Who is Qualified to Fix my Weight Distribution Hitch?

[WendyW]

Hi, All,

I just bought a 2014 Casita 17'SD from someone who had a much lower hitch receiver than I have on my 2007 Toyota Sequoia. The WDH from the factory, at its lowest setting, is still at least 5" too high. I drove it ~300 miles to get it home, apparently no worse for wear.

My question is, will the WDH require a qualified RV service place to adjust the height, or can a U-Haul service place fix it? Or any car mechanic? The PO said it required specialized RV knowledge, but right now they're all super busy. And I need to save money....

Thanks!

[gordon2]

Well, finding highly qualified people can be a challenge in any field. I'd look for a good size trailer dealer, or RV dealer.. Camping World if there is no place better.. (many Uhaul places are good too but there is some variation).

But check the numbers, you might not need (or want) a weight distributing hitch with that tow vehicle. Maybe you just need a ball mount that gets the trailer level. If you are new to towing, see http://www.jayco.com/files/pages/002...wing-guide.pdf

BTW. On the other question, I don't have my FG trailer yet so someone who has owned one for many years, or dealt with an older one, should reply, but basically the finish will get chalky if it sits in the sun too much.. the finish can be protected and/or restored but parking under cover (or using a cover) is less labor. But if you are going to be on the road a lot and stopping for two weeks at a time (and living in it), then I would think a cover would be impractical. However, if you park it (store it) for months at a time, then a cover or carport would help it keep a good finish.

[Glenn Baglo]

Wax it with a good quality wax. 3M has some good products for fiberglass boats that work well on an FG trailer.

[Cathi]

You could take photos by an RV place or two to ask what you need even though they will not do it now. Or go by U-haul and make sure it is one of the U-Hauls that does the hitching work. If you post photos here, someone might be able to say.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by gordon2

But check the numbers, you might not need (or want) a weight distributing hitch with that tow vehicle. Maybe you just need a ball mount that gets the trailer level.
.

That was my first thought as well. A 17Casita should be no challenge for a Sequoia without a weight distribution hitch. Heck, even if a casual reader had never seen one... the name alone should raise the question!

[kootenaigirl]

Are you talking about the ball part that has 3 or so adjustable heights. If so anywhere should be able to loosen it up and move it to a better height

[Iowa Dave]

Hitch adjustment
Perhaps if you could post a picture or two of your hitch setup someone familiar with the hitch and potential adjustments could give you some pointers. If it's all bolted together and there are multiple slots, ridges and or holes, you might only need a couple of big wrenches and a little
sound logic. The brand of hitch if available would not hurt either. Most owners manuals are available on line too.
Dave

[WendyW]

The WDH has holes and slots and arms and chains in addition to the hitch. The PO was unable to loosen the nuts with an adjustable wrench and rubber mallet in order to work the options. Probably a torque wrench would do the trick, but I would like an expert opinion as to whether and how I need it. I'll post pix shortly.

[Borrego Dave]

Wendy, like Floyd said your tug doesn't need a WDH for the 17. One pic of what you have is worth a 1000 words to us . A torque wrench is only for proper foot pounds on tightening. A cheater bar and/or heat will get the nuts loose. You say a factory WDH, is this something that the seller used with his tug and what was it? All TV's are different and won't need the added lift of a WDH. I have the same trailer and don't use or need it with my Ranger and it would be just another 30 pounds at the hitch.

[padlin00]

This is what I used on my old trailer, they come in different length drops so choose the most suitable one. Mine was too long, it scraped on the driveway a bit backing in. Can be installed and adjusted with a little common sense and a pair of wrenches. The one shown is the longest I saw on the page.

[WendyW]

Underground garage -- so sorry!

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/a...1&d=1435777935

[WendyW]

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/a...1&d=1435778424

[WendyW]

The seller bought the Casita 17'SD new from the factory, which fitted the hitch to seller's car, which I believe was a Toyota (?) Highlander.

[WendyW]

This is the seller's car.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/a...1&d=1435779792

[SteveV]

Originally Posted by WendyW

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/a...1&d=1435778424

It looks like you should be able to turn the shank portion upside down, unbolt the ball mount part & flip it around to get the needed dropped ball height for your vehicle. The previous owner likely had a lower hitch on their tv & had to set it much higher.

It should be an easy job but if you're unsure how to do this check with a local hitch installer. It may not be required to have the WD on your application but if you have it & it can be set up correctly to your truck you may as well use it.

[MC1]

Hi Wendy. You have a big heavy SUV but you still need to get it all set up appropriately. Highly recommend you get an appointment with a reputable RV hitch shop and get then to set it all up. In the long run it will be worth it and you won't have any worries that something is not right.

PS... Does your trailer have brakes? Hope so. You will need to get a brake controller installed and set up.

[WendyW]

Steve V., that's exactly what the seller tried to do for my bigger TV, but the bolts were too tight.

Wayne MC1, yes, that's what I need to do to feel confident about the rig. I do have brakes (standard with the Casita), and I bought a P3 controller that I had installed, but I don't know how to operate it in an emergency. I can feel that it's working under normal conditions, though. I'll read the copious and confusing instructions, eventually.

[SteveV]

If you have a local mechanical garage/shop they should be able to use an air impact wrench to break the bolts loose. An adjustable wrench & rubber mallet won't do the job.