I'm buying a 2 horse BP trailer as will be pulling it with a 2011 Ford Expedition EL. I have always used a weight distributing hitch when towing a travel trailer and it seems like a good idea for my horse trailer as well. But, I don't see alot of folks using them on horse trailes. Am I mssing something? Or is it that most pick up's don't need that kind of hitsh set up? Appreciate any thoughts Thanks
Posted 2011-03-13 10:41 AM (#131593 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: hitch
Regular
Posts: 69
The older Expedition's were built using the f150 frame and I assume that's still the case. We pull with a 2008 F150 and a Dodge 2500 and use the Weight distributing bars on both. What your doing is smart as you are distributing the weight of the trailer thru out the chassis of your SUV. By doing this your taking strain off the rear axle and eliminating the sag.
Posted 2011-03-14 6:05 AM (#131613 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Regular
Posts: 88
I am also interested in the weight distributing hitch.
We just purchased an 2009 Ford F150 with the max tow package(11,200). I was looking at the hitch on the truck when we got home and found a sticker that requires a weight distributing hitch to tow more than 5,000 lbs. The trailer will weigh around 5,500 to 6,000 loaded. Guess we need to make one more purchase.
I have not done a lot of research but, it appears that there are 3 Styles? Does one work better than another? Or do they all work the same? Also the trailer(Brand New) has a diamond plate platform covering the hitch. It appears that the weight distributing hitches attach to sides of the hitch rails. Is there a way to attach without hacking up the diamond plate?
Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Posted 2011-03-14 9:47 PM (#131658 - in reply to #131653) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by docgj on 2011-03-14 7:18 PM
Is anyone using these hitches?
Comments please.
I used to use one on a 2 horse bumper pull when hauling a team of Percherons... I currently use it on one of my bumper pull flatbed trailers, when I'm delivering hay with it...they work as advertised...shifting some of the load to the tow vehicles front axle...
Posted 2011-03-15 7:19 AM (#131659 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Regular
Posts: 88
Thanks Paul.
Is there a need to readjust the hitch everytime you hookup? Or once it is set you are good to go? Can most of it be left attached to the trailer? Or do you have to start over everytime you hookup?
Posted 2011-03-15 8:23 AM (#131661 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
Once the receiver is set up (for that trailer) it can be left alone. WDH's have 2 bars that go from about half way back on the trailer hitch that attach to the truck's hitch. These will have to be put on and taken off with each trip.
Posted 2011-03-15 8:24 AM (#131662 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Regular
Posts: 69
As I wrote above we have used the weight distributing hitch system for well over 9 years. First on a 2001 F150 and now on a 2008. (5.4 engine)
Once we lock the chains in there should be no reason to re-adjust them. But to be on the safe side it never hurts to carry the adjustment bar with you.
Posted 2011-03-15 9:46 AM (#131667 - in reply to #131577) Subject: RE: Weight distributing hitch
Member
Posts: 24
Location: blacksburg va
We have never used a W/D hitch with horse trailer(gooseneck) but we bought one to use with my car trailer when we had a 1/2 ton truck.When we bought the 2500 it was no longer required but we do still use it for longer trips because it makes the ride so much better.I have often wondered why I see so few of them with bumper pull horse trailers and marginal tow vehicles,they only take a couple extra minutes to hook up and need just a few holes drilled in the trailer for the brackets.They are often seen on craigs list for a good deal also.I also would wonder if the horses would have a better ride if there is less bounce in their trailer ?
Weight distributing hitch
I currently use it on one of my bumper pull flatbed trailers, when I'm delivering hay with it...they work as advertised...shifting some of the load to the tow vehicles front axle...