Any EcoD use a weight distribution hitch?

[MALLCRAWLER]

Did it improve stability for the Gladiator? I'm looking to tow about 6k lbs on a tow package EcoD (not max tow) and would like to have a smooth ride if possible.

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[Jefe1018]

That will help, but just be aware that 6,000lbs is the max rated tow capacity for any eco-diesel and depending on your trailer setup + that of your actual truck, you will likely be over weight.

 

[22EcoDs]

It will do great. Just watch cooling.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

Due to the height discrepancy between my Jeep and my camper, as well as the interference from a tongue mounted tool box, I cannot mount a weight distributing hitch setup. Instead I opted for Airlift airbags inside the rear coils, and I've found that they work perfectly to support a heavy load, keeping the headlights aimed correctly and the axle off the bumpstops.

Since I do lots of offroading as well, I added a ball valve between my two airbags so that I can either eliminate sway by keeping the valve closed, or allow for unrestricted rear axle articulation by opening the valve and allowing the small amount of air to flow between the bags as needed to equalize ground pressure. I'm sure I was overthinking the impact of opening/closing this valve, but since I already had it there was no reason to not use it.

 

[Jefe1018]

It will do great. Just watch cooling.

That’s a good point too, in the winter probably not a big deal though. I towed a lot last winter when I’d first got the truck, never and issue with any load. Once ambient temps hit 95+ a picture of me could have become a meme watching those temps.

 

[John Lenheiser]

Using a WDH will in some cases let you tow withing your manufacture towing limits. If you have an accident and your not within the manufactures towing limits then you risk being sueded in a court of law. If don't think the lawyers will check this out, your wrong, plus your insurance can cancel your claim and not pay for not being within the correct towing limits for you said vehicle. I only know this from being on several travel trailer forums and it does come up from time to time. Stay within your manufactures towing limits to protect yourself. Remember it's not just the trail weight, but what you carry in both the trailer and vehicle all add to your max manufactures weight, know what you have, don't guess. I would say, yes to a WDH.
trainman

 

[MALLCRAWLER]

Using a WDH will in some cases let you tow withing your manufacture towing limits. If you have an accident and your not within the manufactures towing limits then you risk being sueded in a court of law. If don't think the lawyers will check this out, your wrong, plus your insurance can cancel your claim and not pay for not being within the correct towing limits for you said vehicle. I only know this from being on several travel trailer forums and it does come up from time to time. Stay within your manufactures towing limits to protect yourself. Remember it's not just the trail weight, but what you carry in both the trailer and vehicle all add to your max manufactures weight, know what you have, don't guess. I would say, yes to a WDH.
trainman

It absolutely would be checked and I have no intention of exceeding limits of anything. I do, however, wish to make it go as smooth as possible.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Using a WDH will in some cases let you tow withing your manufacture towing limits.

Well this makes no sense. How can it let you tow withing your manufacturer's towing limits when you can already tow within your manufacturer's towing limits?
For certain rigs, I'd never tow without one - depending on WHAT I was towing, etc.
A WDH has nothing to do with towing limits. If you are rated for 6,000 pounds, you should always stay UNDER that - many recommend 10% under meaning 5400 pounds TOPS.
A WDH can't change your towing capacity or rating - although some charts say "xx pounds with WDH, yy pounds with standard hitch".

It doesn't even change the max tongue weight rating of your rig.
If it's rated for 600 pound maximum tongue weight then that's that - nothing you can do changes the factory specs except to lower them.
A lift lowers safe towing, you may be limited by other factors no matter what the "rating" is - that's the max. it's not a suggestion.

(I tow roughly 5,000 pounds with no WDH because - it's not necessary with a car hauler, and - you can't use them on an all aluminum trailer where even the frame and tongue is aluminum. I have a 500 pound tongue weight when I tow. Well within my truck's specs)

 

[CreepyJeepy]

I use a WDH on my JTRD with Mopar 2” lift and 35’s

Frankly I get derates and 240-250 oil temps all the time when towing my camper. 3500lbs.

If you are towing a lot get a full size truck.

the gladiator is ‘Fine’ with it… but don’t buy It with the singular purpose of towing. The cooling system can’t handle it.

FYI this happens in the mountains, flat land is typically fine.

 

[Overland-2021]

I tow 5K Lbs Airstream, 500lb tongue. Use a WDH as it just adds to the safety.
My is a stock overland and I never had any heat issues even in summer pulling New England hills.
Mods, esp larger tires, will add to the stress/heat.
Not a big truck.

 

[BEERviper]

I have a WDH with both of my campers, I was previously pulling our small camper ~3k lbs with my wife's Nissan Pathfinder which saw a huge improvement in squat from the WDH. Then when I started towing with my 2" lifted on 37's ecoD I didn't really need the WDH for squat so I was able to lower the tension (Anderson WDH).
With my bigger camper (6,200 lbs dry) it came with a standard trunion style WDH and due to the height of the trailer hitch ball with the lift (and stock rake) it was almost too high, but I know the WDH helps keep weight on the front tires for better steering and braking so I left it as is.

 

[ColonelKlemp]

I use a Curt Manufacturing 6K weight distribution with my diesel Gladiator. I tow a 20’ trailer with my 2 RZRs and gear on it. It tracks amazing and is incredibly stable.

 

[6006spd]

Well this makes no sense. How can it let you tow withing your manufacturer's towing limits when you can already tow within your manufacturer's towing limits?
For certain rigs, I'd never tow without one - depending on WHAT I was towing, etc.
A WDH has nothing to do with towing limits. If you are rated for 6,000 pounds, you should always stay UNDER that - many recommend 10% under meaning 5400 pounds TOPS.
A WDH can't change your towing capacity or rating - although some charts say "xx pounds with WDH, yy pounds with standard hitch".

It doesn't even change the max tongue weight rating of your rig.
If it's rated for 600 pound maximum tongue weight then that's that - nothing you can do changes the factory specs except to lower them.
A lift lowers safe towing, you may be limited by other factors no matter what the "rating" is - that's the max. it's not a suggestion.

(I tow roughly 5,000 pounds with no WDH because - it's not necessary with a car hauler, and - you can't use them on an all aluminum trailer where even the frame and tongue is aluminum. I have a 500 pound tongue weight when I tow. Well within my truck's specs)

I have an all aluminum trailer and it is ok to use , mine is a 7.5x23 legend inline sled trailer

 

[LOGS]

Northern MN to South Padre Island TX averaging 70/75mph. No derates or problems. WD hitch def helped with handling.

 

[Primer Gray]

I’m towing a 23’ Airstream fully loaded/wet (about 6,000LB) while also carrying about 600lb in the truck bed.

Tires are 35”, metal cloak 3.5 lift with AEV 3.0” high capacity springs/Fox adjustable 2.5” shocks.

Have had no issues over the past couple of months — pulls strong up grades and hasn’t derated to date.

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