Wd Hitch Recommendations

[TRCM]

Not sure if this would be the best place to put this, but here it goes....................

 

I brought my camper home today from the property I hunt, and while the old non-adjustable head style weight distributing hitch that came with the camper did work, there was no way to get the camper to sit level while towing. It was sitting about 6" high up front. It towed fine, but I'd rather have it sit level. The butt low stance also makes for some interesting clearance issues, as this is a 35 yr old camper, and even when level, there isn't much for ground clearance (maybe 6"-8" max).

 

My options are either spend $300-400 on a new adjustable style WD hitch, or put a lift kit on the camper.

 

Anyone have an recommendations on what brand/style hitch to get, and why or why not ?

 

The camper lift kit may get done either way, as some added height would make towing and set up a lot easier, as it is used for hunting, and the roads ain't always (read never) highway grade out there.

 

I am not sure of the TW on the camper (but it really sinks the rear of the truck w/o the WD bars hooked up), but the camper itself is around 5500 lbs per the registration, 25 ft Shasta, 1976 vintage, so it's heavy.

[bluArrow]

I've always been satisfied with Reese, both the regular 2" stuff and the 2 1/2" Titan line. They have adjustable height drawbars in both sizes.

[seamonster]

I have the equilizer brand---might be alot to spend on that old camper but this stuff will last a long time.

So if you ever tow a different camper or trailer you would be all set. I am very impressed with the

made in USA quality. At least it was when I got mine--havent checked lately.

Reese/Draw tite are also good!

[TRCM]

I have the equilizer brand---might be alot to spend on that old camper but this stuff will last a long time.

So if you ever tow a different camper or trailer you would be all set. I am very impressed with the

made in USA quality. At least it was when I got mine--havent checked lately.

Reese/Draw tite are also good!

 

 

Yeah, but as long as that old camper is still functional, it saves me from $2000-$3000 each year during hunting season by giving me a place to stay besides a hotel room.

[seamonster]

I have the equilizer brand---might be alot to spend on that old camper but this stuff will last a long time.

So if you ever tow a different camper or trailer you would be all set. I am very impressed with the

made in USA quality. At least it was when I got mine--havent checked lately.

Reese/Draw tite are also good!

 

 

Yeah, but as long as that old camper is still functional, it saves me from $2000-$3000 each year during hunting season by giving me a place to stay besides a hotel room.

 

 

 

I wasnt knocking the camper at all!

[Stevens03]

Reese has always served me well. Get one with an adjustable shank.

 

You can find then out of the paper cheaper too if your patient.

[TRCM]

I wasnt knocking the camper at all!

 

 

Didn't take it that way...was just saying that being an old camper and not being worth a whole lot of money, even IF I spend 400 or so on a new hitch, it would still be worth it in the long run

[c4cruiser]

If you don't know the tongue weight, check out this link for a neat (and cheap) way to measure tongue weight. I used this method for my car trailer. I bought two cheap bathroom scales from the local Wally World for $10. You do need to find some level ground to do the measuring and make sure that the trailer is loaded with everything that would be in there when towing. Additional cargo weight inside and up front will impact the tongue weight.

 

You should know the total towed weight too, as tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the total towed weight (trailer and all cargo) You may have to take the trailer to some place with scales to get the loaded weight. Check with a truck stop, state police scales, or a local freight yard. It's best to pull up on the scales, unhitch the trailer, and move the truck off the scales to get an accurate weight.

 

It sounds like you might be on the right track with lifting the trailer body higher. That would add ground clearance and will make it easier to get the trailer level in relation to the hitch. An adjustable shank will help too.