weight distributing hitches

[Pete M]

My folks are looking at buying a small camper trailer.  It's only 3k lbs, but it'll be pushing the 3500 limit of the minivan so a WDH is being added to the mix for sure.  there are a TON of different designs out there, all claiming to be awesome.  I want dad to have the best.  Easy to hook up, effective against tail wagging, etc. opinions?
 
and because everyone likes picture, this is the trailer they are looking at, a Lance 1575

 

 

it is surprisingly spacious inside.  I'm genuinely impressed with all the engineering and thought that went into the details, especially when compared to the other little trailers we looked at.

[shelbyluvv]

That is a nice little rig. I have a buddy with the same camper and he loves it. It is perfect for a couple on a weekend getaway. For the hitch there is only one that I use.

 

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/index.php

 

There is a reason why they are the best. It flat out works. It has integrated sway control in it as well. It is perfect for light campers.

 

I would also suggest this brake controller,

 

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90885.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKEAjw_ci3BRDSvfjortr--DQSJADU8f2jV1T1hSqkK0-B2k1dUV_CuoC8sh0VsEQViT54QZhjtxoC6ZHw_wcB

[Pete M]

looks pretty easy to hook up too.  I like that.  is it noisy at all? 

[shelbyluvv]

You may get an occasional pop or ping turning into a driveway or backing up. Other than that you won't hear a thing from them.

[johnj92131]

Pete,

 

I have used a couple of weight distributing hitches over the years.  Best thing I did was bet a bigger cheater bar to tighten up the spring bars.  Think they both came with a 12 inch long bar, I replaced it wit a 2 foot plus long bar to make adjusting the spring bars easier.  The chains on the spring bars do make some occassional noise when turning corners.   Sway control can be added if required.  But the most important thing is to keep good weight on the front of the trailer.  Get the @$$ end of the trailer just a bit heavier than the front and you WILL have an unstable trailer.  A properly adjusted electronic brake controller is really great to have.  So are electric brakes.  Surge brakes are better than nothing, But they will be an issue when you try to back up the trailer.  So make sure their trailer has electric brakes and their tow vehicle has a 7 plug connector.

[gogmorgo]

Keep in mind that a weight-distributing hitch is only transferring weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle. This means you can safely run a higher tongue (or gross) weight, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't still abide by safe tongue-weight ratios.

10-15% of gross trailer weight should be ideal. You can get away with lower percentages to increase gross weight capacity, but you'll be limiting your top speed. Down towards 5% you're looking at 55 mph tops or you will run into sway. Any less will be a pretty bad time, with or without weight distribution.