WDH needed?

Craigrrr · 11-21-2015, 08:58 AM

Is a WDH needed for a TM 3023 ? I have a 2002 Suburban 1500 4x4

just want to know if I should be looking for one.

mecicon · 11-21-2015, 02:56 PM

It probably would not hurt.

Need more info:
What is the Wheelbase of the 'Burb?

What is the REAR Axle weight rating?

What is the payload?

stormpeakco · 11-21-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigrrr

Is a WDH needed for a TM 3023 ? I have a 2002 Suburban 1500 4x4

just want to know if I should be looking for one.

Craig, congratulations.
I believe most TMOs do utilize a WDH (w/o sway) while towing.
Using the search option w/ weight distribution hitch will yield a boat load information.
Good tutorials/videos, customer reviews, prompt delivery and prices
(w/ free shipping) on etrailer.
Likely some 3023 owners (w/ or w/o suburbans) may/will provide some first hand experience.

Craigrrr · 11-21-2015, 07:17 PM

Thanks Stormpeakco, I will do a search.

Mecicon, the Wheel base is 130" here are the complete specs

WIDTH
6 ft. 6.8 in. (78.8 in.)
HEIGHT
6 ft. 3.6 in. (75.6 in.)
LENGTH
18 ft. 3.3 in. (219.3 in.)
GROUND CLEARANCE
0 ft. 8.4 in. (8.4 in.)
FRONT TRACK
5 ft. 5 in. (65 in.)
REAR TRACK
5 ft. 6 in. (66 in.)
WHEEL BASE
10 ft. 10 in. (130 in.)
Interior Measurements
FRONT HEAD ROOM
40.7 in.
FRONT HIP ROOM
61.4 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM
41.3 in.
FRONT SHOULDER ROOM
65.2 in.
REAR HIP ROOM
61.6 in.
REAR HEAD ROOM
39 in.
REAR LEG ROOM
39.1 in.
REAR SHOULDER ROOM
65.1 in.
Fuel
ENGINE TYPE
Gas
FUEL TYPE
Regular unleaded
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
31 gal.
RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY)
403/527 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY)
13/17 mpg
Weights and Capacities
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY**
8700 lbs.
MAXIMUM PAYLOAD**
2086 lbs.
GROSS WEIGHT
7000 lbs.
CURB WEIGHT
4914 lbs.
ANGLE OF APPROACH
25 degrees
ANGLE OF DEPARTURE
22 degrees
CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE
45.7 cu.ft.
MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY
131.6 cu.ft.
** When adequately equipped, which may require engine and/or other drivetrain upgrades.
DriveTrain
DRIVE TYPE
Rear wheel drive
TRANSMISSION
4-speed automatic
Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE
5.3 L
CAM TYPE
Overhead valves (OHV)
CYLINDERS
V8
VALVES
16
TORQUE
325 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
HORSEPOWER
285 hp @ 5200 rpm
TURNING CIRCLE
42.3 ft.
Suspension

Short and long arm front suspension

Solid live axle rear suspension

Front independent suspension

LoveToCamp · 11-21-2015, 08:05 PM

I am biased, but believe almost every travel trailer should utilize a WDH. If the back end sinks an inch, the headlights will point into the eyes of oncoming drivers. Plus, you lose traction with the front tires, which are important for steering and braking.

Many types to choose from. I found mine by going to a local trailer dealer, and, while asking if they had any used WDH, a guy was picking up a larger trailer, and said he had a lighter-duty WDH he would sell me. Dealer had no problem with that, so I got mine for a good price. Point is, you may go to a few small dealers, and leave your name with them. If someone wants to "trade-in", or just get rid of one, they can call you. Granted, you don't have lots of time, but maybe Craig'sList in your town, and where you are picking-up the trailer.

I would not tow it home without a WDH, but that is me. They add a level of safety, and are not expensive "insurance".

Craigrrr · 11-21-2015, 10:35 PM

Thanks, is there a minimum weight WDH I should look for, I have seen this listing on craigslist. " EZ LIFT WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH WITH ANTI SWAY BAR BRAN NEW IN THE BOXES. 6K , 8K , 10K MODELS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR NEEDS ARE.
EZ-LIFT HAS BEEN MAKING THESE SINCE 1953. THE ORIGINATOR. $300 NO OFFERS TAKEN OR EVER ACCEPTED AT THAT PRICE SO PLEASE DONT ASK. NEW IN THE BOX. "

just wonder what one I should get?

Also on a 1996 TM 3023 what size ball should I have on this hitch? thanks very much

Craigrrr · 11-21-2015, 10:41 PM

One other thing to ask, on a 1996 TM 3023 would I use a round or square wdh kit? thanks again. Sorry for all the newbie questions, my popup trailer and Class A never needed things like this.

I think I have looked at so many numbers I am confused again. Can anyone recommend which type and model number and if square or round bars are needed to fit on the trailmanor 3023 older unit 1996?

shebantam · 11-21-2015, 11:17 PM

I have never used one, was going to buy one when I bought my hybrid, dealer told me it would be over kill with the 21 ft ultralight Bantam and our F150. They told me that with my "rig", the only difference I would see would be on a bumpy road. I now have a slightly heavier and longer pickup with a cap.

That said, others don't leave home without one, towing anyway. I have towed the TM in the mountains in Western MD, across the PA turnpike and all the way to South Central Indiana, never needed either a WDH nor a sway bar.

The Bantam had to have a sway bar. Found the sway bar was actually dangerous on both the Cabin As I've had. Coleman popups are normally sway prone. My 1992 Coleman Pioneer is not. Part of it is loading the trailer with heavier stuff in front of the axile.

Craigrrr · 11-22-2015, 12:05 AM

Shebantam, I have used an anti sway on the popup and found it to be a great feature to have. Since I will be going 2100 miles to pick up this gem

I think I will do a WDH just for peace of mind. I came up with this one, so if anyone can say yay or nay to this WDH please respond I will order this type .

http://smile.amazon.com/Eaz-Lift-480...ributing+hitch

davlin · 11-22-2015, 05:51 AM

That one should be fine. I would choose the 600 or 800 pound version. What's really needed here is the "honest" tongue weight of a normally loaded 3023. I've never had that model, so can't help there. Have you searched the forum threads to see if it's posted anywhere? The tongue weight of my 3124KS is 600 pounds, and that's the ONLY thing that led me to a WDH.

All TM's take a 2" ball for the coupler.

Dave