Weight Distribution or Anti-Sway possible if A frame doesn't go to hitch?

[patrick1853]

I'm getting ready to go pick up a 2011 CL13RDB this weekend.  I know normally, a weight distribution hitch wouldn't be needed for a camper of this size, but I will be pulling it with a minivan and would like to at least install a sway control kit.  I currently pull a pop up that is pretty similar in weight, it just doesn't have the surface area to get sway from wind/trucks.

After looking at pictures of the specific model, I began wondering if either a WDH or sway control would even mount due to the frame configuration.

I have attached a picture ( not the camper I'm buying, just the same frame), but basically, the A-frame doesn't extend all the way to the hitch, it stops what looks to be a foot or so short.  I'm wondering if the bars or sway control arm would even reach.

Anyone have this frame configuration and have either a WDH or sway control kit installed?

[charliem]

The Andersen hitch accommodates your configuration. We discussed this configuration on the old forum but I can't find the posts. I'll keep looking. The solution is simple; the search is not. 

[charliem]

Update:

The Andersen hitch accommodates the Y tongue configuration. See page 8 of the manual http://www.andersenhitches.com/uploads/WD%20Hitch%20installation%20manual%202016%20sm.pdf

[Merlin]

And welcome to the forum! Good to have you. I look forward to hearing about your adventures. Where's the first trip going?

[charliem]

The Andersen is able to provide sway control because it uses friction resistance near the ball mount itself, not friction at the end of rods or arms. There is a cone of brake material attached to a triangular plate at the base of the ball mount that resists sway. The Andersen is not strong on weight distribution but reports on sway control are favorable. With a 13 you don't really need much WD other than to control porpoising (bounce).  The Andersen should work well for you, but call them.

[mojospeople]

We had a 13 RDB with the same y frame and the Andersen Anti Sway W/D hitch. The chains were actually long enough to reach back to the Y section of the frame so I don't think you have any worries if you go with the Andersen. FYI we towed it with a light crossover SUV and with a mini van with no problem. The Andersen gave that little extra sway control and stability that we wanted and it towed great with those combos. Welcome to the forum! Looking forward to more posts and pics of your LL experiences.

Edit: just remembered I did order a set of extension links from Andersen to make that reach. If I remember correctly there were about 6 additional links.

[patrick1853]

Thanks everone.  I'm going to try it without either first and see how it handles.

It is only adding roughly another 100 pounds over our current pop-up so it shouldn't be that much of a difference in terms of towing.  The nature of pop-up campers(no storage space) led us to loading down the back of the van on every trip, so we may come out better just by shifting some of our clothes/gear to the camper. 

Is there anything that would stop you from using a more traditional WDH assuming the bars are long enough to reach the y section of the frame?  The Andersen  hitch is quite a step up in price over some of the other WDH's.

[Paul]

It is only adding roughly another 100 pounds over our current pop-up so it shouldn't be that much of a difference in terms of towing. 

Travel trailer has more frontal area sq foot than a popup camper. There is a good topic in the archive forum about it

http://archive.aluminiumcamperforum.com/index.php?topic=2083.0

[charliem]

Is there anything that would stop you from using a more traditional WDH assuming the bars are long enough to reach the y section of the frame?  The Andersen  hitch is quite a step up in price over some of the other WDH's.

The problem with the conventional bar type WDH is the angle of the brackets vs the angle of the bars. Brackets mounted on the Y portion of the tongue probably will not align with the bars. Chain type WDHs might work for WD, which you don't need, but they will not provide sway control.

[patrick1853]

The return trip from picking it up will be a good test to see if I need to add an Andersen wdh.  I'd like to avoid it as they're fairly pricey and my minivan won't be in service for too much longer as a tow vehicle.

As I'll eventually replace the van with a 1/2 ton, at that point I should be able to handle this size camper without even knowing it's there.

The flip side of that is, if the Andersen wdh allows me to comfortably pull the camper with a minivan, I could stay with a minivan for my next car (cheaper and often more versatile).

[patrick1853]

Just a quick update after the drive home with the camper.  Based on the return trip, which was longer than any normal camping trip we will take for a while, I don't think any sort of WDH or anti-sway device will be necessary.