap without being seasick from any porpoising.

[out of sight]

I've experienced severe porpoising with a single axle trailer with an Equalizer hitch. When I began towing on the ball the porpoising went away. Installing springs at the hitch point doesn't sound like a good idea. If anything I'd want to install a shock absorber there.