Weight distribution hitch
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=1374
Printed Date: 08 May 2024 at 12:39am
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Topic: Weight distribution hitch
Posted By: techntrek
Subject: Weight distribution hitch
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2010 at 10:59pm
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I finally broke down and bought an Equalizer E2 weight distribution hitch. For years I've been relying on air bags in my rear springs, but my last 4-hour trip convinced me to get some sway control. Figured if I was going to add sway control I might as well go all the way and get a WDH. A friend of mine helped to install it, he's a mechanic so he has the tools to get it done (you need a thin-wall socket to install the ball, and several bolts need very high torque). It took about 3 1/2 hours to dial it in, we had to take it apart 3-4 times to get everything close to right. I'm still not happy with the angle of the 'pod, its still a little nose-high. But, the van is right where it should be and the ride is 100% better than before. I took a few pics which I'll post later. Edit: at the time I wrote this I had a 2003 Toyota Sienna, and the WDH was a huge improvement in safety and ride quality. When I moved to a 2010 Suburban I tried towing with and w/o the WDH and found the ride quality was still much better with it in place, so I continue to use it.------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 10:24am
The parts. I was worried they wouldn't all be there, the box arrived in less-than-optimal shape and one part fell out when I unloaded it at my friend's house. All was OK, and I added another important part (the brown bottle).
 We discovered my swing-up jack wouldn't clear the first bolt on the bracket when it was in the "up" position. A few minutes with a hack saw took care of that.
 The setup as it stands now. I still need to get the nose of the 'pod lower, and have room on the hitch to make the adjustment, but after taking it apart several times already we were done for the day. I'm debating getting the axle risers, which if installed will require the hitch to be completely disassembled so for now I'm going to keep it as-is. I have a 2 1/2 hour trip this weekend as a test run. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: tdrace
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 6:44pm
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I have got one just like it. Love it,it is very easy to operate. Best of luck on your test run. ------------- tdrace's 2018 180 2010 FORD F150 V-8 equalizer e-2 hitch Sisters on the Fly #1569 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 9:44pm
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I moved my WDH with sway control from my Jeep Liberty to my new Chevy pickup. I found that the sway control arms aren't really necessary while hauling the pod with a full-sized pickup. But I prefer to use the WDH because the class III hitch on the WDH is so much more robust than any standard class III hitch. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 10:42pm
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I have the same hitch. When the dealer added the Axle risers it didn't change enough to make need and adjustment on the Hitch. I have before and after pictures and the risers made it more level (brought the back end up). That was my experience, your vehicle may be different. I'd take a wide angle picture before you add risers with WDH, and take another picture then judge for yourself after you add them. Lee  ------------- Still a work in progress, lots of pictures. http://podterfly.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 1:47pm
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Doug,
Your E2 hitch doesn't look like my E2 hitch - the arms are similar, but the hitch component is different. Can't tell if the shank is the same style from your photo. Here are pics of my unit (less the frame connectors), note the hitch has pockets to insert the arms and flanges around the shank. 
Close up: 
Walt ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 3:00pm
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Your arms look completely different, which would explain the hitch difference. I wonder if they sold me a regular Equalizer but labelled it the E2??? Mine are straight, about 1 inch by 1 inch by 2 feet long (guesstimates, not measured). The end that goes into the hitch head looks like your arm does if you make a fist.
Your shank looks thinner, but that must be an illusion from the gravel. I'll bring my spare for comparison next week. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 7:11pm
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We got all our hitch components from Curt, a very respected company, via Amazon. Much less expensive than having an RV dealer sell them to you. Our WD hitch is rated for a 10,000 lb. GVW, and a 600 lb. tongue weight- Well over the capacities we expect from our Jeep Grand Cherokee and our RP 177, but more is better, as they say. Tows at 60 mph without a wiggle or a waggle. That's fast enough for me. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 8:33pm
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The hitch shank is 2x2". The length of the part with holes is 10", add the shank at 2" and the thing is 12" from to to bottom.
The ends of the arms, bent up, go into cylinders on the hitch itself. The notches interact with detents on the hitch cylinders. I'll bring the set up with me, too. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 8:37pm
This is the round bar E2 hitch Doug's is the Trunnion style which is the same one I have. Both work but the round bar is usually less expensive. The shanks are the same though the hitch head is less massive on the round bar.
------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 10:26pm
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Are the shanks the same or interchangeable? ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 10:10am
Yes the shanks are the same size and interchangeable. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2012 at 10:00am
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I went with the Trunnion style version because someone mentioned it provides more ground clearance than the round-bar style version. Yes, the Trunnion style is more expensive.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2013 at 3:37pm
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We drove from New York to Florida a couple of weeks ago. There were some frightening times when the RPod started to wag back and forth. We got it under control by using the electric brake,,,but we still are not happy with the sway. We have an antisway on the RPod, the kind you have to crank,,,but it didn't do what we wanted to do. So we are looking to buy an equalizer hitch. My question is,,,they have them for a tongue weight of 600 pounds. We have a 177,,,what is our tongue weight? Is the 600/6000 fastway e2 hitch too much? We have two major trips coming up in February so we want to purchase it and install it. Help? ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2013 at 7:09pm
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I have the 600/6000 E2. The manufacturer confirms that getting one rated heavier than your actual tongue weight is ok (the pod is under 300). I wanted to get something rated heavier for when we eventually move to something heavier.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: tsunami123
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2013 at 10:11am
 This is a screen capture of your shank...You should be able to adjust the height of the ball shank by a couple of inches if your shank is like mine. The anchor bolts are inserted into slots and holes and held by humungous star washers. I had to move down at least one hole to move the Pod tongue down enough. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2013 at 1:38pm
That was on my old TV. When I got my new one I had to buy a much longer shank - which actually wasn't quite long enough even though it is the one their online tool recommended. You can compare your pic above with this pic:
 ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 4:23pm
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Paige - check out the Andersen hitch. I've been pleased with mine. Installs easily, doesn't need special tools or a lot of adjustment. To put on/take off you only have to tighten or loosen two nuts with a supplied socket. ------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: duck42
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 2:24pm
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Dan: Glad to see your post, I have been considering purchasing the Andersen Weight distribution hitch. Is the model # 3339 the correct one for an RPOD? Did you have to add or take of any chain links in the installation? Wayne ------------- duck42 |
Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 3:09pm
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I'm fairly sure I bought the 3339 from hitchanything .com for $395 including shipping (I can't find my paperwork). You can call andersen and ask, they were very helpful when I had questions. To figure the drop/rise needed: A. With your trailer level, measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler and subtract 1". B. Then measure from the ground to the top of your receiver (top of 2" square). C. The difference between the first and second measurements will tell you what size drop you will need (below). If the difference is 4 "or less, then the 4" shank will work for your set up (in drop or rise position) If the difference is between 4" and 8", then the 8" drop will work for your set up (in drop or rise position) You can add up to an extra 1/2" if your trailer tongue load is greater than 600 lbs. I did not need to add or drop links but I did need to move the surge brake coupler because it wasn't center on the frame and interfered with the bracket. I also moved it a few inches toward the pod just for my convenience. Just one metal screw so it's not a problem. The only problem I've had is the frame brackets sliding forward because I didn't tighten the set screws enough. ------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: duck42
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 3:15pm
Thanks, That's what it looked like to me also, just need to move the surge brake mount out of the way. Is it necessary to weld the bracket to the frame (or drill and bolt it) or can it be tightened enough to hold the bracket's position on the frame? Wayne ------------- duck42 |
Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 3:46pm
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I'm planning on drilling a hole and bolting it just to be done with it. The set screws should work if tightened enough.
------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 7:58am
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We drove our 177 from New York to Florida this past December. We had an antisway hitch that came with it and no matter how hard we cranked it, we still could go barely over 60 and with any winds or a big trucinpassingus, our pod swayed all over the place. We have lots of travel plans while here in Florida ( right now we are in Key Largo) and we didn't want to be worried while driving. Found an Equalizer Hitch 600/6000 on craigslist and bought it and installed it before we drove across Florida from Fort Myers. What a difference!!!! No swaying, no worries. We had o big camper before our RPod with an equalizer hitch and it was easier pulling it than the RPod,,,when it had the antisway crank thing. So glad we invested in the Equalizer!!!
W had called Forest River and they said the antisway would stop 90% of the swaying,,,don't believe them. if you are wondering whether to invest in an Equalizer, don't wonder, just do it. Our stress level went to zero! ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 10:27am
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I've heard a lot of people, including my dealer, say the $50 anti sway bars that attach to the existing hitch don't work well, if at all. ------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: bhamster
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 11:39am
They won't fix a sway issue if you have one (bad loading, improper trailer angle, etc). But it helps significantly to stabilize the trailer in wind and make the TV and trailer feel more like a single vehicle. If I forget to tighten mine I notice it right away (Not because of sway, it just feels sloppier without) |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 12:18pm
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We purchased the $50 anti-sway device and it works just fine. I think the dealer was looking for a big sale. Remember what P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute." Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 2:00pm
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The dealer didn't try to sell me anything else. What he said was "you don't need one for your Xterra and they don't work very well anyway." He was right, I really didn't have any sway issues with either the Xterra or the Tacoma. I bought the Andersen WD/anti sway hitch for added safety factor. I'm glad I did because now the ride 'feels' better. ------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2013 at 7:24pm
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With our "new" equalizer hitch, we drove from Fort Myers to Key Largo,,,then up to Jacksonville, and then back to Fort Myers with nary a wiggle or a waggle. It was such a big difference from when we drove our pod down from New York with just that cranking sway bar thing. It was such a relief not to be worried about every truck passing us or if it was windy! Can't say enough good things about having an equalizer hitch!! ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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