Cargo Trailer Size and Truck Add-ons

[PatrickL]

I am just about ready to get a Cargo Trailer to haul up the AlCan at the end of April. Probably around 7K or more weight. The very minimum is a 7x14 flat nose but I would prefer a v-nose if possible. They haul better and save a little fuel. It all counts when running 3500 miles.

V-nose typically come in 20-25ft models. What do you guys think about hauling this length? I would prefer a 20ft just to keep it easier. Is it that big a difference. Also what brands? I was looking at interstate but TNT's are alot cheaper. I will sell it once getting to AK as I don't need it but for the move.

More importantly. I was thinking for sure I need a weight distribution hitch. How much, which brand and why? They all seem pretty much the same idea in the end. Also, I am on a tight budget. Break controller, Prodigy seems to be the concensus here so that's solid. What about airbags to level her out? Do I even need these if I have a weight distribution hitch?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[loufish]

The 20 footer would be more enjoyable to tow...anything over about 4000 lbs should use a WD hitch...

[loufish]

More importantly. I was thinking for sure I need a weight distribution hitch. How much, which brand and why? They all seem pretty much the same idea in the end. Also, I am on a tight budget. Break controller, Prodigy seems to be the concensus here so that's solid. What about airbags to level her out? Do I even need these if I have a weight distribution hitch?

For the WD's other will need to chime in, when I've tow with a WD it's been borrowed, so I had no choice...
For brake controller, I do highly suggest the Prodigy.

[Carbeaux]

If you're sitting on the stock suspension, you probably won't need to worry about leveling it much. The factory rake will take care of it for you. If you're on a level kit (PRG, NCD, etc.) then you might want to consider bags to keep it level when you're hooked up. It will just depend on your tongue weight. I have the Reese and tow about 6500 at most and it seems sufficient. I do get a bit of tail wagging, but I'm at 27 feet and I'm guessing that will make a difference too.

[PatrickL]

I actually have a 2008.5 which comes level from the factory so it sounds like some air bags might be in order. Any recommendations?

[ORTitan]

I towed over 5k miles last year with my 8.5x20 enclosed hauler.The trailer scales at 9xxx lbs ( of course I am within the towing limit ). I have the small Firestone bags and highly recommend them they will level out the truck nice when loaded and aren't too harsh of a ride. You will really also want to use the weight dist hitch to get some weight back onto the front axle of the truck. I have 1200 lb bars on mine. In hindsight I would have bought a longer trailer, a 24', instead of the 20'. I have towed both lengths several thousand miles a year and you just don't notice the difference in length going down the road. Occasionally you will notice the difference in tight maneuvering, but this is not a deal breaker. Prodigy controllers are very nice, no problems with mine.

[PatrickL]

Looks like those airbags work well. Your truck doesn't even look like the trailers attached its so level. Is there much difference in the weight dist hitches out there or are they pretty much the same? Pretty expensive piece of equipment.

[ORTitan]

Just stick with a good name brand Eazy-Lift, Reese, Etc. I think my whole hitch setup was only $200 something. Good Luck.

[mjtech12]

Originally Posted by ORTitan

Just stick with a good name brand Eazy-Lift, Reese, Etc. I think my whole hitch setup was only $200 something. Good Luck.

If he got his weight dist hitch for $200.00 thats a phenonemal deal

Here is the Hitch I use on a 31Ft Travel Trailer At 6500Lbs Dry
Strait-Line Weight Distribution Trunnion Bar Kit (1,200 lb) with Hitch Bar
Sway Control Built In

Reese Has This on Sale $635.95 Free Shipping
Regularly Priced At $953.90

This Reese 1,200 lb Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch Kit consists of a patented Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control and a High-Performance Weight Distribution System in one easy-to-install package. It is the ultimate hitch in detail and by design. This hitch gives the driver complete control at a reasonable price. Good Luck

P.S. If your truck is at its level state don't use air bags they will cause your truck and trailer to have more sway

[PatrickL]

I have a 2008.5 that comes level from the factory. Are you only talking about those people who put on a leveling kit or also trucks like mine?

[BK19702]

You're still running a stock suspension, so you should be ok. The difference would be with an aftermarket leveling kit like the ones previously mentioned earlier.

This is a good WD hitch:

http://rvwholesalers.com/catalog/pro...cat=364&page=1

Couple that with a Prodigy brake controller also.

[BK19702]

Originally Posted by ORTitan

Just stick with a good name brand Eazy-Lift, Reese, Etc. I think my whole hitch setup was only $200 something. Good Luck.

Did you mean the class IV receiver? If you got the entire WD setup for $200, that's some deal indeed.

CourtesyParts offers the class IV receiver, relays, pin connector for $211, which is a nice little package in it's own right. The WD system is $350+ on it's own, hence the confusion by your post.

[ORTitan]

My truck is a BT model, so it had the receiver installed already. As for the WD hitch, it came with a long drop stinger and weight bars, no anti-sway bars. I purchased the hitch and Prodigy brake controller from the people I bought my trailer from.