R-pod Owners Forum : Hitch ball mount question https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Hitch ball mount question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 11:15:49 +0000 Sat, 27 Jun 2020 13:01:38 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13703 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Hitch ball mount question : Walmart is ready when you are!!!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132977#132977 Author: Colt
Subject: 13703
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 1:01pm

Walmart is ready when you are!!!  Big smile]]> Sat, 27 Jun 2020 13:01:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132977#132977 Hitch ball mount question : If you're OK without a WDH... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132974#132974 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13703
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 12:41pm

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).]]> Sat, 27 Jun 2020 12:41:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132974#132974 Hitch ball mount question : My existing hitch is a WDH system,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132955#132955 Author: Mirado
Subject: 13703
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 7:21am

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.]]> Sat, 27 Jun 2020 07:21:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132955#132955 Hitch ball mount question : To answer your original question,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132947#132947 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13703
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 5:36am

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.  
]]> Sat, 27 Jun 2020 05:36:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132947#132947 Hitch ball mount question : Look at the Andersen No-Sway hitch.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132942#132942 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13703
Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 8:24pm

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.]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:24:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132942#132942 Hitch ball mount question : I am currently using a hitch ball... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132931#132931 Author: Mirado
Subject: 13703
Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 6:39pm

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?
]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:39:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13703&PID=132931#132931