Weight Distribution Hitch - weight rating ?

[Camp dog]

I have a 2022 Rockwood GeoPro G19FD single axle trailer that I tow with a 2023 Tundra SR5. I’m looking at purchasing a Camco Eazlift TR3 weight distribution hitch.
My estimated loaded tongue weight is approximately 750-775 lbs based on the factory hitch weight plus batteries, propane tanks, fresh water and front storage cargo.
I’m trying to decide between the TR3 with the 800 lb rated spring bars (model 48904) and the 1000 lb rated version ( model 48900)

For anyone towing a similar GeoPro or other comparable single axle trailer:
Which spring bar rating did you choose ?
Have you noticed any difference in ride quality between the 800 and 1000 lb rated bars ?
Have you experienced a stiff or harsh ride with the oversized spring bars ?
Would you recommend the 800 or 1000 lb spring bars for my set up ?

I’d appreciate hearing about your actual experience

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I use an equalizer hitch, and have for years.

Here's the thing!

A spring slightly less rated allows more weight on the drive wheels. Higher rated springs put more weight on the steers.

Run this through your mind. The truck is designed to handle the weight in the bed area. So a little sag won't hurt anything, and will give more traction in general, and a better ride.

If the wheels on the rear of the truck loose traction, forward control can be lost entirely in the right road conditions directional control can be lost entirely (think jackknife). At least under breaking conditions understeer becomes less when the vehicle balance is light on the front of the tow vehicle.

Different spring sets can be purchased for different tow setups. If I had a choice for your setup. I would choose 700lbs springs.
I would definitely not choose 1000lbs springs.

 

[RobertE]

I would recheck those weights. I thought that was a relatively light trailer since it’s single axle, so I looked it up

• 
  
• • Dry Weight / UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): ~3,233 lbs to 3,511 lbs [1, 2]
  • Hitch Weight: ~409 lbs to 435 lbs [1, 2]
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,409 lbs to 4,435 lbs [1, 2]
  
  According to these specs your hitch weight should be at least a couple hundred pounds under what you’re citing.
  
  IMO stability should be the main concern since it’s a single axle. Take notice of weight distribution inside the trailer. I doubt you need a WDH, but it can help with stability.
  
  I think I’d be looking into a stabilizer system, not a WDH. How much squat have you got?
  
  
  
  

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I would recheck those weights. I thought that was a relatively light trailer since it’s single axle, so I looked it up

• 
  
• • Dry Weight / UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): ~3,233 lbs to 3,511 lbs [1, 2]
  • Hitch Weight: ~409 lbs to 435 lbs [1, 2]
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,409 lbs to 4,435 lbs [1, 2]
  
  According to these specs your hitch weight should be at least a couple hundred pounds under what you’re citing.
  
  IMO stability should be the main concern since it’s a single axle. Take notice of weight distribution inside the trailer. I doubt you need a WDH, but it can help with stability.
  
  I think I’d be looking into a stabilizer system, not a WDH. How much squat have you got?
  
  
  

Looks like the hitch weight is off in those specs.

 

[RobertE]

Looks like the hitch weight is off in those specs.

10-15% is the rule of thumb, no?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

10-15% is the rule of thumb, no?

Yes! Gross weight 4,400 =10% 440 4,400 = 15% 660. Not 409-435. For the record,
Hitch receivers have higher ratings when WD hitchs are used, so verify capacity if you won't be using one.

 

[RobertE]

I wouldn’t argue with the mfg’er specs, but feel free. They were different sources

Point remains, it’s not 750#.

 

[Rosy]

I would recheck those weights. I thought that was a relatively light trailer since it’s single axle, so I looked it up

• 
  
• • Dry Weight / UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): ~3,233 lbs to 3,511 lbs [1, 2]
  • Hitch Weight: ~409 lbs to 435 lbs [1, 2]
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,409 lbs to 4,435 lbs [1, 2]
  
  According to these specs your hitch weight should be at least a couple hundred pounds under what you’re citing.
  
  IMO stability should be the main concern since it’s a single axle. Take notice of weight distribution inside the trailer. I doubt you need a WDH, but it can help with stability.
  
  I think I’d be looking into a stabilizer system, not a WDH. How much squat have you got?
  
  
  

His truck may have more squar than others because he has coil springs in the rear.

 

[Camp dog]

I would recheck those weights. I thought that was a relatively light trailer since it’s single axle, so I looked it up

• 
  
• • Dry Weight / UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): ~3,233 lbs to 3,511 lbs [1, 2]
  • Hitch Weight: ~409 lbs to 435 lbs [1, 2]
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,409 lbs to 4,435 lbs [1, 2]
  
  According to these specs your hitch weight should be at least a couple hundred pounds under what you’re citing.
  
  IMO stability should be the main concern since it’s a single axle. Take notice of weight distribution inside the trailer. I doubt you need a WDH, but it can help with stability.
  
  I think I’d be looking into a stabilizer system, not a WDH. How much squat have you got?
  
  
  

I calculated my tongue weight based on the 417 lb spec listed hitch weight plus the actual weights of 2 6V batteries, two full 20 lb propane tanks and approx 100 lbs of front storage cargo. I also added in 50 lbs for the portion of my rush water tank that sits in front of the axle.
So, if I deduct the 50 lbs for the water since we try not to travel with a full tank, that puts me closer to 675-725 lbs depending on how much propane is still in the tanks.
Based on these numbers I’ve been leaning toward a hitch system with 800 lb rated spring bars.
Thoughts ?

 

[Camp dog]

I would recheck those weights. I thought that was a relatively light trailer since it’s single axle, so I looked it up

• 
  
• • Dry Weight / UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): ~3,233 lbs to 3,511 lbs [1, 2]
  • Hitch Weight: ~409 lbs to 435 lbs [1, 2]
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,409 lbs to 4,435 lbs [1, 2]
  
  According to these specs your hitch weight should be at least a couple hundred pounds under what you’re citing.
  
  IMO stability should be the main concern since it’s a single axle. Take notice of weight distribution inside the trailer. I doubt you need a WDH, but it can help with stability.
  
  I think I’d be looking into a stabilizer system, not a WDH. How much squat have you

Squat is considerable when truck and trailer are fully loaded. I’ve certainly seen people towing with worse but that’s not for me.
My 750-775 lb tongue weight figure may be heavy if I deduct for fresh water and propane tanks that are rarely completely full but based on my numbers I’m still in the 675-725 tongue weight range.
Based on this I’ve been leaning toward 800 lb rated spring bars.n
Thoughts ?

 

[Holdmybeer]

To Robert E's point. You don't want to be throwing so much weight off the hitch that you induce sway. Furthermore too much spring bar may put an unnecessary degree of strain on the hitch area.

 

[BrotherSpike]

I wouldn’t argue with the mfg’er specs, but feel free. They were different sources

Squat is considerable when truck and trailer are fully loaded. I’ve certainly seen people towing with worse but that’s not for me.
My 750-775 lb tongue weight figure may be heavy if I deduct for fresh water and propane tanks that are rarely completely full but based on my numbers I’m still in the 675-725 tongue weight range.
Based on this I’ve been leaning toward 800 lb rated spring bars.n
Thoughts ?

From everything I looked at on Forest River's site for your model, confirms your numbers. Don't go by a "10%-15% rule", that's for shopping purposes. Take your truck and trailer to a scale. Not neccessarily CAT, because your trailer and truck are pretty low weight to begin with. What I saw on FR's site was a 13.88% tongue weight unloaded. With trailer loaded your up there. I'd be more interested in your available payload capacity for the truck, and what and who is in the truck when hooked up. If your within spec of your truck's GVW (preferably at 90%, but never over GVW, and the tail is squatting a considerable amount, then your answer is "Yes" consider a WDH with the ability to add a sway bar. A WDH can always be adjusted for more or less distribution. However, back to your truck's available cargo capacity, keep in mind WDH's are heavy, you need to consider the weight of the hitch system in your calculations.
Hope that helps.

 

[RobertE]

I calculated my tongue weight based on the 417 lb spec listed hitch weight plus the actual weights of 2 6V batteries, two full 20 lb propane tanks and approx 100 lbs of front storage cargo. I also added in 50 lbs for the portion of my rush water tank that sits in front of the axle.
So, if I deduct the 50 lbs for the water since we try not to travel with a full tank, that puts me closer to 675-725 lbs depending on how much propane is still in the tanks.
Based on these numbers I’ve been leaning toward a hitch system with 800 lb rated spring bars.
Thoughts ?

The actual hitch weight is not 1 for 1, it depends on how far back from the hitch, but I'm just surprised at that mount of weight for a single axle trailer. I would be looking to get some weight off, maybe relocate the batteries. I keep one propane tank filled.

My experience with a WDR hitch is there was zero effect on squat. I think it doesn't take the weight off the hitch, it just distributes it forward. You might look into air bags.