Weight distribution bars?

Canuck and Kiwi · Member

Weight distribution bars?

Delta18 · Guru

I do exactly that and wouldn't travel without them.

I use an Andersen Hitch.

Desert Dweller · Guru

Safely traveled 80,000kms over the past 6 years without a WDH.

If your rig sits nice & level when fully loaded like ours, you don't need them.

outlaw40 · Guru

Agree with desert dweller you wont know until you load you rig up and take it for a run . Mine site level when fully loaded but i still run a wdh set fairly light as it keeps the pitching under control .

Radar · Guru

Canuck and Kiwi wrote:
We are wondering if we need to have Weight distribution bars when towing a 3 ton fully loaded Jayco Silverline with a 2018 Isuzu D-MAX. Any advice is appreciated.

I have spent money on up grading the tow vehicle suspension to unable us to tow our 2.8 tonne caravan with a Nissan Navara combination gross weight of 5.5 tonne very comfortably.

We have loaded our set up weighed it and reweighed it to get the set up just right. I believe spending the money on the suspension is a must because vehicles are really not designed to carry large weights full time, there suspension are a compromise for passenger comfort and carrying a bit of weight occasionally.

Set the tow vehicle up to tow and then as a added safty item add WD bars if you think you need them.

No I don't use WDH's, its a personal thing..

-- Edited by Radar on Friday 20th of July 2018 07:02:48 AM

Bulariver · Veteran Member

I agree with everyone! If you can get your rig completely level without levelling bars, you probably don't need them but we found the bars lift the rear of the ute about 1.5cm and without them the steering is too light.

iana · Guru

I tow a 24ft Silverline with no WDH, the ute has stronger rear springs and shocks, and all sits nice and even. I have the ute loaded with the weight forward. The rig looks good.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Here is some advice/opinion -

http://www.withoutahitch.com.au/caravan/ask-expert-need-weight-distribution-hitch/

https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/details/are-load-levellers-a-waste-of-time-56620/

https://www.caravansplus.com.au/guides/how-to-choose-the-right-weight-distribution-hitch-a-24.html

https://www.fulltimecaravanning.com.au/larrys-woffle/weight-distribution/

http://rvdaily.com.au/weight-distribution-hitches-use/

Cheers - John

iana · Guru

When I had the rear springs done on the ute, the manager at Pedders said something to me that made the whole issue make sense. He talked about "tire profile on the road", as Bulariver said, his steering became light, in other words the profile of his front tires was reduced (light front), the amount of rubber on the road is going to give you the required road holding. So if your rig looks level, the tires look as though the amount of rubber on the road looks much the same all around, the steering feels good, then you are probably OK.

However if any of those are out, then a WDH may need to be considered. I have an extra cab ute, and so the load is a little further forward, but I look at the 4 door utes and I don't like what I see. The same with SUV's, designed to have comfort in the back for the rear passengers, so soft in the rear, or too much rear over hang. On the other hand I don't like what the forces of a WDH are doing to the chassis.

All you can do is try it and see. Also, I don't know of a way to measure tire profile on the road, but being able to see that in graphic form would tell a good story.

Canuck and Kiwi · Member

Thanks, we will continue to do the same. Better safe than sorry.

Canuck and Kiwi · Member

Thanks for your comment. Continue to travel safe.

Rosscoe · Newbie

Thanks for the comments. We have the WDH bars setup for our 2011 Jayco 19'6 StarCraft , tow vehicle is 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. However problem is the jockey wheel clamp is on the side of the draw-bar, which makes it difficult to connect the WDH. I am looking to move the jockey wheel to the centre of the draw bar , which I have noticed on a few vans, and have also seen the 2015 post on this subject on this forum. I will now make enquiries with some caravan service mechanics to relocate the jockey wheel. Has anyone done this?

mukka · Member

I understand it is not totally about the level of the caravan as most road models have rock & roller leaf spring systems that will automatically adjust.

The main concern is adding weight to the rear of your vehicle lifts the front and lightens steering while loading up the rear. Some vehicles are self leveling while others have their rear suspension upgraded, air bags or a WDS fitted. My 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee only drops 30mm when my 3000kg van is attached with 10% ball weight, without any modification. It tow exactly the same with or without WDS, so the choice is mine.

One point that many people miss or are not aware of is that with a WDS fitted, if your caravan flips over you vehicle will flip with it, with the high risk of personal injury. Without a WDS the van can turn on the ball and the vehicle does not necessarily have to go with the van. So there is a major safety feature to be considered.

I am new to the forum but have been caravaning for about 9 years, so have investigated and tried many ideas.

Hope my input will be of use.

-- Edited by mukka on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 01:44:29 PM