WD hitches
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
Forum Discription: Find r-pod reviews and new product announcements here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9004
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 4:05am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: WD hitches
Posted By: Steve 911
Subject: WD hitches
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 10:16pm
|
Hi all, We are in the market for a 2017 180, and I'm hearing and seeing that very few TV's pulling pods are not using weight distribution hitches. I know each situation is different because of the tow vehicle and tongue weight etc., but I'm thinking I would definitely use a anti-sway bar but might hold off with the WD hitch and see how it goes. I don't want to be unsafe however I also don't want to go through the hassle of hooking and unhooking a WD hitch if I don't have to...old guy here. lol Any thoughts? You input would be valuable and most appreciated. My tow vehicle is a 2016 highlander XL V-6 awd with factory tow pkg. Thanks, Steve ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 10:41pm
|
You might want to consider the Andersen No-Sway hitch. It is lighter. I have the Equal-i-zer 4-way stabilization hitch, and the hitch head is heavy. The bars are manageable, but do require space for storage also. While the Equal-i-zer performs well, I have read good things about the Andersen hitch. The fact that it would be a lot lighter and easier to connect would be a great plus. The additional advantage of a hitch with anti-sway over a sway bar is that backing can be done with the hitch without needing to get out and loosen or remove the sway bar. The Highlander is rated for 5,000 lbs. if I understand correctly. Even so, the equalization hitch may make it ride better than just a sway bar with no equalization. ------------- 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: Donnie
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 6:22am
|
We were having trouble finding a WD hitch that had the right tongue weight (more is not better). We pull with a F150 4x4. With the gearing we have way more pulling capacity than is needed. The dealer actually talked me out of the WD hitch and told me to pull our 180 home (1.5 hrs) before I decided to buy one. He was right, with an adjustable height ball hitch and only 300 pounds of tongue weight it all sits level and pulls great at 55 - 65 mph. At 70+ there is more of a head wind resistance that we feel, but not at 65. Wind dynamics I guess...and a WD hitch will not fix that. But I am thinking of installing a sway controller. The trailer does not sway during normal driving, even passing, or being passed by 18 wheelers. But the Boy Scout in me (Be Prepared) says I need something. Also, the engineer in me wants to experiment and gather data to make an informed decision. I wanted to test how much sway would be introduced if I were to swerve to miss something on the road. So on our last trip I slowed down to 60 and jerked the steering wheel a bit as if trying to miss something on the highway. The look on Tina's face stated two obvious facts: 1. I should have warned her what I was doing. 2. The back end of the trailer going in and out of her side mirror was outside of her comfort zone and needed something to control it. Oh yea... 40 years of marriage to this lovely lady this December and I am still learning...
------------- Donnie & Tina Hill 2016 R-Pod 180 "STAR POD" sold 2018 Ford F-150 STX 2013 Ford F-150 Eco-Boost 2020 R-Pod 192 “STAR POD 2” 2020 Coachmen Apex 265RBSS Deep Run, NC |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 8:40am
You are in my "You may not need WDH, but you'll want it" group. The F150 will tow fine without, but the WDH will smooth out the porpoising and greatly improve the ride. Many members here with 1/2 ton PUs have begun without WD and come to the above conclusion. My preference is the 600/6000 E2 hitch from Fastway but there are others. They integrate WD and sway control in one simple unit. The standalone friction sway devices usually have to be disconnected when backing up, but the integrated types don't have to. The Andersen is gaining popularity but it is proving good on sway and not so good on WD. However this might be fine for your situation. Also, Andersen has been experiencing some issues with their friction cones. Follow us on http://www.livinlite-owners.com/posts/recent - http://www.livinlite-owners.com/posts/recent and search for Andersen and WDH. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Donnie
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 8:56am
|
I spoke to E2 and was cautioned at purchasing a 600 pound tongue weight hitch for a camper that only weighed 300 on the tongue. The dealer told me the same thing. I agree the WD makes it a solid feel which is why I wanted it originally. I have pulled heavier campers and would not have wanted to tow them without WD. But the heavier rear suspension on the 4x4 feels solid with this lite camper. If I could find the correctly sized hitch for less than $400 I would buy it just for the added insurance but the only correctly sized hitch I found was $900 so I opted out. Does anyone know of a 300 lb hitch less than $500? ------------- Donnie & Tina Hill 2016 R-Pod 180 "STAR POD" sold 2018 Ford F-150 STX 2013 Ford F-150 Eco-Boost 2020 R-Pod 192 “STAR POD 2” 2020 Coachmen Apex 265RBSS Deep Run, NC |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 9:49am
|
We have the Equal-i-zer hitch. It is rated at 600 lb tongue weight and 6000 lb capacity. You could look for a 400/4000 lb hitch. Equal-i-zer makes one of those also. With the 180, I would go with the 600/6000 or equivalent. Progress Manufacturing is the maker of both the Equal-i-zer hitch and the Fastway E2 hitch. You can find better prices for hitches on Amazon. ------------- 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: CharlieM
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 10:06am
|
I have to raise the BS flag here. Hundreds or more owners use the 600/6000 class WDHs on Pods and similarly weighted trailers. True the larger 1000/10000 hitches are overkill, uncomfortable, and maybe stressing, but the 600/6000 class is very satisfactory for Pods. Remember that when you add two propane tanks, dual batteries, some water in the WH and three tanks, and all your personal stuff you will be pushing up toward the 3500# axle rating. Keeping at the 10-15% tongue weight rule you will well within the E2 range. If you want a truth check, load the camper for normal camping and weigh the tongue. You will be surprised. I don't know who you spoke to at the Progressive, but others have gotten very different advice from the same source.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 12:12pm
|
+1 When I tried weighing the tongue weight on my 179, admittedly with a method using a bathroom scale and boards which gives me a rough idea but is not as precise as I would like, I came up with a tongue weight of about 500 lbs. The 600/6000 is not out of line for that but the 400/4000 would not be good. One of these days, I will get a proper scale so I can better adjust how I load things to get the weight where I want it. I have dual 6V batteries, one propane tank, a Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray for a Generac iX2000 generator plus other items that we carry. I think that once you add everything you want to add, you may find that the lighter weight hitch might just be inadequate. ------------- 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: TheBum
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 12:29pm
|
We pull our 179 with a 2012 Highlander V6 2WD with tow package and after first using an EazLift WDH and separate sway bar, we switched to the Fastway E2, which replaced both. We're using the 600/6000 round bar model and love it! My wife hated setting up with the old WDH, but she's commented several times how easy the E2 is to set up.
Tongue weight is going to greatly depend on what you have on the tongue in the way of propane tanks and batteries. We're still using a single 20-lb tank, but we're running dual 6V golf cart batteries. Each of those batteries is heavier than the single battery that came with the Pod, so battery weight more than doubled with the switch. |
Posted By: Donnie
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 2:52pm
Spoke with the folks at E2 at lunch today. Very informative. Charlie is correct on the 1000 hitch being overkill and E2 suggest that the 800 "could be" overkill as well. But one thing I did learn from them that I never thought of, tongue weight on the hitch data sheet is not only the tongue weight itself, but any additional weight in the tow vehicle that is behind the rear axle. That is why they say the 600/6000 hitch is the right size for the 300 + lb tongue weight of the pods.... very interesting. The load leveling aspect not only needs to account for the trailer tongue weight, but also lifting the rear of the tow vehicle if it is weighed down. I have been relieved of some ignorance... not all, but some!  ------------- Donnie & Tina Hill 2016 R-Pod 180 "STAR POD" sold 2018 Ford F-150 STX 2013 Ford F-150 Eco-Boost 2020 R-Pod 192 “STAR POD 2” 2020 Coachmen Apex 265RBSS Deep Run, NC |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 4:27pm
|
Our TV is a Tundra with 5.7L engine and tow package including integrated anti-sway. We've used the E2 600# round bar from the get-go with, first, our 171 and, now, our 180. Yes, I've towed both without the bars (to/from a dealer about 10 highway miles away) and I wasn't nearly as comfortable as when I'm using the bars. Speeds without were around 60; any faster and I could see "wiggling" plus passing semis was a noticeable experience. With the bars, the TV and trailer were as one unit. My typical highway speeds are around 62-63 in 5th (6-spd tranny). IMHO, the 600# size E2 is definitely the sweet spot for RPods. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Shelpod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:41pm
|
I am not familiar with any other WDH but I am very happy with the Andersen WHD that I have on my 178. I bought used and it came with the hitch so I didn't do any research. The Andersen is easy to put on once you get the hitch height correct for your tow vehicle. I came from a small popup tent trailer so never used a WHD before. I can tell a real difference, particularly with porpoising when I don't use it plus I can backup without any issues. i would definitely recommend looking into that hitch. ------------- Pod: 2013 178 TV: 2014 Explorer Limited with tow package |
Posted By: Steve 911
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 9:13pm
|
Thanks everyone for your responses. ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Posted By: Weekend Warrior
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 12:50pm
|
Ive been pulling my RPOD 180 around for several months now. I picked it up in Denver and drove 450 miles on I-25 at 65 mph. No issues and no sway or distribution hitch. It tracks straight behind my truck. I took a trip to Vegas and went up I-40 for 500 miles, again, no issues. Drove from Vegas to San Diego on all the big interstates (I-15), again no issues. Drove from San Diego east on I-8 to I-10 to Phoenix and no issues. From Phoenix to New Mexico another long haul and no issues. If I were you, I'd haul it around a while to see how you feel. Sometimes people like to place doubts in your decisions and as a result, you spend money you might not have to. The best advise I can offer is to keep the speed at 65mph and make sure you criss cross your towing chains and always, always, always place a safety pin or lock on your locking lever to make sure your hitch doesn't pop off the ball on a bumpy road surface.
|
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 3:28pm
|
Weekend Warrior, Please don't extrapolate your experience with a truck towing to people towing with other vehicles. I am sure that the tow characteristics of your Chevy Colorado with the diesel is different than that of Steve 911 with a Toyota Highlander or than mine with our Ford Escape. The advice you offer at the end is valid, regardless of whether someone uses a plain ball hitch, a ball hitch with a friction stabilizer, or a WD hitch with stabilization. For my part, I limit the speed to 60 mph, mainly because the AeroPlus instructions say that I should do so to prevent damage to it. Our mileage is better also for doing so. As for the locking lever, one way to make sure that the hitch is properly connected is to try to lift the hitch and back of the TV attached with it. For me, this happens when I raise it up to put the bars on our Equal-i-zer hitch. I always use a lock and then I always cross the chains. ------------- 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: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 6:42pm
|
i immediately wanted no less than sway control when i bought my trailer. i got both WD w/ anti sway. i remember as a youngster i was in the very back of my dads station wagon. we pulled the trailer all over in those days, never an issue. well, this day, i think he might of gotten a little close to the edge of the road and either it was spongy or maybe he barely caught the shoulder, we were never sure. As i looked out the rear window at a trailer whipping back and forth, left to right, like it was a giant monster trying to find a way into the vehicle it scared the crap outta me. i hope to never see anything like that again, and i would rather " waste " money on possibly making sure that this 1 in a 100 situation is avoided if possible. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 7:44pm
|
Something similar happened to my dad. We were young and sleeping in the back of our station wagon. I understand that the trailer almost jackknifed. It was not long after that that my parents sold the trailer and got a truck camper. I have always erred on the side of safety because of this. I would rather have sway control and not need it than to need sway control and not have it.
------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2016 at 9:27pm
|
For all TVs it is best to have at least a sway bar. As the saying goes, if you suddenly need it one day and don't have it, its too late. A WDH is a must for a minivan or light truck, and even with a full-sized truck it improves the ride quality even if it isn't technically needed. I always used it when I towed my pod with my Suburban. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2016 at 10:22pm
|
I'm going to repost this from a few weeks ago because I think there is too strong a bias in favor of WDHs and sway bars around here. Maybe there should be a favorable bias, but from my own experience they aren't always necessary. And while the notion that you may not know you need it until it's too late may be true, it's also no guarantee that even with a WDH and sway control you won't have issues. You can argue that I've been lucky -- and I certainly won't suggest that I have any special expertise or experience, but I do have a good bit of experience without a WDH or sway control, and now I have some experience with them both. So, for what it's worth, here's my response to a similar subject a few weeks ago:
Having 10% to 15% of the trailer weight on the tongue is most
important. This is completely anecdotal, but I tow a 176 with a 6 cyl.
FJ Cruiser. I've towed (my Pod) roughly 20,000 miles without a WDH or sway
control and never had an issue. I'd occasionally notice a bit of sway,
but nothing more than slightly attention-getting. Really, hardly
noticeable. I guess I noticed a bit of porpoising, but again, more as a
technical point of observation than even annoying. I've read this forum for several years and I've seen all the posts about how important or at least what a good idea a WDH hitch with sway control is, so this fall I bought a Fastway E2 600 and set it all up and took off from Nashville to the Rockies in New Mexico and Colorado. About 4000 miles of windy interstates and over several 12,000+ foot passes, and back. I'm not sure I could tell the difference with the WDH or without it. I suppose maybe I could a little bit, and now that I've got it I'll keep using it for a while at least, but honestly, I can't say it was worth $300 or more. As they say, maybe it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, but it's something you can add later. I suggest you try your combination without a WDH for a while and see what you think. My impression of the Fastway E2 is that it's a great piece of work. If you think you need a WDH, even though this is the only one I've ever tried, I'd recommend it. I'm not sure everyone needs it though. I'll add that being careful and using common sense whenever you're on the road is the ultimate safety consideration; more so when towing. Never forget that that trailer is back there. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Weekend Warrior
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2016 at 11:25pm
|
Last week I posted basically the same thing your saying and I kinda got what felt like a tongue lashing. Since I'm thick skinned, I paid no attention to the critic. I really think everyone should tow their trailers around a few miles and decide if you want to add sway bars and hitch equalizers. Before placing down the cash and getting raked over the coals for $300-$500 bills, go shopping on eBay or Craig's list for some used stuff. There's tons of You Tube videos out there that explain how to install them. Heck, even your local RV dealer may have some used stuff on hand they can sell you. Doesn't hurt to ask. In the mean time, remember never to place too much load towards the rear of your trailer or you'll have the problem of losing total control of your rig. ------------- |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 9:22am
|
I think many have missed the point of the distance between the axles of the tow vehicles. The longer the distance the less need for a WDH. That being said, we tow with a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. Not too short but no means as long as a truck chassis. We have used an Eaz-lift WDH with sway control for years. Did recently travel w/o the sway control and although the Pod tracked just fine, there were a few instances when I did notice the lack of sway control. Although nothing came unglued including me, I saw the difference. I have gotten tired of installing the heavy torsion bars and then connecting up the anti-sway contraption. To that end, we recently switched to an Andersen hitch. Pulls the same but installation is quite a bit easier and I am very happy with the new hitch. I cannot speak highly enough for the Anderson. A little pricey, but when you consider the price of your TV, trailer, your lives, etc. it seems a small price to pay for "being prepared." I was a Cub scout and that was also our motto. ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 12:10pm
|
Please remember that the forum does not have the ability to convey tone and body language. Nothing I said was intended as a "tongue lashing." It was just a reminder that one's experience cannot be used as a guide to what others can expect since not everyone has the same TV, Trailer, or even loading of each. If one can save money, I am all for that. I am not for compromising safety. If you can tow with your setup with no problems, great. I could not do so with my current TV. One of these days, I hope to upgrade vehicles, but want to wait until I get this one paid down.
------------- 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: dianab
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 9:27am
|
Going on a cross-country trip next month and have decided that we need some kind of anti-sway bar. I've read so many contradicting opinions that now DH and I are confused. Do we need the weight distribution hitch for a relaxed drive, or will a sway bar be enough to keep truck and Pod moving in one direction? Pulling a 183G with a Nissan Frontier 4x4. Can get a hitch and single sway bar at U-haul for under $100. Think it's a safe choice? ------------- 2016 183G "Roadrunner" 2014 Nissan Frontier 2 Happy Campers 1 Dynamic Doodle |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 10:00am
|
The Nissan Frontier has a tow rating of around 6100 lbs (based on my Crew Cab 2010 Frontier 4x4). The trailer will push down the back end some and lift the front some. Whether that is enough to make it unsafe since the weight is taken off the steering wheels, I can't say. The first time I towed our 179 with the Frontier, I had to go with just the hitch ball since the WD was set up for the Escape which had just been put out of commission by an encounter with ice and wind while towing. I was getting the high-beam blinking from oncoming drivers, so it does affect the vehicle. That being said, steering seemed to be okay. There are different ways to handle this. The first is to go with a WD hitch with sway control. We have the Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch. After I got it set up for the Frontier, I did notice a difference in how things rode. It will help with porpoising (bouncing up and down with the joints in concrete roads and bridge joints) also. The second is to go with beefing up the rear suspension with either air springs or the rubber Timbren rear suspension enhancements. Either will do the job for the sagging rear end/elevated front end. However, with these, you would still want to add a sway control bar. A third option for sway control is to go with a https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Hayes/HA81775.html - Hayes No-Sway electronic sway control. This mounts on the A frame and with a built-in GPS and gyroscope, detects any sway at speeds of more than 45 mph. If there is a sway condition, it applies the trailer brakes to bring the trailer back behind the to vehicle. Since it can react quicker than a person trying to reach for the dash manual brake control and it can act even if the driver is too occupied to be able to reach the control, it is a good alternative to a sway bar. Plus, it would not need to be loosened or removed before backing. I purchased one of these after our accident as an adjunct to the Equal-i-zer in case we ever encountered another situation where the hitch's sway control would be inadequate. If you do decide to get it, eTrailer has their lowest price pledge. If you find it at a lower price elsewhere, they will match it at 110%. Least desirable is a friction sway bar. While that is the cheapest option, cheapest is not always the best. There are other posts about bent mounting plates for friction bars where it bent during sharp turns. It has to be released before backing. You mention getting a hitch and sway bar at U-haul. I am going to have to assume that you mean the hitch ball and sway bar. If I recall correctly, the Nissan should have come with the factory tow package that includes the 2" receiver and the round Bargman connector. What it does not include is the brake controller. Do you have that already installed? If not, then you will need that as well. The good thing is that the Frontier has the wiring connector in place to make it a plug-and-play installation unlike the Escape where I had to run wires from front to back and more. ------------- 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: ronahue
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 10:00am
|
I have towed my 179 over 20,000 miles from Boston to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana with a 2015 Nissan Frontier King Cab 4x4 V6 with neither a WDH nor Sway bar and I am very comfortable with the way it handles. Be warned you will get every opinion from "I wouldn't tow a bicycle without a WDH and sway bar" to "just duct tape that fifth wheeler to the tailgate and go you'll be fine". The truth lies some where in the middle. Good Luck.
------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |