Weight distribution hitches

[Je942010]

Own getting rid of my 5th wheel and going to a 40’ travel trailer and was wondering what everyone is using for weight distribution hitches. I was looking at the ultimate Hensley hitch and propride p3 but having a hard time justifying the cost if the weighsafe or another web will work 95% as good with controlling sway. Weighsafe said the XL setup would work perfect with my 1400lb hitch weight on the trailer and thinking I’ll be spending smart money with that option vs spending 3-4000$ on the Hensley’s and propride.

 

[securityguy]

Curious as to why you are moving from a 5th wheel to a travel trailer that's much more difficult to tow with?

 

[Je942010]

Curious as to why you are moving from a 5th wheel to a travel trailer that's much more difficult to tow with?

We had a 43’ 5th wheel toy hauler and traded it in on a brand new 31’ grand design 5th wheel that the dealership is buying back from us due to major plumbing, hvac, and structural issues. I have 6.6 gas that I bought with the intent to keep the weight under 13k. Once we had all of the issues with the new unit we decided to stay away from that line and go to a different brand and the only floor plan we found that we liked was a Highland Ridge Open Range 335rbs. We don’t go more than 5 hours max from our house when we take it so I’m not as concerned about switching from a 5th to a TT. Every 5th wheel and toy hauler we saw that would work for our family was significantly heavier and we had to give up one thing for another, going with the travel trailer still is allowing us to use the bed of the truck for bikes and everything else we carried in the garage of our old toy hauler.
This is the unit we bought

New 2025 Highland Ridge RV Open Range 335RBS Travel Trailer

Highland Ridge Open Range 335RBS travel trailer highlights: Queen Bed U-Dinette Kitchen Island Two Awnings Outside Kitchen This Open Range travel trailer offers fantastic flexibility! The private rear...

www.coltonrv.com

 

[22-ZR2]

Nice and that is definitely an open floor design.

 

[AXE]

I've always towed travel trailers and bumper pull rigs up to 36 feet OAL. They tow great with the right hitch and distribution of load up to 15-16k lbs, so 24-25k lbs GVWR.

For my toyhauler, I clock in <13.5k loaded trailer and 23K GVWR. I use a hitch like this Equilizer and it has been solid performance for 15 years. I think that's the same general design as Weighsafe, Curt, and Reese

I prefer my TT, cause I like to carry extra ATVs, motorcycles, hunting gear, equipment in my bed. If I was towing it cross country and frequently I'd probably have a fith wheel and a dually i wouldn't tow anything over 34 feet without a dually.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Equal~i~zer/EQ37140ET.html

 

[Chosenone]

I would highly recommend having an inspection done by a certified rv inspector. The quality of all RVs has dropped drastically.

 

[Je942010]

I've always towed travel trailers and bumper pull rigs up to 36 feet OAL. They tow great with the right hitch and distribution of load up to 15-16k lbs, so 24-25k lbs GVWR.

For my toyhauler, I clock in <13.5k loaded trailer and 23K GVWR. I use a hitch like this Equilizer and it has been solid performance for 15 years. I think that's the same general design as Weighsafe, Curt, and Reese

I prefer my TT, cause I like to carry extra ATVs, motorcycles, hunting gear, equipment in my bed. If I was towing it cross country and frequently I'd probably have a fith wheel and a dually i wouldn't tow anything over 34 feet without a dually.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Equal~i~zer/EQ37140ET.html

That’s pretty much our situation, with our old 43’ toy hauler and dually we would go just about anywhere and it didn’t matter how far. This new setup is mainly for our kids travel baseball and softball tournaments and a few random local trips throughout the summer. With the 36 gallon tank the range between stops is pretty short. My ‘22 dually had a 48 gallon on the frame and a 60 gallon in the bed so I was able to stay on the road for a good while.

 

[8ball_99]

I use a Weigh Safe Heavy with my Toy hauler. I like it a lot. Having the built in scale along with the app makes setup really easy. Especially with a toy hauler where your weight can change a lot depending on how it's loaded. I've had a few different WD hitches over the years. I like this one the best so far. I got it not long after I got the ZR2. I've never used a Hensley hitch, But I don't think I've ever heard anyone complain about them other then the price. I'd probably only go that route if I was pushing the limits. As long as you can put a little extra tongue weight on the the truck with out going over on weight you should be fine with any of them. Hensley hitch is good if you are trying to thread a needle between tongue weight and payload capacity. Some setups you don't have room to just add a couple extra hundred pounds of tongue weight.

Lol, I've got a buddy that has this setup, He was considering a propride because he can't just put 15% onto the truck. He has to get by with the bare min amount of tongue weight.

 

[Je942010]

I use a Weigh Safe Heavy with my Toy hauler. I like it a lot. Having the built in scale along with the app makes setup really easy. Especially with a toy hauler where your weight can change a lot depending on how it's loaded. I've had a few different WD hitches over the years. I like this one the best so far. I got it not long after I got the ZR2. I've never used a Hensley hitch, But I don't think I've ever heard anyone complain about them other then the price. I'd probably only go that route if I was pushing the limits. As long as you can put a little extra tongue weight on the the truck with out going over on weight you should be fine with any of them. Hensley hitch is good if you are trying to thread a needle between tongue weight and payload capacity. Some setups you don't have room to just add a couple extra hundred pounds of tongue weight.

Lol, I've got a buddy that has this setup, He was considering a propride because he can't just put 15% onto the truck. He has to get by with the bare min amount of tongue weight.

View attachment 23247

I’m really between the Weighsafe heavy weight xl and the new Hensley’s ultimate. I like the propride hitch but the tongue weight is only rated to 1400 and our new camper is 1350 dry tongue which is why I was leaning towards the Hensley over the PT3. How is the the noise on your Weighsafe and is it the new style or is it the original heavy weight?

 

[AXE]

I’m really between the Weighsafe heavy duty xl and the new Hensley’s ultimate. I like the propride hitch but the tongue weight is only rated to 1400 and our new camper is 1350 dry tongue which is why I was leaning towards the Hensley over the PT3. How is the the noise on your Weighsafe and is it the new style or is it the original heavy duty?

Remember, you didn't buy a tow rig. You bought a "sort of" tow rig. Your tongue weight will be more forward biased on this chicken shit soft suspension that makes for a nice daily ride and offroad ride, but its horrible for towing. If your not running bags, I'd look into that first, as its way more important than the latest whiz bang hitch with a gimmicky scale built it. If you wanna know how your truck and trailer sit loaded rolling down the road, pull into some scales and get all the information, not just a guess using that phony little guage on the hitch. It's really easy to get close to max weight on the rear axle of these trucks.

 

[Je942010]

Remember, you didn't buy a tow rig. You bought a "sort of" tow rig. Your tongue weight will be more forward biased on this chicken shit soft suspension that makes for a nice daily ride and offroad ride, but its horrible for towing. If your not running bags, I'd look into that first, as its way more important than the latest whiz bang hitch with a gimmicky scale built it. If you wanna know how your truck and trailer sit loaded rolling down the road, pull into some scales and get all the information, not just a guess using that phony little guage on the hitch. It's really easy tonget close to max weight on the rear axle of these trucks.

I have airlift bags and a wireless compressor on the truck for when it was setup for the 5th wheel

 

[AXE]

I have airlift bags and a wireless compressor on the truck for when it was setup for the 5th wheel

That's 90% of the battle. Any of those hitches will work fine.

 

[Je942010]

That's 90% of the battle. Any of those hitches will work fine.

I’ll probably go with the Weighsafe if that’s the case and save the money. I toed bumper pull trailer my whole life but they were always equipment trailers

 

[securityguy]

OK guys...so please edumucate me Besides taking up valuable bed space, what are the reasons to buy a travel trailer over a 5th wheel? I haven't pulled the trigger yet and have been looking and settled on Brinkley as my brand of choice. They make both beautiful travel trailers and 5th wheels. The thing that moved me towards the 5th wheel was the extra headroom and not feeling so claustrophobic. I was also told by several folks they are far easier to tow. As many of you know, I am an anal EE that likes to research things fully before pulling the trigger. I would love to hear your thoughts on why a travel trailer may be a better option over a 5th wheel and what I would need to successfully pull one comfortably that may differ from a 5th wheel. I fully trust you guys (even @AXE ) Thanks!

 

[Je942010]

OK guys...so please edumucate me Besides taking up valuable bed space, what are the reasons to buy a travel trailer over a 5th wheel? I haven't pulled the trigger yet and have been looking and settled on Brinkley as my brand of choice. They make both beautiful travel trailers and 5th wheels. The thing that moved me towards the 5th wheel was the extra headroom and not feeling so claustrophobic. I was also told by several folks they are far easier to tow. As many of you know, I am an anal EE that likes to research things fully before pulling the trigger. I would love to hear your thoughts on why a travel trailer may be a better option over a 5th wheel and what I would need to successfully pull one comfortably that may differ from a 5th wheel. I fully trust you guys (even @AXE ) Thanks!

The headspace really depends on the model of trailer you pick. My new travel trailer I have linked in post #3 is 10” shorter in exterior height than the Grand design reflection that I’m trading in. The crazy part of the small difference in height is that there’s no 20” step up where it goes over the pinbox. There’s significantly more ceiling height in the new travel trailer vs my current 2025 grand design 5th. My toy hauler was a different situation due to the full height on the rig front to back. As far as towing goes I’m taking my first trip with it an 3 weeks so I can let you know then and what hitch I’ll be running. With the right hitch I see no reason towing it will be an issue. Parking in tight spots is probably the biggest convenience I see with the 5th wheel.

 

[Je942010]

OK guys...so please edumucate me Besides taking up valuable bed space, what are the reasons to buy a travel trailer over a 5th wheel? I haven't pulled the trigger yet and have been looking and settled on Brinkley as my brand of choice. They make both beautiful travel trailers and 5th wheels. The thing that moved me towards the 5th wheel was the extra headroom and not feeling so claustrophobic. I was also told by several folks they are far easier to tow. As many of you know, I am an anal EE that likes to research things fully before pulling the trigger. I would love to hear your thoughts on why a travel trailer may be a better option over a 5th wheel and what I would need to successfully pull one comfortably that may differ from a 5th wheel. I fully trust you guys (even @AXE ) Thanks!

Also with a non toy hauler 5th wheel you’re going to run out of storage very fast or at least that’s the case with our family. The bed space with the travel trailer let’s me bring my smoker, bikes, firewood, coolers, etc and any other things we’re going to need depending on where we’re going

 

[8ball_99]

I’m really between the Weighsafe heavy weight xl and the new Hensley’s ultimate. I like the propride hitch but the tongue weight is only rated to 1400 and our new camper is 1350 dry tongue which is why I was leaning towards the Hensley over the PT3. How is the the noise on your Weighsafe and is it the new style or is it the original heavy weight?

Tongue weight on my Trailer is 1500# Dry lol. With my KRX loaded, Trailer level and nothing else it drops down to about 11-1200#. I set my trailer a little nose down and with everything else loaded I'm at about 1400#. My Trailer's GVWR is with 1500# tongue weight. My hitch is the new style Heavy. I got it right about the time they changed them. Actually had to wait a little bit for them to become available after I ordered. You don't hear the spring bars while driving. When you are pulling in and parking you can hear them some. Specially if you have the windows down and you are on uneven ground turning sharp. But just normal driving on the road you don't notice them at all. The APP is easy. Once everything is setup, each time you hook up you just enter your current tongue weight and the app tells you how much pressure you should add to the bars. Takes the guess work out. If nothing changes you don't have to change anything. If you need to add more or take some off the bars you just loosen one nut and turn that bolt in front of the ball. It's a pretty neat setup.

 

[AXE]

OK guys...so please edumucate me Besides taking up valuable bed space, what are the reasons to buy a travel trailer over a 5th wheel? I haven't pulled the trigger yet and have been looking and settled on Brinkley as my brand of choice. They make both beautiful travel trailers and 5th wheels. The thing that moved me towards the 5th wheel was the extra headroom and not feeling so claustrophobic. I was also told by several folks they are far easier to tow. As many of you know, I am an anal EE that likes to research things fully before pulling the trigger. I would love to hear your thoughts on why a travel trailer may be a better option over a 5th wheel and what I would need to successfully pull one comfortably that may differ from a 5th wheel. I fully trust you guys (even @AXE ) Thanks!

The primary reason your going to go with a travel trailer is keeping bed space available. Also if you dont want a big camper, you'll do just fine with a TT.

If you want more interior space, and aren't hauling a lot of gear and toys like kayaks, bicycles, etc and just want some more luxury, then the 5er will be better suited.

With all the slides and stuff, you can get a lot of interior space in either model. A 5er will turn and back up easier. If you offroad a lot, a 5er can crush your bed rails if you go through rough terrain and the hitch articulates. Some hitches sit higher for that reason.

I've never been much on campgrounds and don't camp where there are a lot of people. I go to remote locations and carry a lot of gear for activities, so for me the 28 foot toyhauler (32 for OAL) TT has always worked well. My 5500W generator and shitter are the most important features besides cargo capacity. The shower and ac/heat help round it out.

 

[AXE]

Tongue weight on my Trailer is 1500# Dry lol. With my KRX loaded, Trailer level and nothing else it drops down to about 11-1200#. I set my trailer a little nose down and with everything else loaded I'm at about 1400#. My Trailer's GVWR is with 1500# tongue weight. My hitch is the new style Heavy. I got it right about the time they changed them. Actually had to wait a little bit for them to become available after I ordered. You don't hear the spring bars while driving. When you are pulling in and parking you can hear them some. Specially if you have the windows down and you are on uneven ground turning sharp. But just normal driving on the road you don't notice them at all. The APP is easy. Once everything is setup, each time you hook up you just enter your current tongue weight and the app tells you how much pressure you should add to the bars. Takes the guess work out. If nothing changes you don't have to change anything. If you need to add more or take some off the bars you just loosen one nut and turn that bolt in front of the ball. It's a pretty neat setup.

View attachment 23251

Put some light grease on the springs and rails and it will articulate easier and reduce or eliminate the noise. You have to clean and regrease often cause it'll collect dust. Just wipe as much off as possible and spray it was some carb/brake cleaner.

 

[dmond]

I guess the quality of all RVs has dropped drastically.