Do I need a weight distributing hitch for 3,400 pounds?

[Andy B]

This year I am upgrading my "tent on a trailer" to a better RV. The RV will be 3,000 - 3,400 lbs GROSS vehicle weight max.

I have a 2023 Limited SPP with the tow package. Would I need/want a weight distributing hitch for a trailer under 3,500 pounds? The trailer has brakes and a 7 pin connector.

 

[airbrush]

You're vehicle but I personally wouldn't.

 

[Calidad]

Nope

 

[tuckr2]

While you don’t specifically need it, the ride may suffer if you overload the trailer/suv. Typical hitch weight should be 10/13% of the trailer gross weight for best handling.

 

[LG_123]

You likely won’t notice it either way at that weight but if you have heavy stuff in the trunk like water jugs, fuel, or cans/bottles, I’d use weight distribution.

 

[chuck s]

I just gotta know what "RV" (a pretentious name for camper ) has a GVWR of 3400 pounds. Heck, my 12' popup camper trailer weighed 3500. And I did use a WDH with it mainly for the sway control (and I was towing with an Explorer).

-- Chuck

 

[Andy B]

I just gotta know what "RV" (a pretentious name for camper ) has a GVWR of 3400 pounds. Heck, my 12' popup camper trailer weighed 3500. And I did use a WDH with it mainly for the sway control (and I was towing with an Explorer).

-- Chuck

Fair enough. I am considering an Aliner Evolution 15

Dry weight 2,400 lbs
GVWR 3,500 (I doubt I would pack 1,000 pounds in it!)

Two beds, stove, microwave, toilet, heat, ac, and even a shower.

 

[Johnathan M]

I have a car hauler trailer that I've pulled with our BMW 328i Xdrive on it. Total weight WAY over 3,400 lbs (probably 5,500 - 6k lbs) I don't own a weight distribution hitch and it pulled great. So, no, I wouldn't bother with a WDH for your size camper. I do have air suspension, so it keeps the vehicle level no matter the load. Don't know if that make a difference in handling, but just mentioning it in case it's relevant.

I've also hauled 4,000 lbs of concrete mix bags (50 - 80lb bags) split between the Expy (13 bags in the center of the Expy) and my 6x12 cargo trailer (37 bags) and it pulled fine without a WDH.

 

[Fasttimes]

Fair enough. I am considering an Aliner Evolution 15

Dry weight 2,400 lbs
GVWR 3,500 (I doubt I would pack 1,000 pounds in it!)

Two beds, stove, microwave, toilet, heat, ac, and even a shower.



View attachment 84834

Andy, help me understand why people choose an Aliner over a traditional pop-up? I now have a 30' travel trailer with dual slides, but I miss my pop up with twin king beds and a slide out for 3500 pounds. For me, having a slide is a huge plus to open up the interior of a camper.

No hating on Aliners having never been in one, but just tying to understand their appeal?

 

[BlackBetty]

I had a 2016 EL with a towing capacity of 9200lbs if I remember correctly. Purchased an RV with a dry weight of 3600lbs’ish. Decided to get the WDH w/ anti-sway just because…

When they brought the rig around I was shocked. The sag was ridiculous!!! Thought that’s what I was getting the setup to prevent. Told them to take it back inside to readjust!!!

Come back out approximately 1-2in higher. Frustrated at this point because I wanted to get on the road; bought it in Florida and was working in Alabama at the time.

I’ve since gotten rid of that SUV, and bought a pickup. Thought it would do way better… nope as much as I had hoped. It sagged a bit on the way back home to Arizona.

Once I got home I got the big tools out… readjusted everything. To include flipping the WDH 180° making sure the ball sat appropriately 2in above the trailer hitch.

With both the tow vehicle and trailer empty you might be fine. It’s when you start loading things up later that you’ll realize you might need it.

Got some people I know towing a trailer larger than mine with a midsized GM SUV (Trailblazer sized)… they’ve already overheated the transmission, then almost wrecked from trailer sway.

Mentioned vehicle size/ capability and the need for anti-sway. I was shunned off. Oh well.

 

[Calidad]

Fair enough. I am considering an Aliner Evolution 15

Dry weight 2,400 lbs
GVWR 3,500 (I doubt I would pack 1,000 pounds in it!)

Two beds, stove, microwave, toilet, heat, ac, and even a shower.



View attachment 84834

No wdh or sway needed. A big reason to go with this style trailer.

You don’t want wdh! Its a huge pita

 

[Calidad]

Andy, help me understand why people choose an Aliner over a traditional pop-up? I now have a 30' travel trailer with dual slides, but I miss my pop up with twin king beds and a slide out for 3500 pounds. For me, having a slide is a huge plus to open up the interior of a camper.

No hating on Aliners having never been in one, but just tying to understand their appeal?

Was going this route. My big reasons?
Massively superior towing behavior. Can be stored in a typical garage, also can cross high wind regions with no drama.

 

[chuck s]

Looks like a good trailer but I suspect difficult keeping it under it's 3500 pound GVWR. At least I did with my similar weight popup years ago. Can be done, of course.

Weight seems to magically find its way into the camper and 1000-1100 pounds of cargo capacity gets eaten up fast. 30 gallons of fresh water 8.34 lb/gal is 250 pounds right off the top. Water, propane, batteries, bicycles, bedding, endless other stuff.

-- Chuck

 

[Andy B]

Andy, help me understand why people choose an Aliner over a traditional pop-up? I now have a 30' travel trailer with dual slides, but I miss my pop up with twin king beds and a slide out for 3500 pounds. For me, having a slide is a huge plus to open up the interior of a camper.

No hating on Aliners having never been in one, but just tying to understand their appeal?

I camp festivals mostly, so ymmv

Right now I have a sylvantSport Go (tent on a trailer). I wanted more room, easier setup and tear down, and more features.

I am constrained by a small driveway so I need something I can move by hand on a level surface (no room to turn around)

The aliner (Evolution 15) has
* Battery
* Solar cells mounted on the roof.
* Heat / Furnace (propane)
* Air conditioning (with shore power or a generator)
* 35 gallon fresh water tank
* Cartridge toilet
* Water heater
* A SHOWER (big nice for me)
* Refrigerator (on land power or gen.)
* 2 burner stove

There are also advantages having hard sides not soft . (No fabric walls) . When the Evo 15 is up, all sides are solid aluminum / boatboard which is

* More weather resistant particularly in windy rain
* Better insulation
* Quieter inside (I camp at festivals)
* Indoor cooking (would never in a soft side, due to smells attracting animals to tear in )
* Literal setup in a minute or two even in the rain.

This is what I am planning to upgrade from.

 

[Andy B]

Andy, help me understand why people choose an Aliner over a traditional pop-up? I now have a 30' travel trailer with dual slides, but I miss my pop up with twin king beds and a slide out for 3500 pounds. For me, having a slide is a huge plus to open up the interior of a camper.

No hating on Aliners having never been in one, but just tying to understand their appeal?

PS: The dry weight of the Aliner is only 2,400 pounds.

 

[Andy B]

Looks like a good trailer but I suspect difficult keeping it under it's 3500 pound GVWR. At least I did with my similar weight popup years ago. Can be done, of course.

Weight seems to magically find its way into the camper and 1000-1100 pounds of cargo capacity gets eaten up fast. 30 gallons of fresh water 8.34 lb/gal is 250 pounds right off the top. Water, propane, batteries, bicycles, bedding, endless other stuff.

-- Chuck

Fair, but I camp alone or with just the wife, so I have an entire expedition to pack stuff in. I don't need to load the trailer too heavy. But a fair point.

I thought it was unsafe or at least unwise to exceed the GVW anyway?

 

[chuck s]

Well, this IS the Expedition Forum.

Over GVWR is unsafe, unwise, and illegal. How illegal? Probably won't know until you have a wreck.

Have a wreck with an overweight trailer and your insurance company can deny coverage for the trailer, truck, and any liability for folks hurt. Operative word is "can." Remember the prime duty of insurance adjusters is to deny claims.

PS: The dry weight of the Aliner is only 2,400 pounds.

Pure fiction. Used to trick guys with into thinking they can tow this. Planning weight is the GVWR and your Expedition won't even breathe hard.

-- Chuck

 

[Andy B]

Well, this IS the Expedition Forum.

Over GVWR is unsafe, unwise, and illegal. How illegal? Probably won't know until you have a wreck.

Have a wreck with an overweight trailer and your insurance company can deny coverage for the trailer, truck, and any liability for folks hurt. Operative word is "can." Remember the prime duty of insurance adjusters is to deny claims.

Pure fiction. Used to trick guys with into thinking they can tow this. Planning weight is the GVWR and your Expedition won't even breathe hard.

-- Chuck

I agree.

That said the dry weight is important to me for one reason. I need to be able to roll this around with a trailer dolly. I can pull the gear out and drain the clean water tank if I must.

My driveway is too narrow and surrounded by rough ground to turn around with it attached to a vehicle.

 

[chuck s]

It's practically an article of faith that published dry weights are complete fiction -- but few of us have weighed them right the lot when new. Wouldn't surprise if your 2400 pound trailer weighs at least 3000 pounds when empty.

-- Chuck

 

[Calidad]

I agree.

That said the dry weight is important to me for one reason. I need to be able to roll this around with a trailer dolly. I can pull the gear out and drain the clean water tank if I must.

My driveway is too narrow and surrounded by rough ground to turn around with it attached to a vehicle.

Check out the purple trailer mover. Its the only trailer moving setup that works on challenging surfaces or slopes. Its $ but I’ve seen people go from no chances of getting a trailer into their driveway or garage spot to easily getting it put into place. Granted it adds weight to the trailer and could impact your gear weight capacity.

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