Do I Even Need the ETI Hitch?

[Ops]

PLUS...if you decide that you want tow mirrors, they are very easy to replace with Toyota Tundra OEM tow mirrors. Plug and play quick to do. Actually a lighting improvement for turn signals and running lights that weren't on my SR5.

[cpaharley2008]

I have crossed to Chilliwack/Osoyoos at least a dozen times, all without a w/d set up. My truck/Escape set up is level and tows straight. I have air shocks installed on the truck and they keep everything level.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Ops

A WDH helps level your vehicle to the trailer...

I'm not sure what "level your vehicle to the trailer" is intended to mean, but the trailer should be level and can be made level regardless of the type of hitch or tow vehicle used. If the tow vehicle doesn't have air suspension, and sits tail-low without WDH, then adding WDH does make the tow vehicle closer to level.

[chesaka]

thank you for your reply. i'm leaning toward getting one of the hitches that eti offers now having read this; the main reason being the long distances i will be driving and the amount of big truck traffic on the alaska highway. those guys don't slow down!

[Iowa Dave]

Like AZJack, I have towed many loads with many different tow rigs in the last 50 years. I am a 100% believer in the WDH, closely adjusted for the job at hand and well maintained. The added weight, increased hook-up time and weight of the unit parts are insignificant in my view when an approaching tractor trailer looses a wheel and an evasive maneuver is needed to avoid a collision with a semi tire at 65 MPH and closing. I’ve done that and it will get your attention. You have made the correct decision. A jackknife is good in your pocket, not so good with a truck and trailer.
Best of luck always
Iowa Dave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAVd0FGARx8

[HABBERDABBER]

I agree wholeheartedly.


I've towed with and without a WDH and find the driving less bouncy and more secure with one. They may add some level of safety, depending on tow vehicle.

[gbaglo]

An expensive WDH is not necessarily better than an inexpensive one.

[phsw98]

I have a 2018 Tundra CM, in the owners manual it specifies "If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb, a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required"
"If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb, a weight distribution hitch with sufficient capacity is required" hope this helps

[Ops]

Originally Posted by phsw98

I have a 2018 Tundra CM, in the owners manual it specifies "If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb, a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required"
"If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb, a weight distribution hitch with sufficient capacity is required" hope this helps

Amazing stuff can be found in the owners manual.
Sadly, the complexity of the manuals at times, are equal to the complexity of the vehicle.
If you have trouble sleeping, reading a chapter may cause drowsiness.

[bjsmitty]

I am currently waiting for delivery of a Toyota 4Runner to pull my 2019 21'. I have a Fastway hitch which has never worked well, and I would love to change to a different one. It is too heavy for me to put on and take off and constantly needs adjusting and adds too much to the tongue weight. As I am newly on my own, I need a hitch that I can manage on my own. I an interested in the Anderson Hitch, but do not know which one I need, or if there is a better one on the market that would not weigh as much as the Fastway and is less trouble. HELP. This is the best resource I have found for information and have discovered that repair and sales people see an older woman coming in and start planning the purchase of their new boat.

[chesaka]

phsw98, I'm still trying to figure out how to change the time on the display panel for daylight savings time. Thanks for the reply. That does sound like the right answer.

[fudge_brownie]

As mentioned above I stopped using the Andersen. In using it I found it requires a significant amount of raising and lowering the tongue. An electric jack is a must. There still is a great deal of alignment, it works best if you can angle your tow vehicle exactly as it was when you unhitched . Something very difficult to repeat.

After stopping use I found via the Airstream forum that the Anderson can cause premature wear on the Ram coupler. Only noticeable when you stop using it.

I would recommend doing your due diligence and search the internet for other opinions.

Originally Posted by bjsmitty

I am currently waiting for delivery of a Toyota 4Runner to pull my 2019 21'. I have a Fastway hitch which has never worked well, and I would love to change to a different one. It is too heavy for me to put on and take off and constantly needs adjusting and adds too much to the tongue weight. As I am newly on my own, I need a hitch that I can manage on my own. I an interested in the Anderson Hitch, but do not know which one I need, or if there is a better one on the market that would not weigh as much as the Fastway and is less trouble. HELP. This is the best resource I have found for information and have discovered that repair and sales people see an older woman coming in and start planning the purchase of their new boat.