Upgraded my truck - still need WDH?

[k.darwin]

I was towing my 2106 Micro Minnie with a Colorado diesel. Used the Anderson hitch which has built-in sway control. Worked fine.

I upgrade my truck to a 3/4 ton diesel. Do you think I still need the Anderson hitch for weight distribution or sway control?

[Ray,IN]

Yes. Your hitch weight will be 700# or more when the trailer is loaded to GVWR. Pay no attention to unloaded weight ratings unless that's how you plan to travel, no clothes, food, water, etc.
When discussing handling/sway, the engine type is immaterial.

[k.darwin]

Thanks for the answer @Ray,IN. As it turns out, the owner's manual for my new truck has my answer.

The recommend WDH for loaded trailers 5,000 lbs or more. And the WDH should be adjusted to restore 1/2 of the lifted height at the front wheel opening.

With my 2106DS loaded for a typical trip, I believe we're below 5000 lbs (memory from a CAT scale measurement several years ago).

I think my easiest approach is to continue to use the Anderson hitch, but adjust it to restore no more than 1/2 the front end uplift.

[Ray,IN]

FWIW; this is the most accurate and fully-explained article I've ever read. How to properly set-up a weight distributing hitch.

[irajplvr]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Yes. Your hitch weight will be 700# or more when the trailer is loaded to GVWR. Pay no attention to unloaded weight ratings unless that's how you plan to travel, no clothes, food, water, etc.
When discussing handling/sway, the engine type is immaterial.

Ray I would be careful recommending things like this. Some trucks will not need the sway hitch. My 2013 2500hd has electronic sway control built in with the stabilitrak system. My owners manual states specifically not to use a sway hitch as it will fight the stabilitrak. I would suggest to anyone not sure of their needs to consult the truck and trailer owners manuals first.

[kvmllr]

I will always tow with a WDH. In the bed that weight doesn't mean so much. It's distributed. Towing, you've got several hundred pounds hanging off the back. Even if it looks level, you've got more weight behind the back axle, making the front end light. That will affect steering, especially in the moment of panic, when you need the most traction on those front wheels. That's why airbags don't really do anything to enhance handling, even if the truck looks level.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by irajplvr

Ray I would be careful recommending things like this. Some trucks will not need the sway hitch. My 2013 2500hd has electronic sway control built in with the stabilitrak system. My owners manual states specifically not to use a sway hitch as it will fight the stabilitrak. I would suggest to anyone not sure of their needs to consult the truck and trailer owners manuals first.

Good point! Which is why I say the final authority is the vehicle-specific owners manual. I forgot to say that in my reply.