Towing

Macncheeze6 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:00 am **Posts:** 12

I have a 2005 funship 234 and I a towing it with my new 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 long bed. Question is should I use a weight distributing hitch.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Mon Apr 08, 2013 10:58 pm

It couldn't hurt, but I wouldn't think that you would need to with that rig....
How bad does your truck sit down when you put the boat on the hitch now?

Jdpber · **Posted:** Tue Apr 09, 2013 5:39 am

Another couple options that you have are

a) add a leaf for around $40-70
B) super springs
C) 5,000# air bags.

If you have not purchased a stabilizer hitch before I highly recommend equalizer stabilizer hitch with the solid bars. They cost more than the chains. But are 10fold safer. Chains will stretch and break and when one side breakes let's just say its not pretty.

I have this http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-hitches/equalizer-sway-control-hitch.htm for my camper and it is hands down amazing. They run 400-600 if you find a deal online. Fair warning look at the shipping cost. As each place will be different and effect the bottom line. Between bars, hitch, brackets it is easy 150#+

My Tahoe I have setup with air bags and the stabilizer hitch. Hitch for the camper, bags for boat and utility trailers and such. I simply hate when headlights point to the sky.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:48 am

I wouldn't think you'd need anything either, but if you're just trying to correct a little sag, I vote for Timbrens. Lots of help with sag with no change in non-towing ride, no maintenance, and no risk of over-inflation. I love 'em.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:13 pm

Macncheeze6 wrote:

I have a 2005 funship 234 and I a towing it with my new 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 long bed. Question is should I use a weight distributing hitch.

My first questions would be. What the the trucks rated tongue wight & what is the tongue wight of the trailer. Maybe the trailer is not set up right and that wight can tell you that.

pickledboater · **Posted:** Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:35 pm

Does your trailer have electric brakes? Surge brakes won't work with an equalizer hitch.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Tue Apr 09, 2013 8:58 pm

pickledboater wrote:

Does your trailer have electric brakes? Surge brakes won't work with an equalizer hitch.

The equalizer hitch mentioned above works with surge brakes, although many apparently do not. I also use the same one for longer tows, but it's kind of a hassle to put on for a quick trip (30-40 mins) to the ramp.....

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:06 am

The tongue weight of the trailer should be 5 to 8% of trailer (w boat) weight so in your ase 400 to 500lb at most. It is with in the range of 2500 truck with out WD hitch.... Although it is nice to have if you tow long distence much...

Jdpber · **Posted:** Wed Apr 10, 2013 9:08 am

agreed for short tows a distribution hitch is not worth the effort.. in addition tight turns with a distribution hitch can be eddgy.

now like i said if your just trying to prevent your rear from sagging.. i would do an add a leaf on the cheap end.. will stiffen up the ride a hare but most likely you will not notice.. for ride quality a set of rear air bags is the ticket.. i love mine.. i usually ride empty around town with 2-3 psi and that is better than stock. and add a couple pounds for the trailers if needed.. usually i font have to add any for the boat or utility..

can you take a measurement of the rear fender height unloaded and measure with boat on hitch so we can get a better idea of how much you are squatting.. bc your 2500 suspension should handle the weight on the hitch fine..

now another thought is if your hitch height is wrong.. this will effect the weight distribution of the load.. too much of a drop hitch and you will add tong weight.. too high and you are trailer heavy and will sway..

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Towing

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