Basic Towing Question - non WDH

meltingpoint · 06-13-2006, 04:59 AM

I need to tow a 20 foot, 5880 lbs GVWR travel trailer on a 200 mile trip later this summer. This will be my first attempt to tow anything larger than a popup. The problem is the trailer is a rental and the owner says it’s not set-up for a weight distribution hitch. I plan to tow the trailer as empty as possible (no water, no gear, etc), so I'm guessing there is no way the trailer will be over 5000 lbs. I estimate that I will have about 600 lbs worth of people and cargo in the truck. Am I going to run into trouble with tongue weight on my truck by not using the WDH? My tow vehicle is a ’05 Titan KC with Big Tow and Utility Bed. The trailer is a '01 Keystone Cabana model M-1975.

Thanks

**konigfritz** · 06-13-2006, 05:51 AM

Good question. The Tongue weight will vary by trailer and height of your receiver. You should be fine. Just be careful. Is it a single or dual axle TT.
The boat I tow is nearly 5000 lbs with trailer and is on a tandem axle. No problems with sway or bumpiness. I have an OR/BT 4x4 with a 2" drop it works out perfectly. Good luck.

Bajappenin · 06-13-2006, 06:06 AM

I tow a 27' boat, about 6000lbs with no fuel in the boat, tandom axle trailer, 4" drop. Except for big hills, I sometimes forget it is there. I have an '04 CC BT/OR. I did have a problem with bouncing, but found out my tongue weight was too light.

meltingpoint · 06-13-2006, 10:21 AM

Are you two towing without a weight distribution hitch?

This TT is dual axle.

rtapia · 06-13-2006, 11:20 AM

It seems to be pretty stupid on the owner's part not to have the trailer setup for a WD hitch. I would think that it would open him up to alot of liability.

Steamguy · 06-13-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtapia

It seems to be pretty stupid on the owner's part not to have the trailer setup for a WD hitch. I would think that it would open him up to alot of liability.

Offer some money off the rent and sharing in buying WD hardware. Otherwise walk away. Your family is worth more than just a good buy on a rental. Hopefully you have a brake controller...?

If you HAVE to tow without a WD hitch, load it at least 60/40 heavy in front. That will keep the sway down to a manageable level and hopefully make the trailer track OK. Also keep your speed down and keep your brain turned on.

ttugrad95 · 06-13-2006, 02:24 PM

Make sure you use a hitch with the right amount of drop for the trailer keeping it as level as possible.

QWIKWHIP · 06-14-2006, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steamguy

Offer some money off the rent and sharing in buying WD hardware. Otherwise walk away. Your family is worth more than just a good buy on a rental. Hopefully you have a brake controller...?

If you HAVE to tow without a WD hitch, load it at least 60/40 heavy in front. That will keep the sway down to a manageable level and hopefully make the trailer track OK. Also keep your speed down and keep your brain turned on.

I have to agree with this. ^^^ It's not worth taking the chance. The correct equipment makes all the difference in the world.

meltingpoint · 06-15-2006, 02:29 PM

Just thinking out-loud here...

Generally, what is a safe tongue weight to tow without the WDH?

The 2005 Nissan Towing Guide lists the Maximum Trailer Tongue Load for an SE with High Utility Bed and without optional tow package at 730 lbs. I assume the weight of passangers and cargo would reduce this amount.