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Old 03-09-2019, 11:08 AM   #1
Controller23
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Towing without a weight distribution hitch

I’m buying a Passport 239ML with a 4100ish dry weight. I just bought a Silverado with a 9500lb capacity to replace my Tacoma. Do I need a weight distribution hitch to tow this comfortably, or will the bigger truck be enough to feel ok? I’ve towed heavier trailers with a Silverado before, but nothing as large profile..
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Old 03-09-2019, 11:14 AM   #2
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I am sure others with experience will reply. I have a similar weight, shorter TT and tow with a "9200lb capacity" Silverado. I can't imagine towing without the WDH and sway control. I think the truck hitch is limited to 700lbs tongue weight without WDH. That 9500lb capacity number has very little to do with how the truck will handle that TT behind it. Lots of area to catch wind and be blown by passing trucks, vehicles etc.

Good luck with the new setup
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Old 03-09-2019, 11:33 AM   #3
ctbruce
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Why risk it. WDH is a no-brainer.

Full disclosure: someone will chime in and say they do it all the time with a similar truck and trailer. And they have no problems at all.

Dont fall for it.
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Old 03-09-2019, 11:49 AM   #4
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This is my quote from the other thread where you said you had upgraded trucks: "Now, make sure you have a good wdh/sway control and go make memories (safely) with the family!"

You need both the wdh and sway control for the truck handling and the safety of the occupants. That is a 5400 lb. trailer if I recall and 25?? ft. long. It can get in a tizzy and take that Silverado for a ride you don't want to be on. Safety is paramount; especially with a young family.
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Old 03-09-2019, 01:24 PM   #5
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I towed a 238ML with my Silverado with the same capacity. The WDH was very much appreciated.
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Old 03-09-2019, 02:56 PM   #6
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Rule of thumb.

When towing without a WDH the trailer must weigh less than half the weight of the TV, and meet the hitch limitations. A loaded 3/4 ton diesel TV will weigh in at about 8,000 lbs. that limits you to less than 4,000 lbs. A 3/4 ton gas TV about 7,000 lbs = 3,500 lb trailer. A 1/2 ton about 6,000 lbs that's only a 3,000 lb trailer. I would think the overall size of the pulled trailer needs some consideration.
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Old 03-09-2019, 07:04 PM   #7
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I towed a Jayco 197 with a slide with two different F150's and a 1997 1500 Suburban without WDH or sway control. The first time I towed our 2017 21RBS Cougar was a windy day. My next purchase was the above noted accessory. I can't imagine pulling any half decent trailer without. Simple as that.
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Old 03-09-2019, 08:38 PM   #8
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If you are buying a new trailer and the dealer has not insisted on adding the WDH to the purchase or making sure you already have one...walk away from the dealer. JMHO
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Old 03-09-2019, 09:58 PM   #9
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I would not be prepared to tow anything without some kind of sway control ... At the very least.
I guess by now most people have see the disaster videos and pictures and I'm betting no one wants to be in that situation.
When wew got our TT, the hitch people set us up with a WD/ Anti sway hitch. It cost nearly $1,000. I took a big gulp and said "just do it". Having towed the trailer 11,000 miles last year, I know the benefit of doing this. Our rig tows like a dream and I have no hesitation moving camp or doing long runs between CGs. If, as some people report, our towing was "white knuckle stuff" I couldn't see us RVing for very long.
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Old 03-10-2019, 04:40 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbruce View Post
Why risk it. WDH is a no-brainer.

Full disclosure: someone will chime in and say they do it all the time with a similar truck and trailer. And they have no problems at all.

Dont fall for it.
That be me Bruce.......
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Old 03-10-2019, 04:41 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by CrazyCain View Post
That be me Bruce.......


So, talk to me. What are you towing with what?
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Old 03-10-2019, 06:24 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Controller23 View Post
I’m buying a Passport 239ML with a 4100ish dry weight. I just bought a Silverado with a 9500lb capacity to replace my Tacoma. Do I need a weight distribution hitch to tow this comfortably, or will the bigger truck be enough to feel ok? I’ve towed heavier trailers with a Silverado before, but nothing as large profile..
My two cents worth. I towed with and without weight distribution hitch and TT tows SO much better using one.
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Old 03-10-2019, 09:37 AM   #13
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My son had a lifted 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban, bought a used 25' hybrid tt, I told him to get the WDH/sway control, he insisted he wouldn't need it, we followed behind his 1st trip, our 1st stop was in about 50 miles at the 1st CW we came to to get the hitch/sway control & after we'd stopped he said he didn't know if he could or if it was safe let go of the wheel yet.
Simple answer is ABSOLUTELY!!!
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Old 03-10-2019, 09:57 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough View Post
This is my quote from the other thread where you said you had upgraded trucks: "Now, make sure you have a good wdh/sway control and go make memories (safely) with the family!"

You need both the wdh and sway control for the truck handling and the safety of the occupants.
And the safety of others on the road.
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Old 03-10-2019, 12:44 PM   #15
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To the OP and all the rest of you guys.......When i bought the TT 3 years ago, i was a newbie at hauling Travel Trailers, had a pop up for many years. The dealer offered a WDH or bumper pull with sway bar.Green horn as I was, i didn't ask to many questions and went with the 2nd choice. I Seriously have had 0 problems pulling my Hideout, no sway or whatever, but now after reading this latest post on WDH's, i will be investing in one before i start the season. Like many of you said, for the safety of me and my family and others on the road..Thanks!!!!

Hum, now which one!
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Old 03-10-2019, 01:16 PM   #16
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Which one? Anything is better than nothing, that said I would go equilizer E4. Easy install, easy set up and easy to remove and put on your next one...and there will be a next one, probably bigger.
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Old 03-10-2019, 02:27 PM   #17
ctbruce
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E4, no doubt.
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Old 03-10-2019, 03:13 PM   #18
sourdough
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E4 x 3....
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Old 03-10-2019, 03:21 PM   #19
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Get the E4 with the 1000# bars. As chuckster said be ready for the next RV.
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Old 03-10-2019, 04:45 PM   #20
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I think for a lot of half ton trucks, the manufactures tow guide says a WDH is required to tow.
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