I am looking at getting into the rv world and am holding my options open. I really want a 5th wheel but price pays a big part. The last time I pulled a Tag along was when I was 16 it was a 23ft terry and I was pulling it with a 1/2 ton van. So the question is if I get a tagalong that weighs around 6000lbs the tonge weight would be around 600. Do you still need a weight distrubution hitch with that trailer if I pulled it with my 3/4 ton diesel?

 

Your hitch will tell you what your limits are for regular or WD. That would seem awful light to me to require a WD hitch.

Are you looking at used units?

 

Yes cannot afford new ones plus don't like paying the depreaction.

 

Just making sure (although they are ALL going to depreciate). Now is a FANTASTIC time to look though, lots of dealers are still holding trade in's from the summer they would love to dump.
I wouldn't count out a fiver just yet. The layouts are almost always cooler, plus towing and maneuvering is so much more comfortable. What is your price range if you don't mid me asking?

 

We have been useing 5vers for over 10 years now and I love the way they pull. Don't know what the price range is yet just looking to see whats out there. Might have to see what kinda of bonous and what we are getting back from taxes but proalbly around 5gs. Also wouldn't mind an older vintage one to restore. Looked at an Argosse (i think thats how you speel it) but it wasn't for sale.

 

I've got a 7400lb (dry) tag-along RV. At 740 lb tongue, that's half of the 3/4 ton rating so I did get a little rear squat. I bought a WD system and adjustable hitch for it. It helped, both trailer and truck ride level. I've not really had any problems w/ sway, even w/ semi's on the highway. I think I paid around $400 total, including 2-5/16" chrome ball.

 

I have pulled anything from a 16ft to a 32 ft TT without bars my Dmax, but it had an upgraded hitch. Just make sure your hitch is rated for it. I have not changed out the hitch on my Mega yet. I will say if I am traveling with my wife I do put them on then, the ride is better with them.

 

W/D hitches are part of getting a trailer set-up correctly. Some use them, some don't. I swear,some guys must think they're less of a man if they use W/D. I see some truck,trailer combos that are flat out scary.

Properly set-up W/D will make the truck handle better, and the trailer handle better. W/D will also help eliminate the possibility of sway.

All travel trailers will benefit from a properly set-up W/D system.

 

My 6,000# Airstream is best towed with a W/D hitch, although I also tow it on my AirSafe hitch.

Do your research if you are considering a "vintage" trailer. Argosy, AirStream, Avion are a few to consider, but depending upon length and year of MFG be careful on older 70's Airstreams w/rear baths due to frame issues.

 

From the responses recived i figure that the WD hitch on a larger truck is more for ride and handling than the actuall WD. Thats the info I was looking for. What are the frame issues to look for on an airstream with the rear bath.

 

You can get a lot of info on these forums . http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm .
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f204...air-26378.html
This link explains the causes of the frame problems and the models affected .
http://www.calldon.com/air.htm
The weight distribution hitch does exactly that - distributes weight . The more weight you put on the rear the less weight you have on the front wheels for steering and handling . The WD hitch transfers weight back to the front wheels . Some haulers put the bars on after they have hitched the trailer then leveled the truck by raising the trailer with the trailer jack . They do the same before unhooking and removing the bars . This makes the process easier with less chance of injury .
heck prices here
http://www.nadaguides.com/default.as...3&gc=rv&gtc=tt

 

I just got into RVing myself, and started out heavy with a 9,000# trailer with a 1,300# tongue. I have to use WD and am upgrading the receiver and the hitch, but I chose to go with a trailer rather than 5th wheel. Both me and DW like the looks of TTs better (not quite as bulky as 5ths), and does not require in-bed hitch. I do put many items in the bed of the truck that I would not want in the trailer (extra fuel, gas lantern, deer cart, grill etc.) and a fiver would not let me do that.
And even with a 6,000# trailer, I would use WD, it will definitely ride better. I myself bought a new Reese Pro Series sway control (although I have not noticed any sway towing mine, it is way too tongue heavy for swaying).
-P

 

You really notice the WD (or lack of WD) when hitting a dip in the road at speed. Lots of heated debates over 5th v TT. Like PaulDaisy I use a TT because I need the room in the truck bed. For me its the two MC's, gold mining stuff and beer. Plus I dont stick up as far as a 5th so I havent knocked my AC off like one of the other couples we team with.

 

What he said---I have a 3500 and even use my WD system on a 5000lb trailer

 

My WD system was a necessity on my 1/2 and current TT and thought I could get away from it when I got the CTD. I towed it 1 time and although the truck handled the hitch weight fine, it swayed more than I liked on the interstate when trucks came by. Now I don't leave home without it.