Sway / Weight distribution needed yes or no

[JazzyPigsGA]

Hi, we are getting our 2017 LL 21 RBS in a month. I will be towing with a 2015 F150 super crew V8 with a Gross Combined weight of 14,400. I am guessing my truck weighs in just south of <5000lbs (though I will weigh it). When purchasing, the dealer said that weight distribution and sway controls would be "overkill" with my TV. I am still undecided if I totally believe that and thought I would seek the wisdom of the crowds!
Thoughts are appreciated!


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[DavidM]

I would try it without a WDH but I think you won't need it. Your F150 has plenty of tow and tongue weight capacity. It has a stiff suspension which resists sway. Just make sure you keep your tongue weight at 10% or better of overall TT weight. Also when you drop the hitch on the truck, the rear end should not drop more than 1-1/2 to 2".

David

[gglkap1]

I'am towing a 2015 21RBS with a Tundra crew cab and a 5.7 V8 and have not used a WDH. Have not had any problems. Some of the time I don't even know it is back there.

Gerald

[Merlin]

Trucks are available with so many different suspensions and tires and electronic nannies and wheel bases and etc that you should probably simply try your rig out before deciding on a WDH. Sway control, however, is valuable for most setups. The two are related, but you can have a nice level setup and still get pushed around by wind gusts and passing trucks. It's possible your F-150 is so stiff and massive compared to your 21 that you'll never feel a sideways push, but I suspect not. I suggest you go to etrailer.com and at least take a look at sway control devices. You may still want to try your TV/camper setup first on a shakedown trip before deciding on hitches, but despite what your dealer told you, keep an open mind about sway control.

[Chappy133]

I had to add air bags to my F150 since the previous owner put Fox Shocks on that leveled the truck from the nose down factory stance. Sway control is needed since the LL is so Lite. I did tow prior to adding the air bags and then decided to add. They do improve the ride for us.

[pjcd]

I've towed mine with and without, ( I have a 2500 Chevy). As far weight distrabution goes, I didn't really notice a difference. Sway control is another issue, I like the sway control and notice the difference while driving, high winds, passing tractor trailers all have an effect that sway control helps reduce. I went with the Anderson WD set up, more for the sway control then anything else.

[JazzyPigsGA]

Thx everyone good info!


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[Pinstriper]

Here's the deal - apologies if you already know this - but most people think WD gives you more capability, when in fact IT CUTS DOWN ON GCVWR IN MOST CASES. Why ? How ?

I'll tell ya why, Buster. Because WDH not only transfers tongue weight from the rear wheels of the TV to the front wheels of the TV, BUT ALSO TO THE TRAILER. So you exceed individual axle ratings before the overall rating of the entire system.

So, you could be perfectly within the tow rating of the trailer axles, but then by going WDH and adding a portion of the tongue weight to the trailer axles end up exceeding the axle ratings, without realizing it.

Point being, is - listen up here, Sparky - if you are playing too close to ANY of the limits, you can end up exceeding one or more and never be any the wiser, until you are upside down in a ditch 100' off the road listening to the crackle of the flames.

Point being, is, contrary to misconception, WDH does NOT increase your tow rating, or necessarily add safety margin. You actually have to know where you stand relative to the ratings and the safety envelope.

How do you know you need WDH ? Glad you axed.

1) Your tongue weight is MARGINALLY over the rear axle rating of the TV, and you have capacity left on the front axle and also the trailer axle rating(s).

2) Actually, that's pretty much it. Shoulda been three, since I put two extra conditions into it. So, efficiency ?

3) It's all about the tongue weight. You can kinda sorta correct sway with anti-sway, but it's actually caused by mis-managing your tongue weight. So get that right, and everything else falls into place. If you get sway from wind and passing vehicles, get anti-sway. If you get sway because tongue weight it buggered, fix your tongue weight. WDH can help, but it isn't magic and can't overcome everything.

4) I said there would be 4 reasons, and I'm always true to my word. WDH really comes into its own when you have WAAAAAY extra axle capacity in the TV front axle and the trailer axles themselves, but the tongue weight is a touch too heavy. But you can overcome that with helper springs, airbags, etc. in the TV rear suspension and it's simpler all around.

Moral of the story ? TANSTATMTV.

[surfsup1955]

I pull with an F150 so I don't have much need for weight distribution with the 21 RBS. When we camp locally (within 100 miles) I just hook up to the ball and go. However we have made 2 cross country trips (2015/2016) with our LL and opted to utilize the Andersen hitch for anti-sway/anti-porpoising for the long hauls. It definitely provides for a better ride at higher speeds, high winds, rough roads, and busy freeway traffic. The truck and trailer are more unified.

[gbpack]

We have the Andersen hitch for our 21BHS and Jeep Grand Cherokee and I agree with Surfsup 100%. You might not need sway control but there will be times when you're glad you have it. Especially on longer trips when you're traveling at higher speeds on highways with wind and trucks passing you. Since we aren't towing with a pick-up truck I'm really glad that we have it, but think it would be worthwhile on a pick-up as well.

[JazzyPigsGA]

Great Thanks for the feedback do you have a link to the hitch model y'all are using? 


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[gbpack]

Here is the link to their different WDH kits. We ordered the #3344 model, but there are different options depending on the size you need.
http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/4-droprise-wd-kits.aspx

[MikeT]

Great Discussion.   

Re:  Sway control.  Can anyone recommend a brand for a sway control add on kit. I have seen pneumatic and friction ones from Reese.  Also, i'm thinking I should probably have a piece of aluminum plate welded to the existing frame before drilling holes to mount the sway control kit.

Re: Weight Distribution.  When I purchased my 21RBS the dealer provided a WD system but I have no idea what make it is.  Because I have it, I'm going to keep it and only apply the minimum amount of tension necessary.

Bottom line for me is that I do need some sway control.  My big problem is vehicles roaring up from the rear and passing me.  A bit nerve racking at times!!

[FastEddieB]

I've been satisfied with the Husky friction-type sway control recommended by Andy at CanAm RV.



As seen in the photo, they sell a clamp-on ball mount so no drilling is necessary.

[MikeT]

Are you able to provide the model number of your sway control kit?  I am very interested in this one as I dont want to drill.

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