Weight Distributing Hitch

[moaugie]

I have recently ordered a new Antigua 185SB expandable camper. I am going to pick up the unit in a couple of weeks. I would like advice about brakes and a hitch. My TV is a 2000 Expedition.

The camper is a single axle unit with a GVWR of 3700 lbs. In your opinion, do I need to invest in a weight distributing hitch? How complicated is it to install and adjust a WDH? Because of the weight of the trailer, believe that I need to install a brake box. What do you think?

Thank you, in advance, for your response!

[dee106]

we have the sister unit, yes on all accounts the wdh, sway control and most important the brakes!. get the prodigy brake controller it's easy to install and you can get it for under $110.00 on -line. we  had the trailer place put our sway control and whd on, because they have to line it up with the trailer, and adjusting has to be done to get it right! and they have the right tools and stuff, and they recommend a sway control. which we got, when it's windy you feel the unit move otherwise, same with the 18 wheelers kissing your side at 60miles an hour!  its much higher then a pop-up and on single lane winding roads, you be happy you have full control!
 
good luck with your new hybrid, we love ours!

[brainpause]

Welcome once again to the board. I agree with Dee106 about everything she said, especially the brakes. Get a brake controller, and, although I don't even have one yet (small trailer/truck not equipped for brake controller/no huge need), you can bet that I won't even look at other brands/models. From all I've read for the past 4 years about camping/trailering, there has really nothing been bad said about the Prodigy. Plus, 100-150 bucks is a cheap price for Peace of Mind.

Larry

[tlhdoc]

I agree with the others, especially on the Prodigy.  You have 3 yes votes so now you can go ahead and go it.

[moaugie]

Thanks for everyones feedback!

When installing a WDH does that usually include sway protection or do I need to add that to the WDH?

Thanks again!

[dee106]

http://www.hitchmart.com/$spindb.query.h.hitchview.Weight~20Distributing~20Systems~20and~20Accessories
 
 
sway bar is not part of the wdh
 
http://rvwholesalers.com/catalog/customer/home.php?source=Prodigy

[Tim5055]

sway bar is not part of the wdh...

...but can be added as an option on some manufacturers products.  If you want sway control, make sure you buy a WDH that has this as an option.  The dual cam sway control is more effective than just adding a friction sway bar.

[notrailends]

You should also get everything before you pick up the trailer
so when you go to the dealer they can help you ajust the
WDH.And your bars should be rated for no less than 800lbs.
The friction sway control does work,but every time you
back up you you have to losen it,if you go with the duel cam you dont have to.  //www.etrailer.com  has everything you need
Good luck

[SactoCampers]

My single bar WD hitch is rated to 400 lbs, so if yours is higher you might want to go with a double bar. WD greatly improves overall handling and reduces rear suspension sag. Once you get the hang of it, is easy to attach and disonnect. Same with the anti-sway, although I would not have wanted to install the hardware myself for either.
 
I have used a Tekonsha Voyager for both my old popup and my current hybrid (Starcraft Travelstar 17CK) and am very pleased with its performance.

[moaugie]

Great information! Thanks to all of you!

[dee106]

Great information! Thanks to all of you!

your welcome! thats what is group is all about!:D

[Gone-Camping]

Depends on what you get. With most WDH, it is an add-on piece. However, if you get the Equal-I-Zer brand, it does BOTH without adding another piece. And though this rig cost a little more, the price is comparable with a WDH and a Friction Sway Control unit!
http://www.equalizerhitch.com/home.html
 
(WHD for Surge Brakes here)
http://www.equalizerhitch.com/boat.html

[NightOwl]

We have the Equal-i-zer WDH and bar set and it is SUPER in every way!  Also, like everyone else says with an rv that big, you really must have a brake contoller.  If you are going to have anything modified or installed by your dealer, it often pays to have it done BEFORE you pick up your trailer.  We had everything done at our dealer as part of our final prep and saved a LOT of money on the installation charges.    Our dealership is very large and  charges are handled differently by the service dept. if they do installation when you are picking up the trailer as opposed to what they charge if you bring it back later for the same work.  Check with your dealer to see how the charges for these things are handled.