[Kevin Key]

Hi all,

Can someone tell me whether it's better to tow a travel trailer with or without the weight distribution bars when towing over bumpy and/or rutted roads? I've looked around, but have found conflicting advice.

My rig: 2014 Titan SV and 21' Evo travel trailer. According to a recent weigh-in at at CAT scale, my trailer is about 5300 lbs loaded with water, propane, and gear.

I do a lot of off-road camping in the desert. So, should I continue to remove the weight distribution bars when I know I'm going to be towing over big bumps and/or ruts? Or, is it better to leave the distribution bars on no matter what?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[tuanxuxu]

I also want to know about this, thank you very much

 

[Indy]

If it's a really bump enough road that you have to worry about this, you don't want to be towing a travel trailer down it anyways. You will destroy your travel trailer and that would be my bigger concern.

 

[Nick Name]

There are litterally two answers to this question. First answer is 'no problem'. This is based on personal experience of myself, others I know and some of the travel forums on the interweb.

HOWEVER.....then there's the engineer + lawyer + common sense answer which is a good bit longer.

"General Operating Instructions for the use of Load Leveling Devices

Disengage the Spring Bars of the Load Leveler / Weight Distribution system when
driving or reversing into and out of driveways.
The Load Leveler / Weight Distribution system must be disengaged (the spring/torsion
bars must be released) when – Negotiating rough, uneven terrain; entering or exiting driveways, short steep gutters, access ramps, speed humps and dips and negotiating tight, acute turns at low speeds, such as when reversing or maneuvering; or when traveling up/down abrupt steep inclines i.e. severe, undulating road surfaces, creek crossings etc
Drivers must proceed with caution when negotiating corrugated roads and approach
inclines slowly whilst the Load Leveler / Weight Distribution system is in use.
Disengagement of the torsion / spring bars may be necessary to prevent undue
load and stress on the frame / towing coupling and/or hitch assembly.
The above is a general summary of various manufacturers Operating Instructions for the use of Load Levelling Devices. Refer to the manufacturer of your load leveling device/s and/or towing equipment for specific details."

Note the reference to undulating road surfaces. This would cover most country roads.


There are pictures on the web of split receivers attributed to towing with W/D over bumpy, swale covered roads, but like I said, I've never talked with someone who experienced a problem. There is one road I personally know of, that I would disconnect just to be cautious.....it's the road in the Upper Peninsula of Mich. that goes to the Painted Rocks National Seashore camp areas. What a washboard! It's the kind of road that, in my old Bronco II, (without towing)...I'd go 40-50 mph just to zip along hitting the tops only and not fall into the dips.

 

[Walrus]

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-problems-dealer-service/63592-nissan-titan-frame-problem.html