How do you know which weight distribution hitch to get?

[vagari]

How do you know which weight distribution hitch (WDH) to get? Max capacity? Style? Manufacturer?

For example, the Fastway e2 Series WDH with sway control comes in 6000, 8000, and 10000 pound capacities. It also comes in either round bar or trunnion style. The roundbar styles are $270 and the trunnion style are around $335 on Amazon with free shipping. Fastway seems to be the cheapest WDH and has good reviews on Amazon. I'm not sure how it compares to other manufacturers.


I don't know that you would really need a WDH in this scenario, but an adjustable hitch receiver is $120 and a WDH with sway control is $270 so it's only an extra $150 for the added safety. 

Specs on vehicles:

Travel trailer , tandem axle
 - 7ft wide by 20ft long to hitch coupler (17ft box length)
 - Dry weight 3200, GVWR 4700
 - Hitch weight 394 (dry I assume)

2011 Nissan Titan V8 4x4 King Cab 18'6" overall length 
 - Hitch sticker says 6000 tow/600 tongue weight carrying, 10000/1000 weight distribution
 - Owner manual says max tongue load 930lbs (CAT scales indicated 1500lbs cargo capacity)
 - Owner manual says weight distribution hitch recommended after 5000lbs

 

[SoulRaven]

My suggestion is to call Etrailer. The sell every kind of hitch you can think of and are helpful and not pushy when buying one

https://www.etrailer.com/

 

[highdesertranger]

I posted the E-Trailer tutorial on hitches a month or so ago. here's the thread,

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Weight-Distribution-Hitches

highdesertranger