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Old 06-12-2019, 08:15 PM   #1
gbb
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WDH Question

Do we need a WDH for our truck to pull our Escape 21?
Escape 21 ordered. Will tow with a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4WD 5.3 L with the Max towing package. Max GVWR = 7600. Max Trailer Weight = 10,800 lbs. Truck does have the trailer sway control function.
I routinely pull double axle trailers with total weights from 3000 to 8000+ lbs. and have never had any problems. However I have never pulled a RV.

Have read some of the other WDH threads I could find and don't really get a definitive answer for whether we need one or not.

Any and all thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Buddy and Suzanne
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:35 PM   #2
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I suggest you try it without a w/d set up and see if it feels and rides level. You can always add one later. As a reference point, when we used one it was mainly for long trips, anything within a day's drive we left it home.
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:37 PM   #3
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I have a 2017 Silverado Z71 5.3 4x4 and I don’t use one. Never have had any sway issues even when semis blow by me
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Old 06-12-2019, 11:01 PM   #4
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There's no clear answer in other threads because they're not about your truck. Most of the answer is almost certainly in your owner's manual, so I suggest going back to that; you'll need an estimate of the tongue weight of the 21' when loaded (which is in threads specifically about the tongue weight of a 21').
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Old 06-12-2019, 11:15 PM   #5
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I used one for awhile with our Tacoma TRD Off Road and a Casita 16 because the stock configuration was too 'pitchy', it dolphined on bumps. I then got airbags on the truck, and found I didn't need the WDH anymore, so stopped using it. We pulled the Escape 21 back from Texas to California without a WDH, just the airbags pumped up to level the truck, and it rode just fine but we were running pretty empty the whole way... I since got an F250 longbed diesel 4x4 and haven't used any assistance yet, but indeed if the E21 is running tail heavy with 100 lbs of bicycles on the rear bumper, its just a bit pitchy on the worst bumps, so I'm thinking of airbagging the F250 too. it already has factory overload leaf springs but nothing I've ever put in it has come close to touching down on these

I didn't mind using the WDH to hitch up, what I hated was the hassle of removing it once parked in camp and unhitched, the buggers are heavy.

re: Escape 21' tongue weight, last time I weighed mine it was a too-light 380 lbs with the bikes on the back and a full water tank, empty holding tanks, packed and loaded for a long road trip.
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Old 06-12-2019, 11:18 PM   #6
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I really should emphasize, my problem is the 100 lbs of bikes. I electrified my wife's bike, and it now weighs about 60 lbs due to the 1000W hub motor plus 860 W*Hr batt I used (ridiculous overkill, this bike is now an e-motorcycle, hah hah). mine weighs maybe 25, plus the bike rack is another 20-30.
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:29 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
I suggest you try it without a w/d set up and see if it feels and rides level. You can always add one later. As a reference point, when we used one it was mainly for long trips, anything within a day's drive we left it home.
I am leaning towards trying it without the w/d set up but the trip home from Chilliwack is a pretty long one. Hate to be part way home and decide I need one. That's why I'm asking for opinions
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:31 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Oldtimer View Post
I have a 2017 Silverado Z71 5.3 4x4 and I don’t use one. Never have had any sway issues even when semis blow by me
Thanks Oldtimer. My truck is very similar to yours except mine is rated to pull a little heavier trailer so I am think I will try it without it to start with.
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:38 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
There's no clear answer in other threads because they're not about your truck. Most of the answer is almost certainly in your owner's manual, so I suggest going back to that; you'll need an estimate of the tongue weight of the 21' when loaded (which is in threads specifically about the tongue weight of a 21').
Started with the owners manual. Tongue weight threshold for WDH was 700 lbs I think which I should never be close to. The 21 weight was also under where it recommends WDH. But no substitute for experience. I was hoping to hear from other Chevy truck owners pulling 21s and already have. Thanks
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:41 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbb View Post
I am leaning towards trying it without the w/d set up but the trip home from Chilliwack is a pretty long one. Hate to be part way home and decide I need one. That's why I'm asking for opinions
you could always carry one with you from home or even stop in Idaho Falls, Id and pick up an Andersen w/d set up at the factory, that should give you enough towing from Chilliwack to give you an answer.
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:45 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz View Post
I really should emphasize, my problem is the 100 lbs of bikes. I electrified my wife's bike, and it now weighs about 60 lbs due to the 1000W hub motor plus 860 W*Hr batt I used (ridiculous overkill, this bike is now an e-motorcycle, hah hah). mine weighs maybe 25, plus the bike rack is another 20-30.
Thanks for your reply's and for your thread about your trailer coming loose. Thankful you handled it so well. This forum is invaluable to us new RVers trying to learn how to safely have fun with this new adventure.
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:47 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
you could always carry one with you from home or even stop in Idaho Falls, Id and pick up an Andersen w/d set up at the factory, that should give you enough towing from Chilliwack to give you an answer.
Stopping at the Anderson factory is an idea. Sounds like you recommend an Anderson?
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:53 AM   #13
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Heya gbb I have the same towing ratings that you have so you should have smooth towing when we picked our 21 up last Sept and on the trip up to and back from the Escape rally, it was smooth towing all the way there and back. We got rained on and even some snow handled beautifully.
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:57 AM   #14
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Stopping at the Anderson factory is an idea. Sounds like you recommend an Anderson?
It is easier and lighter to use, a bit expensive though. Check with the factory for sales, I stopped there once to exchange brackets and they were very accommodating
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Old 06-13-2019, 07:00 AM   #15
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One thing I did do to help the ride was add theses to the rear suspension
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