I was talking to a few guys and they say the weight hitches are a PIA, never using one I dont have an opinion but they recomended just uisng airbags and standard class 4 reciever/ball to do a 4-6K lbs for the camper..


Should I just get airbags for the back and call it a day for towing campers?

 

Weight distribution hitches are worth their weight in gold...not only do they level the load, they also help with sway control. Severe sway requires a sway control system, but at the weight you are talking about, I doubt it would be needed. Air bags are cheaper, but won't help with sway. Tembren SES kits are easy to install and no air lines to route.

I was a Curt Mfg dealer for years and believe the WD hitch is the best answer. All mechanical operation...no air compressor needed. Have one for my setup as well as the Tembren.

Good luck

 

I think I did just fine, I picked up a 1,200/12,000LB 4pt Equal-i-zer hitch with ball for $125 on Craigs list.. its in perfect shape..

 

That's a great price. Just follow the directions for the initial setup and you'll be fine. I've been using one for about 8 years now.

 

That IS a great price....dealer cost for a Curt 800#/10,000# is $185.

 

it came with a 2 5/16 10000 ball. is this standard size for most campers? if not I need to find a thinwall socket to change the ball..

 

Changing the ball is a pain. If you go to an RV dealer he may have the thin wall socket and do it for you. When I did mine I just wedged a screw driver in it to keep the nut from turning and then put a pipe wrench on the other end and tighted it up. As for the ball size you'll have to check the coupler on your trailer as they vary.

 

The tongue weight is also a factor to consider. A 6000 lb trailer should be running about 10% of its weight on the tongue. 600 lbs is over the weight of a class 4 hitch unless you use a weight distributing setup. Typically you may be running more than 10% on the tongue.

 

2 5/16" is the "norm" just have to check to be 100% sure. As far as changing the ball, I'm with Ironhead.