I have ordered a 20'Jayco Expanda OB Caravan from Jayco who advise it will be ex factory late July 21. My Tow vehicle is a Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 2.0L bi-Turbo. I have limited time to prepare the van ready to head North in August and I am seeking feedback from anyone with a similar set up as to whether I will need to fit weight distribution bars?
20' Series Weight Distribution Bars
- Thread starter roika11
- Start date
If your Ranger has stock suspension more than likely you will need them....It all depends on what things will weigh when it's loaded, don't rely on the compliance plate info other ATM and GTM the rest will be false. Look at the info on how to set up a WDH online to get some idea on the why...no 2 rigs will be the same.
I have a 2015 Ranger XLT 3.2L standard suspension with 2017 Journey OB no weight distribution hitch I was told it wasn't needed as it would affect the Rangers sway control.
it doesn't sag sits level.
I have read on line at different forums the same thing it would affect the braking in an emergence.
I have also read it can be turned on and off under driver assist.
other forums say it wont have any affect i would check with the manufacturer of the hitch and Ford to see if its suitable.
it doesn't sag sits level.
I have read on line at different forums the same thing it would affect the braking in an emergence.
I have also read it can be turned on and off under driver assist.
other forums say it wont have any affect i would check with the manufacturer of the hitch and Ford to see if its suitable.
Have a read of these articles they cover the subject way better than any Forum chat. The main thing is the van must be hitched up so that its level, no droop at the back or sag at the front and with or without WDH the loading must be right and thats why your rig may differ from others, like tyre pressures the other fellas set up while looking identical may not be any good for yours..........
I was under the impression that a WDH keeping the steer loaded would actually assist any vehicle anti sway, lighter front end and the computer putting a brake on could be scary, as for a vehicle anti sway having any effect on a 3t van dragging behind, well the jury is still out, if it picks it up early, yep but getting a swaying van under control to me has always needed the van brakes applied as with an ESC system, if no ESC then hit the van brakes on and tramp the accelerator at the same time, the drag and pull normally pulls the sway out unless you going down a big hill then it's 10 hail mary's.....
www.gorv.com.au
www.withoutahitch.com.au
www.withoutahitch.com.au
I was under the impression that a WDH keeping the steer loaded would actually assist any vehicle anti sway, lighter front end and the computer putting a brake on could be scary, as for a vehicle anti sway having any effect on a 3t van dragging behind, well the jury is still out, if it picks it up early, yep but getting a swaying van under control to me has always needed the van brakes applied as with an ESC system, if no ESC then hit the van brakes on and tramp the accelerator at the same time, the drag and pull normally pulls the sway out unless you going down a big hill then it's 10 hail mary's.....
Weight Distribution Hitch Dilemma - GoRV
A weight distribution hitch can be useful to level out a tow vehicle when hitched up but they can have a serious impact on that vehicle's cornering ability.
www.gorv.com.au
Ask The Expert: Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch? - Without a Hitch
There is a bit of a myth about weight distribution hitches (WDH) among some caravanners – that they are the great ‘Band-Aid’ of the towing world and that you’d be crazy to ever tow without one. That’s not true, though. While WDHs can be a useful towing tool, they’re certainly not a must-have for...
www.withoutahitch.com.au
How To Set Up A Weight Distribution Hitch – Without a Hitch
www.withoutahitch.com.au
As above, it will vary on load balance in the car. For the utes more consideration is required as to whether a load is required in the back to help balance the car. WDH transfer weight from the back wheels to the front by applying rotational force (twist) to the back. The effect is to lift the back and lower the front. If you believe that the car is balanced with 300 kg (tow ball weight) then levelling the car can be done by other means (if required).
Looking at the extremes, Peter Wherrett (showing my age) once showed that using a WDH on a front wheel drive was able to remove the rear wheels if you crank it up. Not saying this is needed, but illustrated that it does not just lift the back it actually transfers weight to the front. The other extreme is when the front suspension is way too high and the steering is very light (again showing my age as this was a common thing when cars did not have tow limits).
With the BT-50 and the 18ft Expanda I still use WDH and I have no problems. For the Pathfinder and the 18ft Expanda I used both air bags and WDH.
The physics can not be changed, if you place weight after the rear wheels the downward force places an equal upward force in front of the rear wheels. The decision required is does this change the balance of the car (or does the bullbar, and other equipment balance it out. (Note that the physics applies if you have a lift, heavy duty suspension, air bags).
If you have limited time for setup, you could try and pickup a 2nd hand WDH and carry it with you. If you find the front of the car seems light, then put on the WDH and try some different settings.
It will come down to how the car handles for you, The BT-50 with the 18 Expanda is very stable, minimal swaying and bounce.
Looking at the extremes, Peter Wherrett (showing my age) once showed that using a WDH on a front wheel drive was able to remove the rear wheels if you crank it up. Not saying this is needed, but illustrated that it does not just lift the back it actually transfers weight to the front. The other extreme is when the front suspension is way too high and the steering is very light (again showing my age as this was a common thing when cars did not have tow limits).
With the BT-50 and the 18ft Expanda I still use WDH and I have no problems. For the Pathfinder and the 18ft Expanda I used both air bags and WDH.
The physics can not be changed, if you place weight after the rear wheels the downward force places an equal upward force in front of the rear wheels. The decision required is does this change the balance of the car (or does the bullbar, and other equipment balance it out. (Note that the physics applies if you have a lift, heavy duty suspension, air bags).
If you have limited time for setup, you could try and pickup a 2nd hand WDH and carry it with you. If you find the front of the car seems light, then put on the WDH and try some different settings.
It will come down to how the car handles for you, The BT-50 with the 18 Expanda is very stable, minimal swaying and bounce.
I agree with @millers, I have a BT50 with an 18’ Journey and I use the WDH when travelling. If only a short distance, the I will run without it. The truck sits nicely with the bars on and has been no problem towing to SA peninsulas and Wilpena Pound as well as North Queensland with bars.
Lots of good info there, thanks. Seems like it is a matter of hook it up and take the measurement.Have a read of these articles they cover the subject way better than any Forum chat. The main thing is the van must be hitched up so that its level, no droop at the back or sag at the front and with or without WDH the loading must be right and thats why your rig may differ from others, like tyre pressures the other fellas set up while looking identical may not be any good for yours..........
I was under the impression that a WDH keeping the steer loaded would actually assist any vehicle anti sway, lighter front end and the computer putting a brake on could be scary, as for a vehicle anti sway having any effect on a 3t van dragging behind, well the jury is still out, if it picks it up early, yep but getting a swaying van under control to me has always needed the van brakes applied as with an ESC system, if no ESC then hit the van brakes on and tramp the accelerator at the same time, the drag and pull normally pulls the sway out unless you going down a big hill then it's 10 hail mary's.....
Weight Distribution Hitch Dilemma - GoRV
A weight distribution hitch can be useful to level out a tow vehicle when hitched up but they can have a serious impact on that vehicle's cornering ability.
Ask The Expert: Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch? - Without a Hitch
There is a bit of a myth about weight distribution hitches (WDH) among some caravanners – that they are the great ‘Band-Aid’ of the towing world and that you’d be crazy to ever tow without one. That’s not true, though. While WDHs can be a useful towing tool, they’re certainly not a must-have for...
How To Set Up A Weight Distribution Hitch – Without a Hitch
Agee, I need to get one and see how the setup performs, Just another thing on the ever growing mountain of gear to be carried.
Thanks Drover only wish I had this information back then instead of try to find information back in 2015Have a read of these articles they cover the subject way better than any Forum chat. The main thing is the van must be hitched up so that its level, no droop at the back or sag at the front and with or without WDH the loading must be right and thats why your rig may differ from others, like tyre pressures the other fellas set up while looking identical may not be any good for yours..........
I was under the impression that a WDH keeping the steer loaded would actually assist any vehicle anti sway, lighter front end and the computer putting a brake on could be scary, as for a vehicle anti sway having any effect on a 3t van dragging behind, well the jury is still out, if it picks it up early, yep but getting a swaying van under control to me has always needed the van brakes applied as with an ESC system, if no ESC then hit the van brakes on and tramp the accelerator at the same time, the drag and pull normally pulls the sway out unless you going down a big hill then it's 10 hail mary's.....
Weight Distribution Hitch Dilemma - GoRV
A weight distribution hitch can be useful to level out a tow vehicle when hitched up but they can have a serious impact on that vehicle's cornering ability.
Ask The Expert: Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch? - Without a Hitch
There is a bit of a myth about weight distribution hitches (WDH) among some caravanners – that they are the great ‘Band-Aid’ of the towing world and that you’d be crazy to ever tow without one. That’s not true, though. While WDHs can be a useful towing tool, they’re certainly not a must-have for...
How To Set Up A Weight Distribution Hitch – Without a Hitch
I am still not using any weight distribution and still no problems also as Drover said each set up is different
I prefer to set up with no WDH thought I had a winner with the Colorado but the suspension upgrade threw a curly one, a steel bar and winch would have fixed the drama I'm sure, on the Jeep the new suspension and self adjusting rear shocks does keep the whole thing level but it can get a bit wishy on the front on the odd occassion plus it does take a bit of load of the thousand dollar shockies................. If I could get the tow ball weight down to about 220kg they would stay in the shed I'm sure.
