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Old 06-24-2021, 07:23 PM   #1
LABlitzwing
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Join Date: Jun 2021
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Default Question RE- Weight Distributing hitch

Hi All,


Quick question, I am a new owner, bought a Kingsport 199DD last year. The trailer has a dry weight of 3100lbs. I tow with my 2016 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel, with a tow rating of 8000lbs.



Dealer said a Weight Distributing hitch is essential, but I'd towed the trailer with it and without it and it seems to tow much easier and smoother (and seems to be more fuel efficient) without the WD hitch and just a regular ball.

Any more experienced RVers have advice or insight?


Cheers!
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Old 06-24-2021, 11:45 PM   #2
Yukon Jack
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A WD hitch distributes some of the weight of the tt tounge to the tow vehicle front axle. Should give better overall control. Too much tension on the WD bars will give a squirrely feel. Too light on the rear axle and too heavy on the front. I don't know that one can affect mpg
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Old 06-27-2021, 08:34 AM   #3
maddog53
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I just bought a 2021 199RK and bringing it home from the dealer was a very windy day. I will NOT pull this trailer without a wd hitch after that. Mine makes a huge difference. It took me a couple trips to get used to the feeling the hitch brings but all in all, it is a good thing. As for difference in MPG, I highly doubt that is possible.
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Old 07-04-2021, 09:25 AM   #4
RY469
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Default WD

One of the main things a weight distribution hitch does is keep the weight proper on your "steering" wheels (front of your truck). Measure wheel well height of your truck, to the ground, on front and rear wheels, both with trailer connected , and without it connected. You want the distance to stay relatively the same. Too much weight on the rear of your truck will lift the front wheels off the ground, reducing steering control. Not a good thing.

If hitch height is correct , you will also be straight and level, both the truck and the trailer.

As an added benefit, most WD hitches have or improve sway control. I use Anderson, but there are may good ones out there.
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Old 09-03-2021, 02:24 AM   #5
Ldubs
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I also have the 1500 Ecodiesel (4WD). Mine does not have the optional air suspension. My TT has about the same dry weight as yours. I have too much squat without the WDH. I've not towed it any distance without a WDH/anti-sway, but cannot really imagine I would think it better.

BTW, whether towing the TT, the boat, or just driving, I'm loving the fuel efficiency from that little diesel. I had a Nissan Titan before. It was brutal on gas usage.
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