Not using WDH
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
Not using WDH
Recently acquired my first super duty in about 20 years - a 21 f250 fx4 crew with 7.3 and about 2,800 pounds payload and optional 3.55 electronic differential rear end.
I have a 31 foot travel trailer with tongue weight of about 750 or so pounds and trailer weight is around 7,000 pounds (listed at 6,300 and we don't carry water).
I have dropped the trailer on my hitch without using the wdh and it doesn't squat it much.
Would it be wise or practical to eliminate the WDH and just activate the truck's built-in anti-sway features. I disable them when towing with the WDH.
It would not break my heart to not use the hitch.
I have a 31 foot travel trailer with tongue weight of about 750 or so pounds and trailer weight is around 7,000 pounds (listed at 6,300 and we don't carry water).
I have dropped the trailer on my hitch without using the wdh and it doesn't squat it much.
Would it be wise or practical to eliminate the WDH and just activate the truck's built-in anti-sway features. I disable them when towing with the WDH.
It would not break my heart to not use the hitch.
Popular Reply
Sep 30, 2021, 01:02 PM
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 1,176
From: Southeast MO
In my opinion and after many years of experience(I've owned an RV dealership for many years), I'll make a bold statement to say that "weight distribution hitches are for folks pulling trailers that are in reality too large for their truck".
I'll leave it at that.
Carry on.
I'll leave it at that.
Carry on.
Im guessing your the same guy selling 36' TT's to anyone with a 1/2 ton cause their "rated" to tow that much? Not derailing this conversation but your statement takes away any credibility you have in this conversation.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 307
Recently acquired my first super duty in about 20 years - a 21 f250 fx4 crew with 7.3 and about 2,800 pounds payload and optional 3.55 electronic differential rear end.
I have a 31 foot travel trailer with tongue weight of about 750 or so pounds and trailer weight is around 7,000 pounds (listed at 6,300 and we don't carry water).
I have dropped the trailer on my hitch without using the wdh and it doesn't squat it much.
Would it be wise or practical to eliminate the WDH and just activate the truck's built-in anti-sway features. I disable them when towing with the WDH.
It would not break my heart to not use the hitch.
I have a 31 foot travel trailer with tongue weight of about 750 or so pounds and trailer weight is around 7,000 pounds (listed at 6,300 and we don't carry water).
I have dropped the trailer on my hitch without using the wdh and it doesn't squat it much.
Would it be wise or practical to eliminate the WDH and just activate the truck's built-in anti-sway features. I disable them when towing with the WDH.
It would not break my heart to not use the hitch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,442
Likes: 4,945
I tow heavier than that without the WDH.
You can go with or without, but it'll probably ride better with it.
I never have any issues with stability, if you do then something is wrong and you need to stop and figure out what.
You can go with or without, but it'll probably ride better with it.
I never have any issues with stability, if you do then something is wrong and you need to stop and figure out what.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 38
Likes: 16
Yea I didn't have to make any changes either going from a 2021 F150 to a 2021 F250. I agree with others if you are towing an RV I wouldn't even think about towing w/o a WDH/Anti Sway hitch.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 263
From: Southwestern Pa.
We have a Jayco 236TH that's in your same weight range. With two 30lb propane tanks and 2 group 27 batteries, tongue weight exceeds 850 lbs. We pulled it from PA to CO/NM/UT and back this spring, with 2 trips over Wolf Creek Pass...5k miles, with just a B&W ball hitch. I did replace the helper spring pads with 2.25" bump stops, which allows them to engage with the trailer on the ball. Squat is minimal, as is sway from wind and passing trucks...not significant enough to make me want to deal with the complexity of hookup/cost of use of my wdh.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,766
Likes: 3,416
From: Uh oh, CA
I’m in a similar situation, but knew I would still use a WDH even with my more capable truck. I have a 6000 lb GVW camper and my F250 with all the extra packages make it actually a 350. However, a new WDH was one of the first things I bought when I got mine. However, I went with the Anderson WDH. It will offer excellent sway control and still distribute some weight back to my front axle, which should make for a nice stable tow. Plus, the new hitch will have a 3” shank so I won’t have to use reducer sleeves and it only weighs 60 lbs, so a lot lighter than my old WDH.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 119
Likes: 29
"It will offer excellent sway control and still distribute some weight back to my front axle, which should make for a nice stable tow." (Chadstickpoindexter)
This is the main point to having a WDH. Hooked up and towing slow speeds not much need for one, but traveling at speed and going over undulating highways will start to load and unload the hitch point with much more force than just a static load. Your trailer weighs more than your truck and hanging from the worst place to tow from.
This is the main point to having a WDH. Hooked up and towing slow speeds not much need for one, but traveling at speed and going over undulating highways will start to load and unload the hitch point with much more force than just a static load. Your trailer weighs more than your truck and hanging from the worst place to tow from.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 164
Likes: 20
In my opinion and after many years of experience(I've owned an RV dealership for many years), I'll make a bold statement to say that "weight distribution hitches are for folks pulling trailers that are in reality too large for their truck".
I'll leave it at that.
Carry on.
I'll leave it at that.
Carry on.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
When I used to pull a 24' box car trailer, the WDH made a huge improvement even when the trailer was empty. The only times I didn't use the WDH was when pulling an unloaded open 18' car trailer .
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 53
Likes: 37
From: Southeastern Michigan
I tow a 9500 lb. enclosed car trailer and stopped using my WDH when I purchased a Weigh-Safe hitch (3"). The bumper pull tongue weight is 1100 lbs. and in the two years pulling over 10k miles I have never had any problems with sway at all pulling @ 70 mph. So it is totally possible (if you have the right equipment and balance) to pull with just a ball. The bonus is simplicity and being able to easily unhook at the track to go to the hotel or get some chow. Everyone has a different situation so your mileage my vary, happy towing! 
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 332
Likes: 126
From: Northern Colorado, USA
I tow a 9500 lb. enclosed car trailer and stopped using my WDH when I purchased a Weigh-Safe hitch (3"). The bumper pull tongue weight is 1100 lbs. and in the two years pulling over 10k miles I have never had any problems with sway at all pulling @ 70 mph. So it is totally possible (if you have the right equipment and balance) to pull with just a ball. The bonus is simplicity and being able to easily unhook at the track to go to the hotel or get some chow. Everyone has a different situation so your mileage my vary, happy towing!
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
As an alternative to the air bags might look at the Roadmaster Active Suspension System.