difference between pro series 49901 vs 49903
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Topic: difference between pro series 49901 vs 49903
Posted By: pawntan
Subject: difference between pro series 49901 vs 49903
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 8:40pm
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can anyone explain the difference between 49901 vs 49903 WDH ?
I need to buy WDH for my R-pod 178 , towing with Chrysler Town Country.
Can anyone explain the difference between pro series 49901 vs 49903 below ? It seems like if the price is the same, and the weight of the product is the same , then it's a no brainer to choose with the max TW, that is 49903 http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/PS49901.html - Pro Series Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 550 lbs TW Pro Series Weight Distribution PS49901 vs http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/PS49903.html - Pro Series Weight Distribution System w Friction Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW Pro Series Weight Distribution PS49903 I think I'm missing something here. Otherwise, no one would buy 49901 Can somebody explain ? |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 9:49pm
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Well I'm no expert here, but...my understanding is that a proper spring bar rating should be matched to the TW application it's being applied to so the system will perform properly. On the other hand some will say it doesn't matter because it can be adjusted. More is not necessarily better in this situation.
I happen to think it does matter. My TV hitch is rated at 6,000 lbs and has a rated TW of 600 pounds, assuming the proper WDH is applied, according to the hitch manufacture. So the difference is in the rating of the spring bars. A 1,000 pound rated bar is almost twice as stiff over a 550 and that is going to have an effect on how it rides and how it fits the application. For me and my application... i would buy the PS49901 because I believe the rating is matched better for my situation. It's all about balance. But don't take my word for it...here is the long technical answer. Good luck! http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/hitches/towing-weight-distribution-systems.htm - How Towing Weight Distribution Systems Work - HowStuffWorks ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 10:23pm
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Thanks podster, This sentence (from article above) really cause me to scratch my head. I need an illustration, and example how can it be dangerous. "For example, if the weight distribution system has a 1,000 pound (454 kilogram) tongue weight capacity but the trailer is loaded with only 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of tongue weight with 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of cargo in the trunk of the towing vehicle, you're about 650 pounds (295 kilograms) under the rating. That can make the distribution unpredictable and dangerous" It really does not make any sense. I agree that it can have stiff ride, but unpredictable/dangerous reasoning just does not make some sense. I need some explanation like "imagine... " |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 10:44pm
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It's a lever. And if the lever is to strong it will brake stuff. DO NOT get the 1000 pound bars for a pod. "Imagine" if there was a solid bar connecting the tv to the pod, and you hit a bump, and there was no give.. pod gets wailed. Now, "imagine" the bar has give.. the pod doesn't get wailed.. ------------- |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:23pm
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I have also heard that over sized spring bars and/or over adjustment can actually make the rear axle of the TV raise off the ground and of course, if that happens, its probably won't end well.
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:24pm
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Nice explanation, thank you furpod, now I can imagine. How about the fact that 49901 is rated for 10000lb trailer weight, and the pod is only 2600lb. Would that cause any issue ? |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:29pm
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regarding the raising of rear axle. that reminds me of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI So thanks for the valuable tips, my economic sense almost got me into trouble |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:32pm
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Yep, I've seen that one...towing in a severe crosswind, that rig should have never been on the road given those conditions. ...this is my fav... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyXgMal3C1U - Car Pulling Trailer Smoking ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:39pm
The only difference between the two, is the size and stiffness rating of the transfer bars. The mounting head is the same. The issue would be in the bars not deflecting, and then transferring the shock and impact of the road surface into the pod frame and structure. this is a mistake made in the 'stream world from time to time, by owners who don't ask, just go with the gut feeling that bigger must be better.. and then they have popped rivets after every tow.. we talk them into getting lighter bars.. and walla.. happy campers. ------------- |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2015 at 11:54pm
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how about the 10000 lb rating trailer weight rating, does that cause any issue? what do you all use for WDH anyway ?
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 5:37am
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I think that would be only strength of hitch in that it would handle a 10,000 lb. trailer,it would not effect how trailer or TV handled while towing. We use the Equalizer WDH with 4 point sway control. We used the 4,000 lb - 400 lb. rated hitch with the 171 r-pod and with our Vibe we use the 6,000 lb.- 600 lb. rated hitch. Watching the Video of the trailer that was blown over by the wind that is something the r-pods and Vibes have a advantage with in having the wheels on the outside of the trailer, it gives more stability. ------------- 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: pawntan
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 9:02am
| can you please tell your hitch brand and model? |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 11:09am
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I want to address Pawntan's second post and question-he said "this sentence (from article above) really cause me to scratch my head. I need an illustration, and example how can it be dangerous. "For example, if the weight distribution system has a 1,000 pound (454 kilogram) tongue weight capacity but the trailer is loaded with only 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of tongue weight with 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of cargo in the trunk of the towing vehicle, you're about 650 pounds (295 kilograms) under the rating. That can make the distribution unpredictable and dangerous" It really does not make any sense. I agree that it can have stiff ride, but unpredictable/dangerous reasoning just does not make some sense. I need some explanation like "imagine... "" I think this sentence is addressing a light tongue weight and how it affects the weight distribution system. A weight distribution system works by transferring(distributing) part of the tongue weight forward to the front axle of the tow vehicle and back to the trailer axle. tongue weight is important in the overall handling of the trailer. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will tend to have more sway and be less stable while being towed. So it stands to reason that if the tongue weight is too light, the weight distribution system is also not functioning properly because there is not enough force(weight) to be distributed back to the tow vehicle front axle or trailer axle. This is another example of buying a weight distribution system that is too strong for the intended purpose. As a result, it doesn't work as effectively as desired. I hope this helps Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 11:12am
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I should have also said that we use the Equalizer 4 point hitch also. We use the 6000 /600 unit and love it. I felt the 4000/400 unit was too close to the limit for our loaded 173 model R Pod Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 4:17pm
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If I am being asked, I use a Reese Hitch, with 550lb round bars. I do not use hitch mounted sway control. Again.. the only difference between these two kits is the size/rating of the transfer bar. DO NOT buy an oversized bar. Get the 550/600 lb kit for your pod. If in the future you buy a much larger heavier TT, all you have to do is source the round bars with the heavier rating. ------------- |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 4:43pm
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I also use the 4000 lb-400lb 4 point sway control Equalizer WDH. The reason for the size, I will never get a bigger trailer. They also told me if I would use a 10000 lb WDH on a small Trailer you can over torque the WDH and bend the frame of the trailer , TV or both. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 6:55pm
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When I was choosing my WDH I contacted the Equalizer/E2 manufacturer (they make both) and they confirmed there would be no problem going with a higher-rated WDH. I went with the 6000/600 instead of the 4000/400. I wouldn't go with a 10,000/1000 model, that would be too stiff IMO. If you think you'll move up to a larger camper in the future then go with a 6000/600 model. However, you can over-adjust the pod or TV with a 4000/400 or 10,000/1000. If the hitch head is too high on the shank, the pod's tongue will be too high. Tilt the hitch head too much or raise the L brackets (Equalizer/E2) or chains (other brands) too much and you'll put too much weight on the front axle of the TV and take too much off of the rear axle. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2015 at 9:05am
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Here is a good video by Curt on proper WDH setup and adjustment... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkewkvU8Ot8 - Proper
Setup of a WDH by Curt ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2015 at 3:38pm
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Thank you all for the help. Now I have another decision to make. Can you please share your experience ? See: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5873&PID=57106#57106 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5873&PID=57106#57106 |
Posted By: pawntan
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2015 at 12:38pm
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Does any one have any experience with Andersen WDH ? http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/andersen-nosway-weight-distribution-hitch.aspx - http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/andersen-nosway-weight-distribution-hitch.aspx It looks like what I want : light weight, easy to install, easy to un hook. Is it true that the TV and trailer can back up at an angle to hook ? I haven't bought any WDH yet. I can see that is a big plus. It will be hard to back up the TV to be perfectly in line and not making an angle ? But maybe all WDH is like that ? It is hard enough to make the ball meet the trailer socket already. If pro series requires that TV and trailer can not make an angle while backing up, that will require more go forward-backup cycle . edit: made the link clickable - techntrek ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2015 at 1:12pm
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I hadn't seen that one before. I'm curious how that system allows any turning motion. It looks like it may have rubber stops on the ends of the chains but I can't see how they would allow several inches of movement. ------------- 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: pawntan
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2015 at 3:30pm
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2015 at 4:29pm
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I seriously doubt I have ever been deadnuts same degree accurate with my angle when backing in. In fact I am pretty sure at least once I have been at least 10 degrees out.. I have even been known to kick the pod tongue sideways a few inches if needed to get over the ball. It's not rocket science.. a million TT owners will hook up and go somewhere this month.. with no issues. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2015 at 8:53pm
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I can't speak for the Anderson but with my E2 and Dual Cam there is no issue hooking up at an angle. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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