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Old 05-02-2021, 10:41 AM   #1
shrtmem
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New trailer hitch

Hi all,

My husband and I are getting up there in years. We have a Keystone Cougar that I like but taking the hitch from the truck when we set it is becoming an issue for my husband. The hitch is very heavy. Has anyone had any experience with B&W two and stow hitches? When you aren't using the hitch, it folds up under your truck.
Thanks
https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/pro...tipro-tow-stow
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Old 05-02-2021, 11:12 AM   #2
JRTJH
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You'd have to confirm with B&W, but I think that "folding ball/shank stinger" is intended to be used with the new folding tailgates. It's designed to fold under the truck to prevent "dinging the tailgate step". It is only compatible with a weight carrying ball assembly, not with a weight distributing hitch head.

In short, I don't think it's compatible with any weight distributing hitch.
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Old 05-02-2021, 11:22 AM   #3
Mmeyer
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Have you looked at a Reese goose box ?
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Old 05-02-2021, 11:50 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mmeyer View Post
Have you looked at a Reese goose box ?
A Reese Goose Box for a "bumper hitch trailer" ???
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Old 05-02-2021, 12:15 PM   #5
sourdough
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I don't believe that hitch is going to work as a wdh for a travel trailer. What kind of hitch do you currently have and which part is difficult to manage? The shank I assume?

There are some ways to minimize the effort; I've gone thru a few attempts to make the process easier after various surgeries then falling down a mountain, breaking both bicep tendons and tearing up both rotator cuffs. Picking up and carrying the shank was an issue. I'm not aware of a "lightweight" wdh with the exception of the Andersen, which uses chains, but I don't know what the shank weighs. It does appear to have a lot less steel in it than the Equalizer I used.
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Old 05-02-2021, 12:35 PM   #6
chuckster57
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I would look into the Anderson. Has WD and is light weight.
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Old 05-02-2021, 12:40 PM   #7
wiredgeorge
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That Tow & Stow is made to use with a Chevy truck tail gate that has a step built in. I think it would have to be removed if you intent is not to leave the hitch connected to the receiver. The guy on youtube that reviewed that hitch wasn't comfortable about using the step with the 2 5/8" ball deployed because they had engineered an insufficient clearance with the tail gate.




While this hitch is heavy and in excess of 30 lbs, it appears it can be rotated behind the drop bar. You will still have the drop bar sticking out behind the bumper.

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Old 05-02-2021, 01:32 PM   #8
Mmeyer
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Ha sorry guys maybe I should read a little better lol
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Old 05-02-2021, 02:31 PM   #9
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Mmeyer, very few regulars here have posted error-free. Welcome to the club.
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Old 05-02-2021, 03:02 PM   #10
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Perhaps many folks here misjudge members; we are mostly here to be helpful and make sure others don't toss money away or tow unsafely. When someone asks for advice in good faith, I think they will get our best responses. If by asking about a product that seems a bit pricey, you were doing the smart thing as there are folks on this site with a bushel of camping and towing experience. I am not one of them but I try to help best I can as do most.
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Old 05-02-2021, 03:51 PM   #11
JRTJH
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Originally Posted by Mmeyer View Post
Ha sorry guys maybe I should read a little better lol
As said earlier, not a one of us has an "error free post record"... We all make mistakes, read more into or less into a post than is in the post....

That said, my concern is a scenario where someone posts a question like this one, gets a response to "look at the Reese goose box" and the poster reads that response and turns to her husband and says, "Keystone said to use a Reese goose box"... So, he gets online and orders one..... When it arrives, he finds out it's for a fifth wheel, not his trailer..... YIKES !!!!!

That was my only reason for making the post I did....
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Old 05-02-2021, 04:30 PM   #12
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Instead of carrying it use a small cart and roll it where you want it
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Old 05-04-2021, 07:05 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shrtmem View Post
Hi all,

My husband and I are getting up there in years. We have a Keystone Cougar that I like but taking the hitch from the truck when we set it is becoming an issue for my husband. The hitch is very heavy.
Exact same issue.
We have a Husky Centerline TS hitch and it's a beast.

I've been looking at the Anderson hitch.
Looks a lot lighter and reviews are good.
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Old 05-04-2021, 07:13 PM   #14
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Andersen WDH all the way. Light, quiet and clean. Mine with a three inch shank complete setup was less than 60 lbs. That includes packaging and the parts that are attached to the trailer. Hitch is only 20 or so pounds.

https://andersenhitches.com/collections/wd-hitch
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Old 05-04-2021, 11:17 PM   #15
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Part of the problem is that the stinger is heavy, and the other is that it is awkward to lug. There's a third-party tool that reduces the latter problem to simply carrying a balanced horizontal handle. It doesn't make it lighter, of course, just easier to carry, and it adds only two pounds. You can check out the video at the link and see if you think that might help you.
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Old 05-05-2021, 01:26 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LHaven View Post
Part of the problem is that the stinger is heavy, and the other is that it is awkward to lug. There's a third-party tool that reduces the latter problem to simply carrying a balanced horizontal handle. It doesn't make it lighter, of course, just easier to carry, and it adds only two pounds. You can check out the video at the link and see if you think that might help you.
I have this tool, and it works out well for me. It does make it easier to carry the weight distribution head by the ball. I am still careful while using the tool so that the WD head doesn't fall off the tool while carrying it, and I make sure to carry the head away from my feet.
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Old 05-06-2021, 03:01 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LHaven View Post
Part of the problem is that the stinger is heavy, and the other is that it is awkward to lug. There's a third-party tool that reduces the latter problem to simply carrying a balanced horizontal handle. It doesn't make it lighter, of course, just easier to carry, and it adds only two pounds. You can check out the video at the link and see if you think that might help you.
You are not 71 year old man trying to lift this thing.
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Old 05-06-2021, 03:13 PM   #18
sourdough
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You are not 71 year old man trying to lift this thing.

Rob have you used one? I'm on up there too and I used it with my extended shank Equalizer head. Doesn't make it lighter but makes where/how you carry the thing easier. I will say that the clearance between that handle and the top of the hitch is TIGHT and makes you worry. DW would always fret that the heavy, sharp edged hitch was going to fall off and cut my foot off....but it didn't. It did make slotting the shank into the receiver MUCH easier and took a lot of strain off my back....but yes, those dang hitches are heavy.
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Old 05-06-2021, 03:45 PM   #19
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I use a hitch grip as well. While I'm "only" 67 I think the 3 shoulder, 2 arm, and 7 cervical spine surgeries should count towards an "older" age (or at least a high mileage unit). While it doesn't defy gravity it does make the hitch balance so it's less stress on the hand/wrist and it sets level so it slides easily into or out of the receiver. It's been a great help in my experience.
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:03 PM   #20
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I’m not a fan, but what about Hensley pro pride? As I remember you just back up lining up the receiver and the shank. Pull the hitch pin when you unhook and it all stays on the tongue.
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