Caravan weight distribution hitch

M and S · Newbie

Caravan weight distribution hitch

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang M and S, enjoy here snd out in the playground.

Struth! Just as well as you asked now and not earlier in the year or an X member would have gone right off at you

Me, I have never used them. I put an extra leaf on rear springs of the Collie then once the aluminium tent is hooked up, everything is nice and level with all wheels firmly sitting on terra firmer. All weights ate under max's and I have no wobbles at all and everything travels nicely.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Are We Lost · Guru

I think you might get more responses and detail if you tell us what car and van you have. A small van beind a heavy tow vehicle there is probably not much point having one. A different story with a heavy van.

I have an Andersen Hitch, would not leave home without it, and would buy the same again.

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Saturday 3rd of August 2024 06:29:46 PM

Greg 1 · Guru

I have used WDH's for many years. Started back in the 70's with a Haymen Reese but currently use a slightly different heavy duty version. Personally I wouldn't be without mine, but I do not use it as some sort of levelling aid but rather to tune the handling of the rig as a whole. The purpose of a WDH is as the name suggests and that is to redistribute some of the weight being applied to the rear axle of the tow vehicle to primarily back on the front axle of the tow vehicle, so improving braking and steering. Some people seem to believe they are to correct an overload issue but cranking the bars up hard to try to level up an often overloaded vehicle. In this instance stronger rear springs in the tow vehicle or reduction in weight should be the first consideration, but if you are looking to improve the overall stability of the rig and improvement in the driving experience then you are on the right track.

watsea · Guru

I use a weight distribution hitch with vehicle and caravan. Toyota recommends a WDH for towing a van with my vehicle. I understand the workings of the mechanism and its benefits for me.

There is a lengthy thread on this forum in the Techies Corner, under Weights and Measures, refer WDH. Plenty of discussion within that thread and various others of similar headings.

-- Edited by watsea on Saturday 3rd of August 2024 10:50:48 PM

Gundog · Guru

I have been using a weight distribution hitch since 1980, I wouldnt tow a caravan without one.

If I was to be in the market for replacement for my current WDH it would be a Fastway E2 Hitch, because its a combination WDH and Sway control.

Radar · Guru

Greg 1 wrote:
I have used WDH's for many years. Started back in the 70's with a Haymen Reese but currently use a slightly different heavy duty version. Personally I wouldn't be without mine, but I do not use it as some sort of levelling aid but rather to tune the handling of the rig as a whole. The purpose of a WDH is as the name suggests and that is to redistribute some of the weight being applied to the rear axle of the tow vehicle to primarily back on the front axle of the tow vehicle, so improving braking and steering. Some people seem to believe they are to correct an overload issue but cranking the bars up hard to try to level up an often overloaded vehicle. In this instance stronger rear springs in the tow vehicle or reduction in weight should be the first consideration, but if you are looking to improve the overall stability of the rig and improvement in the driving experience then you are on the right track.

Well written Greg.

I am personally of that opinion and only of late started using a wd bars to improve the ride of our car a bit more and they have substantially.

Dick0 · Guru

Gundog wrote:
I have been using a weight distribution hitch since 1980, I wouldnt tow a caravan without one.
If I was to be in the market for replacement for my current WDH it would be a Fastway E2 Hitch, because its a combination WDH and Sway control.

I would like to convert my current chain type WDH to the same as the roundbar E2 system, however, the cost of the brackets, pin pack and lever are rather prohibitive (about $235.00) for such conversion.

Cupie · Guru

Radar wrote:
Greg 1 wrote:
I have used WDH's for many years. Started back in the 70's with a Haymen Reese but currently use a slightly different heavy duty version. Personally I wouldn't be without mine, but I do not use it as some sort of levelling aid but rather to tune the handling of the rig as a whole. The purpose of a WDH is as the name suggests and that is to redistribute some of the weight being applied to the rear axle of the tow vehicle to primarily back on the front axle of the tow vehicle, so improving braking and steering. Some people seem to believe they are to correct an overload issue but cranking the bars up hard to try to level up an often overloaded vehicle. In this instance stronger rear springs in the tow vehicle or reduction in weight should be the first consideration, but if you are looking to improve the overall stability of the rig and improvement in the driving experience then you are on the right track.
Well written Greg.
....................................................................................
I agree.

I have used a HR WDH on my GQ Patrol (2.8t & 2.8T tow capacity) with my Jayco Westport (2.4t) since 1999 with never a suggestion of sway.

Reasonably level & neither overloaded.

Brodie Allen · Guru

Anderson has features the "others" only dream of.

Bonus: Stops bounding or porpoising in its tracks.

A very worthwhile investment for comfort of travel besides the obvious
ADJUSTABLE weight distribution and sway control.

B

Gundog · Guru

Brodie Allen wrote:
Anderson has features the "others" only dream of. Incorrect Fastway e2 has the same abilities
Bonus: Stops bounding or porpoising in its tracks.

A very worthwhile investment for comfort of travel besides the obvious
ADJUSTABLE weight distribution and sway control.

B

Are We Lost · Guru

Gundog, did you intend to make a comment?

But Martyn (M and S) has not been back since posing the question, his first post.

TimTim · Guru

M and S wrote:
Has anyone used these, are they good and can anyone recommend a make? Thanks

Welcome to the forum M & S, plenty of help and advice to be had here.

I think you will find that most of us use them and an excellent product to improve steering as Greg 1 has explained. This is the brand that I use.

https://haymanreese.com.au/collections/weight-distribution?filter.p.product_type=Weight+Distribution+Hitches

This link below helps you choose the correct hitch but plenty of other resources on the site.

https://haymanreese.com.au/blogs/articles/choosing-the-right-weight-distribution-kit

When I purchased mine I didn't find anywhere else cheaper than these guys but I'm unsure about postage costs.

https://www.ispislington.com.au/c88.html

Hope that helps. Any further question just ask and I'm sure someone will give you good advice.

Good luck and safe travels

Tim

-- Edited by TimTim on Tuesday 13th of August 2024 09:46:40 PM

TimTim · Guru

Are We Lost wrote:
Gundog, did you intend to make a comment?

But Martyn (M and S) has not been back since posing the question, his first post.

Ooops. Perhaps Y got into his ear. smile