WDHs and tight turns

[nolichuckyjake]

Haven't been able to find any decisive info on how significantly a WDH compromises the ability to make tight turns.  I'm buying a 2018 16DBS, and plan on taking it (among other places) on unpaved mountain roads, where tight switchbacks are not uncommon.

My TV (1999 Durango 4wd, 5.9L) weighs approximately what the loaded trailer will weigh, so I feel like I need a WDH.   Have had no experience with them, so don't know what to expect.

Would appreciate comments on the tight turn issue.

Jake

[DavidM]

I am surprised that you think that the 16DBS has a weight equal to your Durango. Our 16TBS which is probably the same weight, weighs a bit less than 4,000 lbs. The curb weight of the Durango is about 1,000 lbs more and with driver, passengers, fuel and cargo, probably 1,500 lbs more.

We tow our 16TBS with a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder which is a bit lighter than your Durango and it tows fine with no WDH.

But I wouldn't dissuade anyone from using a WDH- they add safety and stability no matter what the relative weights are.

Look at pictures of WDHs on eTrailer. Some torsion bars are suspended with chains from the frame to allow for turns. Others have sliding pads which provide sway control as well as allow for turns. I think that most WDHs can handle reasonably tight turns. Many say unhook your WDH before backing up. That may be so it can handle the very tight turns that can occur when backing up, don't know for sure.

David

[nolichuckyjake]

Dave,
I'm glad to know you tow well with  Pathfinder.  Perhaps I don't need a WDH....just trying to gather info.  I know we will be crossing the plains--sometimes high winds, and of course big trucks.   So, am (was) making an assumption.

But my numbers are right, based on what I expect to be carrying.  The curb weight of the Durango is 4740.  The 16DBS dry weight is (according to CL website) is 3684--remember it is a double axle, as well I'll be getting the off-road package which might add a hundred or two pounds.    And I'll have a cargo weight of up to 1700 lbs.

the TBS is 3370 with only 1070 lbs cargo.

Loading the DBS carefully, I can maybe do well without a WDH.  Seems, though, life would be easier not having to worry so much about a generator on the tongue or other heavier items in the wrong place. 

So I'm trying to get an idea of the limitations of the WDH and possibly which would be the best for my purposes, such as which is the easiest to disconnect if I felt the need to do that in tight spots.

[charliem]

My experience with a 21RBS and a Tacoma small pickup with short bed and crew cab (127" WB) is you cannot turn too tight while going forward. That suggests the turning radius of the truck is great enough to preclude any interference with the trailer. The trailer tongue is relatively stock in that it has a power jack but the propane tanks are in their original position and noting like bikes, large utility boxes or tires are mounted on it. Backing up is a totally different situation. You can easily jackknife the rig backing up and do significant damage. Most WDHs including the E2s can be left connected when backing up but if a separate friction sway control is used it must be disconnected before backing. It's best to practice maneuvering in an empty parking lot to get the feel of the rig. 

[gbpack]

We have the Andersen WDH which also provides some good anti-sway control as well. It doesn't have to be disconnected before backing up and I have made some pretty tight turns with it. Also, it's relatively easy and quick to connect and disconnect. It works well on our 21BHS, so I'm sure that it would serve your needs nicely as well. It's really nice to have it, especially when it's windy or you are wrestling with large trucks while on the highway.

[Merlin]

As gbpack noted, the Andersen WDH is fine for turns, either forward or reverse. The friction cone has no limits on turns. But as Charlie noted, you can destroy any hitch by jack-knifing! With any WDH, I would be more concerned about your mountain road statement. Some may be damaged by sharp breakover angles. If you are going onto a road where you're TV is going up sharply and you camper is going down sharply, disconnecting the WDH mechanism could be a good idea.

Also, I would again encourage you to read the towing and hitch sections of the forum for WDH ideas.

[Pinstriper]

In short, buy a bigger tow vehicle.