Which WDH to buy
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5617
Printed Date: 15 Jun 2025 at 12:27pm
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Topic: Which WDH to buy
Posted By: Camper Bob
Subject: Which WDH to buy
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 2:43am
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We are finally replacing our 10 year old TV with a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. With the lighter weight and shorter wheelbase of the Pathfinder, I assume a WDH is a must. I was looking at the EAZ -Lift 48058 hitch w/sway control. Any input on this hitch or another would be appreciated. We are pulling a 171 and I believe I weighed it a couple of seasons ago, and with empty water tank but all our "stuff" on board the scale weight was about 2800 lbs. We are downsizing from a tow vehicle of towing 6,800 lbs. to a 5,000 lb. tow capacity. Will be interesting to see the difference in performance. Any suggestions are appreciated. 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 |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 4:42am
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I would recommend the Equalizer 90-00-0400 this is the WDH we used in towing our r-pod model 171. We have changed campers but we stayed with a Equalizer WDH moving one size up to the 90-00-0600. Sometimes you can find them for sale used, we found the WDH we have now on the Forest River owners forum in the classified section.
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 2:25pm
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There are 3 types, WD only, WD with sway resistance, and WD with sway prevention. The one you mentioned is the 1st type, it doesn't have integrated sway control. See a link for RV Wholesalers where they bundle a sway bar with the EZ Lift. The 2nd type would be ones like the Equalizer and E2, the 3rd type is the Reese Dual Cam. ------------- 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: Seanl
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 2:55pm
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I have an E2 that I am happy with. I like to call the E2 a poor mans equalizer. It only has two points of sway resistance. The Equalizer has 4. I don't know of anyone towing an Rpod that is using a WDH with sway prevention like the Reese Dual Cam. The Cam WDH's resist sway by pushing in the oposite direction of the sway. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2014 at 4:43pm
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I've used Eaz Lift hitches for about 25 years. They'll do a good job, but they are pretty old school, and are a little frustrating to set up and readjust until you become familiar with them. The model 48058 has 1000 lb. spring bars and will be more difficult to dial in and might place excess torque on a light trailer with a small frame (4"?) like the Pods. One with 600 lb. or even 800 lb. bars would be more appropriate for a pod, but these models are usually a little closer in price to some of the newer model WDH's. I also must say that I've seen quite a few EAZ Lifts that weren't set up well.
I'm keeping my EAZ Lift for now, but if I were to upgrade to something newer, I might go for an Andersen, as I think they don't creak and groan like some of the other newer design WDH's. Plus, they're considerably lighter than the EAZ Lift. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 9:39am
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Thanks for all the input. The choices are dizzying. I have previously installed an anti-sway device that works just fine. With the shorter wheelbase and lower weight of the TV the EAZ Lift mod. 48052 seems to make sense for me. Should be picking up the new TV by Monday. Again, thanks. 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: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 2:15pm
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OK Camper Bob, if you're going with an EAZ Lift, here are some things to remember to make sure you have set it up correctly:
1. Make sure the spring bars are parallel to the Pod frame when hooked up. 2. Drop 2 or 3 links only when hooked up. If you have more or less links hanging loose, then you're shifting too much or too little weight, and with a smaller tow rig this is crucial. 3. Measure your tow rig's wheel well height without the trailer and then with the WDH hooked up. If there's more than an inch or so difference, then your set up is not good. 4. I always lube the spring bars where they insert into the shank. If you don't do that, then after a couple trips you will notice wear areas where you really should lube. 5. I carry some plastic grocery bags to cover the end of the spring bars when unhitched--saves mess and keeps grit off the bar ends. This stuff has worked for me over the years with the EAZ Lift. Other hitches, I dunno much about. P/S The hitch will often pop once to settle in when you begin towing. Yes, your wife will say "What was that?" If it continues to pop, then your spring bar chains are twisted or you really need to do some adjusting. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 6:44pm
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Thanks for the tips. We pick up the new vehicle tomorrow and then have to re-install the brake controller and then will order the hitch. I believe I had one of those about 25 years ago when we got our first trailer. I will attempt to install the hitch and see how that goes. 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: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 7:00pm
Don't forget. You'll probably have to swap your balls (hope it's not too painfull  ). I think the EAZ lift comes with a 2 5/16" not the Pod size 2".------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 9:32pm
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 9:53pm
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I have a 2013 Pathfinder SV 4WD with factory tow; allow me to point out some lessons learned: 1. You will need an anti-rattle device (you can see it on mine). The receiver on the pathfinder allows for enough play to drive you crazy. I purchased a RoadMaster Quiet Hitch and it works very well: http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_Accessories-sf-Anti~Rattle-hs-Sleeve_Style.aspx 2. I purchased my WDH and anti-sway from Harbor Freight. The price was good and is not too complicated to install:
4. The CVT works quite well and smoothly since it does not need to constantly hunt for gears as does a regular transmission. 5. At some point I plan on upgrading the rear shocks for some Ranchos or similar since it still sags with the WDH a bit more than I like (cars still flash me at night). 6. Chains should be crossed left to right and vice-versa to form a cradle if the hitch were to disconnect/drop, so please ignore the fact I had them wrong when I took this picture :)  |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 10:04pm
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Thanks. Never thought about the rattle before. Maybe didn't have any with the Tahoe receiver. In any event, will keep it in mind. How does turning up the radio work? Seriously, thanks. Now that I think about it, I need to know how your enjoying your Pathfinder? I am coming from a big V8 Tahoe with a 6,800 lb. towing capacity down to a 6 cylinder, with a 5,000 towing capacity. always was able to jam up the long mountain passes at 65 or higher and certainly had lots of passing power. What has been your experience? I'm sure on the flat terrain, it would be fine. However, towing up a long mountain pass, with all the large trucks struggling up at 25 mph. and needing to pass is a concern. Your thoughts? 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: dsmiths
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 10:38pm
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I have read many posts on WDH hitches etc and wonder if I am missing something. It may be because my T.V. has a longer wheel base, but I tow with a simple friction anti sway bar and have never had a problem. I have not towed through mountains or on the plains, but Southern Indiana Is very Hilly and I have towed in 40 mph cross winds and never had a problem with sway. Semi's blow by me sometimes like I am setting still, I feel a little tug but no directional stability problems. I usually stay in the right lane on Interstates and run between 55 and 65, mostly 60 on the flats just for better fuel economy. Have I just been lucky or is it the combo of the T.V. and the light weight 172. P.S. I usually have only about 5 gallons of fresh water on board in case we need to stop for a potty break. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 10:55pm
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I towed my pod for over a year with our Sienna w/o a problem, but one day I got into heavy wind and I wished I had sway control. Getting a WDH with sway control killed 2 problems at one time. You never know when you will finally need 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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Posted By: Greg Smith
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 11:30pm
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I tow a 179 with a V6 Rav4. My long trip was from Central
Washington to Cody, Wyoming and back.
I had changed my old equalizer hitch to a Blue Ox Sway
Pro. ( http://blueox.com/p-1181-swaypro.aspx - http://blueox.com/p-1181-swaypro.aspx
)
We went over three passes above 8000' and a massive
thunder storm. The trailer quietly stayed where it belonged.
It might be a bit pricey, but it is worth every penny to
me.
Greg
http://blueox.com/p-1181-swaypro.aspx - http://blueox.com/p-1181-swaypro.aspx
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 11:42pm
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I can tell you that all we needed with the Tahoe while towing a Pod was an anti-sway device. The longer wheelbase and weight of the TV made the difference. Now downsizing, and after reading many posts by owners who have lighter and shorter wheelbase vehicles, I believe a WDH makes towing no longer a possible white knuckle event. Just looking to be proactive when towing and have all the right tools to be safe. I have given up my wild, motorcycle riding, daredevil days, as I age, for a more comprehensive attitude towards safety. I would rather err on the conservative side, with too much, rather than too little, and possibly becoming a statistic. Didn't we have someone post about an unfortunate accident, a while ago? Wonder if using a WDH would have prevented his accident? Will have to see what long mountain towing scenarios will show. Can't be too safe in my book. 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:58am
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Bob, one consideration might be a bike rack. We use a Swagman 64664 which attaches to WDH shank. I was lucky because i had enough shank length with my Reese WDH. I can't say enough good things about the Swagman. It's a great bike rack. Pic in my signature below. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 9:32am
I ran across this WB Chart that suggests minimums for safe towing. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 11:43am
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Thanks for the chart. I didn't check the wheelbase but I believe I'm OK. I did look at many WDH that others had suggested. Some are quite a bit more expensive. Since they all do about the same job, I am going with the one from Amazon. Will wait till the holidays are over and will then order it. I hope it comes assembled. Since I am approaching my dotage, the hand/brain connections are fraying at the ends. For those who are also approaching their dotage, I'm sure YOU understand. 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: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 2:41pm
If I may offer a couple points.. A) changing your shocks will do nothing to fix squat or ride height. Ride height is strictly a function of springs, shocks only control movement of the body around the springs lift. B) if you are using a WDH, and you are getting flashed at night, and still have rear squat, you do not have the WDH adjusted properly. Your WDH set up instructions should tell you to do your set up on a flat surface, and measure the ride height at the fender wells front and rear, then hook up, and adjust the WDH until it's distributing the weight across the axles evenly, as evidenced by the static ride height being the same after hook up as when not hooked up. ------------- |
Posted By: podmeister
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 6:18pm
| I bought our base model Pod on a year-end sale this fall. It's the basic RP-172 model, 2128 # unloaded weight and 244# hitch weight. Have not had it out yet and plan a lengthy trip (about 4K miles total) starting in May. My TV is a 2013 Ford F150, 5.0 V8. I'm not getting clear recommendation from the dealer on whether I should invest in wt distributing hitch/sway control before that long trip. Any thoughts or recommendations? |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 6:53pm
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Thank you for that information. I had the mechanic from the RV dealer install the WDH for me when I bought it. I assumed he did it correctly, but will re-check this spring when I de-winterize for the next season. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:28pm
I don't know a better way to put this.. but it goes like this.. You will not, on paper, need a WDH. However... Many, like us, who for sure do not need a WDH on paper, like the way the pod tows with one. Our eX has 9000 lb tow rating and has the "heavy duty tow package" option. It doesn't for a minute need a WDH, in fact we towed 2 years with our old eX, just on a standard hitch. But we owned a WDH for our Airstream, and I decided to use it with the Pod.. have not hooked up without it in the last two years. The eX definitely rides better with it. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 8:21pm
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Welcome. +1 to what furpod said. You can see below what I towed my pod with, and it rode much better with the WDH. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2014 at 4:46am
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Yes to above,we have a Ram 1500 and using a WDH the truck rides and handles better. We tow a Vibe but very close in weight and length of the 20' r-pods. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2014 at 6:33pm
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I would agree with most of the posters above. We tow our Pod with a Ford Expeditiion EL with the HD towing package. We have towed our Pod more than 25,000 miles all over the country and always have used an Equalizer 4 point WDH(600# tongue weight model). I know it is way overkill, but I hardly know the Pod is behind us. The WDH helps to make the Pod totally steady. I think our WDH cost about $500 when the dealer installed it 3 years ago. I think it's the best insurance we have purchased. I may not need it-but I wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable without it. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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