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Weight distribution hitch

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8425
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 4:36pm
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Topic: Weight distribution hitch
Posted By: Safetyman15
Subject: Weight distribution hitch
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 4:55pm
Anybody using a weight list hitch. This 173 seams to behave well and light hitch weight.
 Just wondering.
Thanks R PoddersBig smile


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Safetyman



Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 4:56pm
Many owners do.

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Posted By: Safetyman15
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 4:56pm
Sorry
thats weight distributing hitch!Tongue

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Safetyman


Posted By: grand beaver
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 10:04pm
I have been using an E2/600 by Fastway since we got our 2016/179 in Feb!.....We tow with a F150 and would not go anywhere without it!Tongue  Do you really wanna be "that guy" who can't maintain 60 mph in a windstorm?CryCryCry  Just sayin......



Posted By: ChetC
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 10:37am
I, on the other hand, got rid of my weight distribution hitch when I moved into my 180 a couple of months ago.  I felt the tongue weight didn't warrant it and as I move quite frequently, preferred the ease of a regular hitch.
Tow vehicle is a Ram 1500 and I have recently towed in high winds across South Dakota on two occasions, back to back actually, and experienced no issues other than improved gas mileage when compared to the travel trailer I just traded.  Smile
With a camper the size of the R-Pod, it's really based on the size of your tow vehicle and your comfort level.


-------------
Former 2017 rPod 180 owner
Now in a 2019 Little Guy MAX
Full timer who logs more than 35,000 miles per year.


Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 11:06am
We also have a 173 R Pod. We have towed without the weight distribution hitch(wdh)  and also with one.  I think the difference is well worth the expense. We now use an Equalizer 4 point hitch that has the wdh function and also anti-sway. We have used it for over 5 years on several cross country trips. We chose the 6000/600 model and would not tow without it. It provides a lot of security, ease of towing and no issues once it is set up properly.  I highly recommend using this unit.
Vann


-------------

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">


Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 11:19am
I think the summary on WDH and RPODs is:

TV less than full sized 150/1500 pickup you need WDH.

150/1500 pickup you don't need WDH but you'll want WDH.

TV bigger than 150/1500 you don't need WDH and your camper is too small Wink


-------------
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD


Posted By: MDPaddlersPod
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 3:08pm
I have a WDH (Equal-I-zer with sway control) for my 179. I tow with a Silverado 1500 and have towed without the WDH and much prefer having it. The first few times are a bit painful to hook-up but, once you get it it's easy and really makes a difference.

-------------
MDPaddlersPod
2017 RPod 179
2002 Silverado1500


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 9:20pm
We have towed our 177 for over 5 years w/o a WDH, use only a sway bar control.  TV was a '08 Explorer and is now a '13 Explorer.  Have been out west and back 3 times going as far as RMNP (2x) and Glacier once.  Been on a lot of mountainous roads and have experienced some severe cross winds in the mid-west exceeding 25 mph with no problems.  Also been through the Appalachian Mts into the Smokies as well.  Tows great for us, don't see a need for it with what we tow it with.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: Beachguysc
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 10:35pm
Just picked my new 182. TV is 2010 highlander hybrid. 3500 lbs rated vehicle. I just have sway bar control. It handled beautifully. Even went through an hour of severe thunderstorms with high wind and no problems. Gas mileage did go from 28 to 12.5. Temp was up to 97 and the engine temp was not even the slightest bit higher than normal. When I went to get the trailer, they said they said they were going to install he sway bar while I waited. When I came out, they had installed wdh. It was monstrous. Must have added 50+ pound to hitch load. They said they installed the wrong one, but I could have it for the low price of $500. I said no thanks, put the sway bar on please. 


Posted By: bjk
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2016 at 10:48pm
When I first got my 179, I was actually talked out of getting a WDH by the dealer because the trailer is so light and told just getting the sway bar.   What I learned is that the WDH isn't just for the tongue weight (and the sway).   I had no problem with my regular hitch with a sway bar, but what you do notice is those back roads where the trailer can rock up and down like a gallop girdy.   I finally bought and installed the 4-way equalizer hitch and just came back from a 1k round trip between Portland, OR to the boon docks up the St. Joe river in Idaho close to Montana--noticeably smoother ride.  I probably will add another washer to make it a bit firmer, still. 

Again, it's not as much for the tongue weight, but the see-saw as well (and, of course, you get sway control as well).


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2016 HRE R-179 "CapPODccino"
2011 F-150 SLX


Posted By: Green Sailor
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 2:41pm
Curious, did you make any modifications to your highlander. I am looking at trailers and my Sorento has a tow weight of 3,500 and I was wondering if I can pull a dry weight trailer at 2,800. Thanks for your input, it could help me make a decision on the tow vehicle.

Frank


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 3:47pm
Originally posted by Green Sailor

Curious, did you make any modifications to your highlander. I am looking at trailers and my Sorento has a tow weight of 3,500 and I was wondering if I can pull a dry weight trailer at 2,800. Thanks for your input, it could help me make a decision on the tow vehicle.

Frank 
You don't gauge this by the empty weight of the trailer, you gauge this by the loaded weight of the trailer.  The loaded weight of the trailer is going to most likely be closer to the max weight of the trailer, which is probably in the neighborhood of 3800 lbs (don't know which R-pod you have so that is a SWAG). 

At any rate, unless you tow the trailer empty with no accessories or baggage, that is how you should gauge it. 

Off hand, I would guess that your Sorento will be overloaded.


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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 4:53pm
Okay, I've read through the posts and see we're still calling this 'weight' distribution. 

If Offgrid has taught me anything, it is that this is not weight distribution. The weight upon that tongue is still on that that tongue.

I fall into the group of not using that mis-named hitch and going sway only. 


-------------
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 7:06am
The wdh does redistribute the weight on the axles, but since it does that by creating moments (torques) around the hitch point it doesn’t actually reduce the hitch load, just changes it. Depending on your rig there could be a big benefit from doing that or it might not provide an advantage at all. For me, the wdh is a significant benefit, I use mine all the time while towing.

+1 on a 3500lb rated tow vehicle for and rPod. That is pushing things IMHO.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: Woodmiester
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 12:22pm
I think Charlie pretty much nailed it!!

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Swampfox


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 3:49pm
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Okay, I've read through the posts and see we're still calling this 'weight' distribution. 

If Offgrid has taught me anything, it is that this is not weight distribution. The weight upon that tongue is still on that that tongue.

I fall into the group of not using that mis-named hitch and going sway only.
The WDH does distribute the weight on the axles. It is also true that the weight on the hitch does not change. Where on the tow vehicle the weight goes is what's being distributed. 

It is kind of a double-edged sword in a way. The WDH will reduce the overall weight on the the rear axle of the tow vehicle, and distribute some to the TV front axle, and some to the axle(s) of the TT. In the process, it puts a significant amount of stress on the TV hitch and the associated frame members the hitch is attached to. I think one major concern of mine is the effect on a unibody vehicle, and whether the rear sheets of metal are strong enough to handle the torsion (and weight).


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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 5:06pm
To me, it's common sense to move away from 3500 tow capacity vehicles and buy at least a 5000 lb vehicle. I also am a member of the no WDH, just sway club, but I understand the advantages of a WDH on the right vehicle. Just completed a trip to TX and spotted every TT being towed improperly and obviously overloaded or not loaded correctly.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."


Posted By: Green Sailor
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 11:23am
Thanks for all the information. It looks like I’m going to sell and buy a mid size truck that can tow around 7,000 lbs. any truck suggestions would be appreciated. I haven’t purchased a trailer but tow vehicle that size should cover most of the rpod.


Posted By: Our pod
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 11:35am
I first selected my trailer, then purchased my truck, a Tacoma V6 with tow package, then bought my R-pod. The tow package with transmission and oil coolers is worth the money.

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Life is good.


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 2:13pm
Almost any of the small/midsize trucks would fill this bill. Likewise, I would put all of the full size trucks in the capable category. Take your pick (in no particular order) Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon, Ranger, Frontier, F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra.

Just look for something that can handle ~~ 5000 lb towing capacity. All of the above have models/versions that start in that vicinity. Some go way above 5000 lb.


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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 2:18pm
Originally posted by GlueGuy

Almost any of the small/midsize trucks would fill this bill. Likewise, I would put all of the full size trucks in the capable category. Take your pick (in no particular order) Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon, Ranger, Frontier, F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra.

Just look for something that can handle ~~ 5000 lb towing capacity. All of the above have models/versions that start in that vicinity. Some go way above 5000 lb.

Take Tundra out of the mix.. I don't know why, but Toyota just blew it on the Tundra. This comes from a guy that loves his Tacoma! 


-------------
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 4:38pm
The Tundra is SAE certified at 10,000 lbs. That's 2K more than my Colorado.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 7:22pm
We had a 2005 Tundra back when. It was a wonderful truck. Around 2008 when they upsized the Tundra, we got a Tacoma, which was almost the same size. Both are extremely reliable.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: Green Sailor
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 6:05am
My question is, if I go with the Tacoma do I need the tow package which includes trans cooler, oil cooler, bigger alternator or will the truck pull 7000 without it?


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 7:13am
Originally posted by Green Sailor

My question is, if I go with the Tacoma do I need the tow package which includes trans cooler, oil cooler, bigger alternator or will the truck pull 7000 without it?

I have the SR5 V6 with Tow Package. I wouldn't go lesser. Also wouldn't pull 7K with it. I try to size my TV to be at least 25% greater capacity then what I'm going to tow. The rPod (182g) is 58% of the Taco's tow rating. Great matchup!


-------------
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 7:59am
My experience says that the tow rate(pounds towed) is not necessarly the same as the overall tow package.  The tow vehicle might easily pull the weight, but what damage is it doing long term to the tow vehicle?  The trans cooler and  oil cooler are designed to protect the tow vehicle , not necessarily enhance its towing weight capacity. The extra strain on the tow vehicle can be mitigated by enhanced features that the tow package offers.
My opinion is that most tow packages are well worth the extra cost for the enhanced protection of your tow vehicle regardless of the poundage required.
Vann


-------------

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">


Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 4:42pm
I've owned two Tundras, a 2004 and my current 2014.  Both are outstanding vehicles to drive, carry my camper, and tow my RPod.  I don't think Toyota blew it with the Tundra whatsoever.

-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC


Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 5:21pm
I agree with Olddawgsrule totally. I too am pulling my Pod with a SR5 Tacoma with the tow package. If your going with a Tacoma you'd be foolish not to spend the few extra bucks and buy one without that package.


-------------
Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog.
2017 Rpod 180
2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
Lexington, NC


Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 7:58am
Yep... follow the 50-50 rule.... for reliability and safety.... tow weight needs to be right at 50% of capacity...


Posted By: Blender Bob
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 9:55am
Look closely when buying and thinking tow package.  On the 15 Chev Colorado, w/o tow package the hitch ball is in the bumper and rated 3500. With tow package the hitch is attached underneath bumper to the frame and rated 5000. Plus you get all the wiring done. I also think you get a different rear end ratio. For about $300 back then, it was a no brainer.  

I use a $80 sway bar and with a full load of water (tank behind axle of my 178HRE), and a bit of loading thought to keep weight on the tongue, I have no problems, no real sway with the Colorado.  One thought, as I have done numerous I-70 mountain passes with this -- down shifting and brake capability is important. TV + R-pod is about 2/3 GVW of Colorado 12,000 rating.  In the mountains I would say my comfort level is very good, but would not want to push the GVW% any higher.  A vehicle with 3500 and a lower GVW max would be a concern on steeper grades.  On the flat plains, not a concern.


-------------
Bob
2015 Chevy Colorado Z71
2018 178 R-pod Hood River Edition


Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 12:55pm
I should have added that I use an Anderson weight distribution/anti-sway hitch when towing with my Tundra.  I like it and very much appreciate the sway control.

I also have the Toyota tow package on my Tundra.

I also moved my spare tire from the back to under the trailer in front of the axle by using a BAL Hide-A-Spare.  This is an effort to move more weight forward of the axle when the water tank is full and improve the trailer handling even more.


-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC


Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2019 at 5:53am
Plus one on the Andersen.... Great and super easy to setup..... love it.


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2019 at 2:47pm
Originally posted by geewizard

I should have added that I use an Anderson weight distribution/anti-sway hitch when towing with my Tundra.  I like it and very much appreciate the sway control.

I also have the Toyota tow package on my Tundra.

I also moved my spare tire from the back to under the trailer in front of the axle by using a BAL Hide-A-Spare.  This is an effort to move more weight forward of the axle when the water tank is full and improve the trailer handling even more.

I get so many folks like the Load Leveling Hitch and I won't Say say use or not use, just be aware of what you're doing and the effects created.

To you GW, I'm surprised you have one! I have a Taco (vs. your Tundra) and today I hauled an hour away with just my new sway bar. Stopped a couple times to play with and adjust and driving normal, 60-65mph. I was going to my dealership for yet another issue, another thread.. Once there we had a good conversation about the sway bar and learned I still wasn't tight enough for the highway. So as I reached the highway I adjusted. I found it ran awesome.

What I learned today (and I'm open to other interpretation) is sway is only really required for highway speeds. There are no major turns involved. Here's where the sway does does best and should be set lighter when running byways (typically decent turns in the road).
I am finding I like this sway only more as I learn more about using it properly.

The Load Leveling Hitch, at least mine, doesn't give me this adjustability.

My mechanic checked it over and agreed, My Taco sits proper with just sway.

Just what I'm doing. 



-------------
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: Kahonu37
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 4:27am
 at 2:13pm
Almost any of the small/midsize trucks would fill this bill. Likewise, I would put all of the full size trucks in the capable category. Take your pick (in no particular order) Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon, Ranger, Frontier, F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra.

Just look for something that can handle ~~ 5000 lb towing capacity. All of the above have models/versions that start in that vicinity. Some go way above 5000 lb.

I would add research engines and axel ratios for the TV you are looking for:
IE: 
RAM 1500 3.6 Penstar engine with standard axel ratio 3.21 =  5000 lb capacity

Same RAM with axel ratio 3.55 = 7730 lb tow capacity 


-------------
2018 179
2012 NISSAN XTERRA (retired 12/19)
2019 RAM 1500 WARLOCK (new)
A.R.E. V Series Topper
WDH Equalizer 600/6000


Posted By: Kahonu37
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 4:35am
I would also add research engine size and axel ratio, for the TV you are looking at.

Example:

RAM 1500, 3.6 Penstar engine standard axel ratio = 5000 lb tow capacity

Same RAM with 3.55 axel ratio ($95) = 7730 lb tow capacity 


-------------
2018 179
2012 NISSAN XTERRA (retired 12/19)
2019 RAM 1500 WARLOCK (new)
A.R.E. V Series Topper
WDH Equalizer 600/6000


Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2019 at 9:41am
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Originally posted by geewizard

I should have added that I use an Anderson weight distribution/anti-sway hitch when towing with my Tundra.  I like it and very much appreciate the sway control.

I also have the Toyota tow package on my Tundra.

I also moved my spare tire from the back to under the trailer in front of the axle by using a BAL Hide-A-Spare.  This is an effort to move more weight forward of the axle when the water tank is full and improve the trailer handling even more.

I get so many folks like the Load Leveling Hitch and I won't Say say use or not use, just be aware of what you're doing and the effects created.

To you GW, I'm surprised you have one! I have a Taco (vs. your Tundra) and today I hauled an hour away with just my new sway bar. Stopped a couple times to play with and adjust and driving normal, 60-65mph. I was going to my dealership for yet another issue, another thread.. Once there we had a good conversation about the sway bar and learned I still wasn't tight enough for the highway. So as I reached the highway I adjusted. I found it ran awesome.

What I learned today (and I'm open to other interpretation) is sway is only really required for highway speeds. There are no major turns involved. Here's where the sway does does best and should be set lighter when running byways (typically decent turns in the road).
I am finding I like this sway only more as I learn more about using it properly.

The Load Leveling Hitch, at least mine, doesn't give me this adjustability.

My mechanic checked it over and agreed, My Taco sits proper with just sway.

Just what I'm doing. 



I agree, the sway damping is the deal.  I don't really need the weight distribution part of my Andersen Hitch.


-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC



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