Hitch ball mount question
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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703
Printed Date: 14 May 2025 at 12:42pm
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Topic: Hitch ball mount question
Posted By: Mirado
Subject: Hitch ball mount question
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 6:39pm
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I am currently using a hitch ball mount assembly which came with a previously owned 28-foot 8000 lb + Rockwood trailer. I am now pulling an Rpod 181G, and I think my setup is overkill. For one thing, it is very heavy - I can still lift it, but I'm not getting any younger. It is also one of the adjustable-height units, which I don't think I need. I like to remove it whenever I'm not towing, even when at a campground (I keep banging my knees and shins on it). I am considering purchasing a lighter weight unit, but I am wondering how changing the length of the shank (distance from the receiver to the ball) will affect towing. Most of the ball mounts I've looked at are considerably shorter than what I am now using. Is is better to have a shorter or longer shank? I'm thinking I could reduce my hitch weight by about 40 pounds with a simpler setup, allowing me carry more cargo instead. Any suggestions? ------------- Miriam and Doug 2015 Rpod 181G Silverado 1500 |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 8:24pm
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Look at the Andersen No-Sway hitch. It is probably the lightest weight distribution with sway control hitch available that I know of. Another option would be to go with a regular ball hitch if the suspension of the Silverado is up to it and go with a Hayes Sway-Master electronic sway control or some other brand of electronic sway control. You could team that with a simple weight distribution hitch if that would save any weight, but I don't know if it would.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 5:36am
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To answer your original question, with a standard hitch the shorter the distance between the receiver and the ball the better because that will shorten the lever arm between the trailer hitch and the tow vehicle rear axle. That lever is trying to rotate the front of your TV upwards, which is putting less weight on the front axle and more on the rear. Doesn't sound like you're using a weight distribution hitch. which would change things a bit because those more than compensate for their longer ball to receiver distance by creating a downward counter rotating torque on the front of the TV. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Mirado
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 7:21am
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My existing hitch is a WDH system, but I don't use the spring bars because they are too long and large for the rpod - I needed them with the former trailer. But that's why I have this large and heavy hitch. I've read all the discussions about WDH systems, but after pulling the bigger trailer, the rpod was such a breeze to tow I felt I didn't need it. My Silverado is rated for 11,000 pounds towing. I've towed the rpod over 10,000 miles so far and I feel comfortable with it as is. Meanwhile, I'll not worry too much about the ball mount length and shop for something that I'll still be able to lift in a few years. Thanks for your input. ------------- Miriam and Doug 2015 Rpod 181G Silverado 1500 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 12:41pm
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If you're OK without a WDH (and the Silverado should be able to deal with it), then just figure out what amount of drop you need, and get a conventional hitch/ball. Shorter will be better (and without the WDH, it will be lighter). ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 1:01pm
Walmart is ready when you are!!! 
------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |