FYI, I should have counted the visible holes (if any) above the hitch, not below when using their app. I recalculated with their app and it would have been an additional 50lbs of weight distribution turning the top screw. Not much, but just an FYI.

@thomasschwartz2611

3 жыл бұрын

You beat me to it ;)

@BigTruckBigRV

3 жыл бұрын

How the hitch works: 1300lbs is being transfered.. the scale under load is reflecting the downward force the hitch is handling under pressure. Weight is transfered to the front of the truck and to the Trailer brackets instead of the truck receiver carrying it all. The truck's receiver is likely only handling about 350-400lbs instead of the 600lbs it originally recorded.

@KeystoneTexan

3 жыл бұрын

Look at that dirty XPO Logistics Truck?

@grandpixel

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed this, thanks for the correction. Also you should make measurements from the front side of the spring arm closest to the tow vehicle, because that would be in line with the center of the tow ball, and per the owner's manual.

Thank you for the awesome content/demonstration 👌 so important to know alot of people don't realize how dangerous it can be if it's not done properly

I personally own a weigh safe drop hitch and love it!! It protected my truck from a 25mph rear end hit from a Hyundai. It damaged the hitch and receiver, nothing else. Without the hitch they would have made it to the axle, in my opinion. Got the truck fixed and bought a new Weigh Safe hitch. Great product!

sway control comes from the sway bars bending spring force as they are held in place by the bracket, not the friction at either end. and the arms are sprung by the adjustment knob in a vertical direction to transfer the load. the net effect is that the spring arms provide stiffness to the ball swivel assembly. the bars are solid spring steel.

@Ryan-xv3kc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

For everyone concerned about the 1,300 pounds, it's basically like the weight measurement you would get from a bathroom scale if you could reach your fingers under the scale and pull it towards you. The number on the scale goes up. But, your weight on the floor does not.

@UltimatePowa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you, this is the most important information of the video

Another great video. Really makes me want to invest in some of the weighsafe products. Look forward to part 2!

Great set-up video!I'm still using my 20yr old equalizer. Time for a new hitch.

Very good video. I have had a Weigh Safe WDH for about two years now. Great to be able to set it up myself. Several years ago I bought a new pickup, hitched my old trailer using my Reese Dual Cam hitch and took it to the RV dealer/repair place to have to set up. They looked at it and said it looked o.k. That was their set up. Weigh Safe places that job in my hands. Yay! It is a heavy hitch, though. Just sayin'.

Thank you JD for using a 1/2 ton and a Jayco with the underslung coupler! What Weigh Safe told me over the phone was accurate and it looks to be the same, possible, issue you have with that setup. With the shank in a downward position, you have limited clearance between the ground and the shank. What Weigh Safe informed me is that they recommend a minimum clearance of 11" and I would have about 7" of ground clearance. The wonderful lady that was helping me out let me know that I would need to take extra precautions in and out of gas stations and changing terrain. As much as I liked the Weigh Safe setup, I decided to go with another brand. Hopefully, when our trailer comes in, we won't have that issue. I'm a bit jealous, though, I really wanted that setup.

@eliasfajr2010

Жыл бұрын

weight safe told me i couldnt use it on my underslung trailer. Sucks, i really wanted that hitch

@p4lk718

4 ай бұрын

they now sell 8 inch brackets compatible for underslung couplers @@eliasfajr2010

Great video! We have a Blue Ox Sway pro WDH on ours. Little easier to use. The dealer did not torque to spec all the bolts though. I found out when I switched tow vehicles and had to break the bolts. I still need to check the bolt for the ball though. It does need a massive socket, so I’ll make the dealer do that one to double check it is torqued to spec. Love your content!

We purchased the weigh safe WDH and love it. We tow with a ram 2500 and have a Imagine 2400bh. It has no sway and does great.

@nbhybrid206

3 жыл бұрын

We have the same trailer and tow with a Sierra 1500 and Husky Centreline. Zero sway One finger driving

Wow! I REALLY like that hitch. Wish it had been available before I spent almost that much on my Equalizer. Really how how it's got the scale, and the ease of adjustment is just awesome!

@nbhybrid206

3 жыл бұрын

They are mostly designed for toy haulers imo where cargo could change at a greater amount Your equalizer is a quality hitch that once dialed in will not require an further adjustment Generally the weight distribution doesn’t change with conventional trailers

@stevetekrv5791

3 жыл бұрын

@@nbhybrid206 my equalizer is a great hitch, but that weigh safe looks even better. And, yes, I have a 38' bumper-pull Stryker toy-hauler.

@nbhybrid206

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevetekrv5791 you should get one then for sure

Another good learning experience. Good job, thanks.

Best install video I've seen for this hitch. I hope you get a chance to tour a Cougar 355FBS soon, I'm almost ready to pull the trigger and buy one for my F250 SRW.

interesting setup on such a small trailer. does what it was designed to do and much easier to adjust as needed. I have a curt 17500 trunion WDH and making adjustments is a bit of a pain. Like this setup but it is twice the cost of my current wdh.

Very informative. I'm looking at this and the blue ox hitch and equalizer. I wonder, if over time the friction part of the anti sway would wear (metal wear) over time, making it less effective.the blue ox uses a different system, tho doesn't have the weight scale.

We’re looking at this hitch but getting good info from the RV mfg is difficult. Gotta know a few dimensions from truck and trailer before buying the hitch, even before buying a trailer, as the two need to meet. Thanks for the detailed installation instruction. 👍🏻

I watched part 2 first 😆 This is a really cool hitch. 😎

@imathreat209

3 жыл бұрын

Same.

Really interesting video for a newbie just learning.

This video is so useful, thanks a ton!!

Great video JD longer than the usual but a lot of good information your longer than anybody else I've seen with that weight distribution hitch Got me thinking of switching from my equalizer e4 to the weigh-safe

thinking about ordering myself one of these bad boys

I had the equalizer one on my TT. Worked great. This looks like a good setup. Glad to have move to a 5th wheel and not deal with it anymore.

Great video as always 🍻

Great info video.

Good Stuff, Great Tips👍🏿😀

Great video!

Great video! In regards to the 18,000 lb chain, I am new to using extensions. What is the length of your extension, is it possible to just replace the existing chain and extension with an 18,000 lb total length chain, and do you have a link for this?

Can u use that half ton and hook it up to a 8-9k lbs trailer setup the weight distribution and then take to the scales with 3 guys in the truck? I’m sure it will b overloaded.

what are your thoughts on this trunnion bar style, of any manufacture, vs the Andersen chain style with their friction material built into the ball. I know you did a video on it several years ago, curious if your thoughts have changed over time.

How would you adjust installed airbags with the weight distribution hitch? Do you adjust the height and make sure the scale is still in the target range?

I have a equalizer 4 wright distribution kit. Do I measure and adjust with a empty or filled truck bed? Typical camping gear in the bed. Generator wood etc. And why? Thanks

I found this really helpful!! I have been trying to figure out how my MB ML350 has a 7200lb tow rating but a low tongue weight and how to tow the maximum possible. Mystery solved!

So with this demonstration one would thing to setup the trailer with all usual gear in the truck? Meaning if you carry extra gas or a tool kit when traveling that should be in the truck when setting up the trailer?

Excellent review. Are you able to do this with a new RAM with air suspension? With the auto-leveling I wonder what that does to your numbers.

Just got mine today. Picking up our new Grand Design Momentum 25G tomorrow which is notorious for a heavy tongue weight. Should be interesting to try it out! Only thing so far I could not find out is if they pre-grease the two grease fittings from the factory or not...????

Just wondering if you a tow with the tailgate down with that hitch being a little longer ? Need to tow with the tailgate down to haul at golf cart in the truck bed

Good information

I contacted WS, and they didn’t have an answer! I have a F-150 with backup assist pro. This requires a graphic sticker to be placed on trailer near ball along trailer frame. The backup camera uses this sticker to assist in backing up. My question is, since this WS distribution system adds length to hitch, will the backup system on my truck still function?

Thank you for the video. New to this. Does this effect the specs of the steel frame of the trailer. (Warranty) Or is this normal for towing a trailer, a lot of work compared to hooking up a fifth wheel. Just wondering

Hello JD, I love your videos! After watching a ton of truck videos you put out, I was inspired to buy a new 2021 F350 XLT SRW CC 6.7L Diesel truck. My wife and I are searching for a TT to tow with it an I am researching WD hitches. The TT models' we are looking at have a GVWR between 7500 and 9500 lbs so I am pretty confident I have enough truck. I like the idea of the True Tow - so I was happy to see you review and install it. I am hoping you can give me some advice on this hitch. My truck has a 3" receiver and came with a 2.5" adapter (which I have also fitted with a 2" adapter so I can continue to use my bike rack and hitch haul). I don't see an option for a 3" shaft for the True Tow. Does use of the 2.5" adapter affect the hitch capacity? Are there any other drawbacks to use of an adapter? Also since the hitch is longer than a normal WD hitch does this affect the moment and apply more force to the truck? Do the calculations in the app account for this? Any other advice you or your knowledgeable viewers can provide will be appreciated...

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you for being so thorough in covering every aspect.

@nbhybrid206

3 жыл бұрын

I personally thought it was more confusing Helpful edits should have been used

Great set up here!! I like that adjustment bolt that allows the tension to be set for current tongue weights. Safe travels!

That's alot of measurements for the average user. So much for the old days of hitch up and go. All in the name of safety though. That hitch assembly being so long, (great pre thought of weight rated extra longer chains) I see as blessings and curses depending on the senario's. I remember camping growing up, we had a horribly unlevel spot. We had the truck on blocks raised up and the trailer lowered all the way and we could barely hook up. I'd love to see trying to hook this whole assembly up on something like, a real world situation of hooking up to any trailer on non level terrain.

@wwg-worldsworstgamer6678

3 жыл бұрын

this is no different from any other wdh. the measurements makes this very simple for all users and they have photos and great directions. no other wdh allows you to know it is setup right without going to a cat scale. and then you need 3 weights its actually a lot more work.

The Weigh Safe is a neat idea. Question open to everyone: I am currently buying a travel trailer. 29' long about 4700# dry weight and listed hitch weight of 480#. I have a Tundra with a 1300# payload capacity and a 9000# tow rating. The dealer only sells Husky Centerline hitches and charges a little over $800. Should I get that hitch? Or drive home (about 45 miles) without a weight distribution hitch and then get a different one? If so, what hitch should I get? Thanks.

What was the length of the additional safety chains that were purchased?

Great job - all true - good KZread

Im a Newbie, and I bought this hitch, and Im trying to hook it up on a 2015 GMC 2500HD 4X4. Pulling a Reflection 312BHTS. 37'4" 11,295 lb GVWR. I am full-time and pulling the first time from the current location where the dealer delivered. Should I have slides in before attempting this?

Thanks for the video, it was pretty good for the most part, but you did miss something on the setup. So, the "visible holes" setting, it asks how many above head... you counted and entered now many below. This setting on your set up in the video should've been 0, not the 5.5 you entered.

JD, great video as always! Do you think it would be worth replacing my Blue Ox for this? Thanks

Pretty large-sized pinch (& possible cut in the jacket) in the wiring harness at 13:50-13:59 - hope that gets checked ;-)

I believe the measurement for visible holes @ 19:06 is ABOVE the pins not below.

@BigTruckBigRV

3 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely correct! I just rechecked the app and it would have been an additional 50lbs (1350). So not much more thankfully. Thanks though!

@markborchardt3483

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigTruckBigRV Absolutely! I have watched the official install video from Weigh Safe 5 times - that is the only reason I caught that. My hitch is being delivered tomorrow. Thanks for posting a real world example install.

@philfarns

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigTruckBigRV 1350 is a big chunk of the 1600+ payload for this truck. Adding passengers and camping gear is probably putting this vehicle over payload capacity?

@cajunrotor

Жыл бұрын

@@philfarns I had the same concern when I watched the video. Seems like an awful lot of hitch weight for a relatively small camper.

I did not notice, but was there a driver in the truck when all the weights were calculated?

Thanks for the video. I just purchased the same weigh safe hitch and will be installing it this weekend here in Austin. I also purchased the coupler pin with matched key. Towing Nucamp’s Avia with a Tundra TRD Pro. I did find that the safety chains are too short when towing w the way safe hitch, I am guessing that the hitch is longer than the rest of hitches out there. Weigh safe has an app as well. I’m hoping everything works out well for me.

@Outdoor-Adventures

3 жыл бұрын

I also have a Tundra and in austin, I sure love to hear from you on how you like the hitch.

@moduc996

3 жыл бұрын

@@Outdoor-Adventures will let you know

@Berrypancakes229

2 жыл бұрын

@@moduc996 How are you liking the Hitch?

@moduc996

2 жыл бұрын

@@Berrypancakes229 its great. Having the weight distributed evenly has less wear and tear on truck brakes and easier to tow. I did change towing vehicle though, I got a diesel truck now just because it’s easier to pull into truck stations. It’s less stressful than with regular gas stations where you always have to wait for 2 pumps to free up so you can fill up. Also having to watch out for thighs spots and turning angles.Having a diesel towing vehicle all you do is drive straight in and drive straight out.

Oh, that's nice.

Have you seen the pro pride trailer hitch ? It looks funky how it moves back and forth. Would you be willing to do a review on it ?

doesn't sound like it will hold up over time? rubbing all the time?

How would you rate this hitch against the ProPride 3P?

If your trailer axle is near capacity and then you load up the distribution hitch you could overload your axle. The problem with distribution hitches

So is that reading saying it’s putting 1200lbs to the truck? I’m just curious because I have a trailer with 1000lbs of tongue weight and was looking at getting this set up. But if I set it up right would I be putting more hitch weight on or is the scale only accurate on the initial hitch weight before you set everything up?

@EngineAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Not at all, it actually reduces the load on the truck axles and sends some of that weight to the trailer. Check out Fastway trailer's video, it's a little long but really explains what WD does. They are the most experienced company in the business (Fastway is owned by the same company that owns the original Equal-i-zer HItch): kzread.info/dash/bejne/inaO15VyoLSed8o.html Why it reads higher than the initial tongue weight is because the weight distribution arms provide a lifting force on the truck and a downward force on the trailer A-Frame. In the most basic terms it's like putting a c-clamp on the scale and tightening it down. You're not adding weight, but the scale is reading higher due to the clamping force.

@BigTruckBigRV

3 жыл бұрын

1300lbs is being transfered.. the scale under load is reflecting the downward force the hitch is handling under pressure. Weight is transfered to the front of the truck and to the Trailer brackets instead of the truck receiver carrying it all. The truck's receiver is likely only handling about 350-400lbs instead of the 600lbs it originally recorded.

The two features missing from the hitch are a) torsion flexing to minimize porposing/bumps and b) active sway control like the Reese sway pro that uses springs to keep trailer centered behind truck, not just using friction. What is the total weight of the weight safe shank, hitch, and torsion bars?

@LoudRam

3 жыл бұрын

I just bought the 15k model with the 6" shank. The shank and hitch weigh 75 lbs. The bars weigh 18 lbs each.

How well does that gauge hold up?

How does your friend like the hitch now that he's likely put some miles on it? We finally decided on a trailer. I opted to get the hitch that they had in stock and let them set everything up, it's the Equal-i-zer. That thing is NOISEY!! :-O. I'll send you a pic or two soon.

With the long hitch, are you able to fully open the truck tailgate when hitched up? Looks like a good setup.

@BigTruckBigRV

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. Next video

Oh man now I want to change my Reese WDH. Why do you do this to me JD? That thing is awesome.

@nbhybrid206

3 жыл бұрын

Imo unless you have a toy hauler where the weight distribution of the trailer can change greatly this hitch isn’t necessary Once your hitch you currently have is dialed in no further adjustment is ever needed

Great video! Why does the tongue weight increase when using the weight distribution hitch? Shouldn't it stay at the same weight?

@garyherman2110

3 жыл бұрын

Technically, the tongue weight is not the measurement on the gauge. The gauge reads the weight being transferred back to the trailer axle. Most people think the weight is being transferred to the front of the truck and that is not true. The weight is being transferred to the trailer axle and therefore less tongue weight. If the weight was being transferred to the truck the arms would have to be attached to the truck. Even the guy doing the video got it wrong when he said, "the weight is being transferred to the front axle". The Weigh Safe video explains this very well.

When using a hitch like this which number do you subtract from you max payload capacity? The 600lbs or the 1,300?

@omgnothingisavl

3 жыл бұрын

The 1300, it still transferred to the truck. It just transferred about half to the front axles.

@philfarns

2 жыл бұрын

I had same question. 1300 is probably going to exceed payload capacity once you factor in passengers and camping gear loaded in the bed.

@tfineis

2 жыл бұрын

600. You aren't increasing the hitch weight to the truck, you're just adding a lever in the middle which pushes the ball into the coupler harder, which is why it shows as "more weight" (1300) on the scale. The trailer weight never changed.

Can you use this for dump trailer?

Do airbags (Air Lift or Firestone) affect how this hitch is set up?

@tac0majas0n

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. You need to have your bags to your desired pressure BEFORE you set your hitch up.

At 20:40 very close to a pretty good finger pinch kind of a safety issue if you ask me

I understand the 1300 pounds was distributed to the front and trailer, but are you only still subtracting 600 pounds off the payload?

It seems really complicated. Once everything is dialed in, do you have to do that every time?

@Thirty-OughtSick

3 жыл бұрын

No, hookup and go. I use one,

GenY BOSS torsion only way to go

Really nice. If anyone wants to this for me my bday is coming up. 😄

Review a ProPride 3P hitch.

I watch most of your videos. Very informative and thanks. I know this is a weigh safe video but I was hoping you could give a referral for a great quality weight distribution hitch? I know you review a bunch. I’ll be using a Ram 3500 4x4 crew cab long bed HO diesel SRW. Towing a 31’ x 12.5’ Momentum 25g toy hauler tt. Gvwr is 11,500 and tongue weight is 1150.

You need to measure the actual receiver weight, before putting it into truck. Then you need to center of ball from a regular receiver to center of rear axle. That will give you base measurement where vehicle manufacturer wants tonge weight to be installed. The formula for torque is T=FxD. F-> down force, D-> distance from rear axle. So lets assume regular ball mount center is 36 inches from axle, force that vehicle can handle here is 500 lbs. Weight distribution hitch moves center of ball to 42 inches from center of axle. Torque of original =36x500= torque placement of new weight distribution hitch = 18000 inchpounds. New D is 42. So max down force on weight distribution ball is 18000/42=428 pounds. Now hitch weights 65 pounds. 428-65=so new weight distribution hitch now has a weight capacity of 363 lbs.

@Thirty-OughtSick

2 жыл бұрын

That’s probably why my trailer is 1200 pounds tongue but adds 1600 pounds to the rear axle.

You can not use this hitch on the RV that you are showing. On their site: "Max Trailer Frame Height: 6 inches. *Note* Not compatible with trailers that have a frame larger than 5″ and have the coupler mounted to the bottom of the frame. (Typically found on Jayco Trailers)" We are in the middle of a 1500 mile trip, high wind gusts, I'm working as hard as I can to keep the trailer on the road. We just called them and they have had "failures" when it was used on the hitch with coupler at bottom.

1300 tongue weight on a sub 5k lbs trailer is insane. That leaves him like no room for passengers and gear.

@philfarns

2 жыл бұрын

Thinking the same

@904nole

2 жыл бұрын

1300 is the weight being transferred. The trailer weight didn’t change

It was asking how many holes above

Your safety chains are only as strong as how or what there added to. "As strong as it's weakest link"

What happened to the ALCOA wheels??

Pretty cool but man that’s a lot of steps lol

Wish this was out last fall when I bought my TT, these things are too expensive to be switching out

@loriw2661

3 жыл бұрын

Same😥

@wwg-worldsworstgamer6678

3 жыл бұрын

its been out for like 2 years almost. ive had mine 1 1/2 seasons. bought my trailer in june 2019

@computerfixer06

3 жыл бұрын

@@wwg-worldsworstgamer6678 hmmm, thought I searched etrailer thoroughly when looking, guess I missed it.

@wwg-worldsworstgamer6678

3 жыл бұрын

It was only available from their site at that point.

No wonder teardrops are big sellers. This makes me rethink everything. Also, need to get a degree in engineering.

I guess it would be best to pack the camper and head to scale to get the actual weight and not just plug in the GVWR of the trailer?

00:05:44 Start Installation

I just bought one of their 2.5 2000lb hitch WD systems. Have a question about shipping and tried to call them. Their lack of customer service is appalling. Might cancel and go with a company that can stand behind their products and speak to their customers.

@Thirty-OughtSick

2 жыл бұрын

I had no problem with customer service on my end

At the beginning you state and show the trailer has a GVWR of 4995 lbs + battery +propane tanks, but then you calculate everything like it's 4,000 pounds + battery + propane tanks. Am I missing something or did you forget the trailer was 5K pounds not 4K?

I don't care how heavy a trailer is, i will never set up a trailer that is under 10000 lbs with more than 400 lbs. And a 6000 I wouldn't have more than about 250 for tandem, and 150 for tri axle. .i have and a 4500 or less tandem 150-175 lbs. I have been driving with trailers for 40+ years and used the formula that I use from my dad and other old-timers. I have never had a sway issues. . I much perfer the trailer carrying the load. The more trailer ahead of the axle center the less tong weight needed. . Back in the 1980s I hauled an 11,000 - 32' boat on a 36' tri axle trailer when sitting level it had about 150 lbs. I only got it up to about 40 mph but it towed great. I hauled it about 20 miles with absolutely no issues. Towed straight and true. It had surge breaks towed it with a 1 ton pickup with a 4!speed split rear end. I think it had a 440. A long time ago. Other than that the biggest box trailer I hauled was a 24, box gvw 10000. I had about 6000. No issues with 200-250 lbs tongue weight which is the weight of the trailer empty was 200 empty. That is usually my rule of thumb. A little more weight than the empty trailer. Now if the center of balance is higher than 4' off the ground you start to need more weight...if you're center of mass is less than 4' . There is not a 1 % rate for all instances... the only trailers i use 10% rule is single axle under 1000 lbs.

THANK YOU, FOR THIS HANDS ON, REAL WORLD, INSTALLATION DEMONSTRATION!!! ....Shouldn't your "safety chains" be crossed?!......

Forgive me if I am wrong, but your gross trailer weight appears to be 5200# not 4200#.

How much does the hitch head weigh?

@LoudRam

3 жыл бұрын

I just bought the 15k model with the 6" shank. The shank and hitch weigh 75 lbs. The bars weigh 18 lbs each.

@Berrypancakes229

2 жыл бұрын

@@LoudRam we have a eco boost Ford 150 and have a 25ft travel trailer weight 6,000 pounds dry weight. Will this hitch set up work?

@LoudRam

2 жыл бұрын

@@Berrypancakes229 It will work fine with your set up. Our trailer is 29' 6k dry 7k loaded. I wish they sold a slightly smaller one. The 15k model is the smallest they make. I feel it's overkill. A 12k 1200lb tongue model would be perfect for most 1/2 ton trucks.

You need to be careful with the amount of grease you put in. The top nut has a rubber seal and too much grease will cause it to pop.

How much is that hitch. Looks high dollar

Question: You had 1300#'s on the hitch and if I had his weight~180#; mom = ~140, 100#'s per kid X 2 = 200; hitch = ~40#'s; total = 1860#'s. You may need to ad weight for "stuff" in trailer and truck interior and bed. Most Families end up with a few hundred pound in the interior & bed. So he's going to be at least ~2000#'s all packed up. His cargo cap was 1620#'s . Am I looking at this correctly ?

@BigTruckBigRV

3 жыл бұрын

1300lbs is being transfered.. the scale under load is reflecting the downward force the hitch is handling under pressure. Weight is transfered to the front of the truck and to the Trailer brackets instead of the truck receiver carrying it all. The truck's receiver is likely only handling about 350-400lbs instead of the 600lbs it originally recorded.

How much is this hich

FYI not a Jayco Eagle, it is a Jay Feather

8:56 dang that sticks out really far. Kinda sucks.

what, where's the driving demo/video??