Cutting a Bigfoot 25B175FB to install a weight distribution hitch?

[rdf0011]

Hi All,

I alluded to this in another post, but I very recently purchased a 2016 Bigfoot 25B175FB trailer and am researching installing a weight distribution hitch in order to alleviate some fishtailing which was experienced.

My local RV shop wanted to install an Anderson Hitch, although they said they would need to cut into the fiberglass shrouding surrounding the propane tanks in order to install the brackets. I am very hesitant to cut into the fiberglass of my new trailer, and was wondering if any other Bigfoot owners could let me know if there is a hitch/adapter that one could use in order to get weight distribution on the Bigfoot without cutting into the trailer.

I also sent an email to Bigfoot and am awaiting a reply.

Thanks,

Ryan

[Jim Bennett]

If you have fishtailing, the cause of that should be dealt with before any WDH is installed. If it's usually caused by improper loading and needing more hitch weight.

Not sure what WDH would clear your front cover though.

[thrifty bill]

+10 to Jim's comment. Get an accurate tongue weight, and a trailer weight of your trailer loaded for camping.

[Franswa]

if you want a WDH...you're going to have to live with cut-outs in the FG....that's just the way it is...doesn't affect anything with the cover...it's only secured by three fasteners...the cut-outs are in the middle of the run....

Looking at your rig, you may or may not need a WDH....it's all about the rear suspension of your TV.....if you can put 400 lbs right at the rear of that trucks bed and not affect the ride, you don't need one....most people do....makes for a nicer drive as well....

a regular/simple/old school WDH has no effect on sway whatsoever....that's not why you use one...and really, when you think of it, there would not be any point in having one if you didn't have enough tonge weight to collapse your rear suspension to begin with

[Raspy]

I agree too.

Measure the weight of the trailer and the tongue weight with it equipped just as it was when you had the problem.

For stability, don't have any heavy equipment hanging on the rear of the trailer. Make sure your truck tires are heavy duty and inflated properly.

Sounds like, if anything, you need sway control and not necessarily a WDH. Before you buy an Anderson, look on the Oliver forums and learn more about their problems.

[Borrego Dave]

Ryan, as you've found out the TW was a bit light do a few tests before you invest in a WDH. Load it like you're going camping and put some heavier things forward and go pull it on the road. You may find that that was the problem. BTW, cutting the FG for the WDH is a non issue for concern.

[CindyL]

You could also join the bigfoot groups on Facebook and ask your questions or Bigfootowners Club. We had to cut a bit out for our Propride as you can see in the images.

CindyL

[Wacenturion]

Minimal cutting with an E-Qualizer brand hitch.

[JMCK]

Check Trailer Tire Pressure with a gauge, I had a older 2 Axel Trailer If one tire was 5 pounds lower than the rest it was ok until 50 MPH then it waged like a dogs tail.
I now check all tires dailey.

[FRL001]

We use one on our 25b175G. Towing is solid as a rock. Very pleased with it. We use an "e2 Round Bar Weight Distribution with Sway Control".

But you will have to have some small cut outs in the propane fiberglass cover made.

[madjack]

...fishtailing can be traced (90+%) to faulty loading of trailer...too much weight to the rear of camper is the culprit...towing with the tongue up instead of dead level or slightly nose down can cause this problem as can improperly inflated trailer tires...a wdh or anti-sway WILL NOT FIX this problem...at best, it will mask the problem untill some other factor causes the fishtailing to rear it's ugly head with possibly catastrophic consequences...find and fix your actual problem first!!!!!
madjack

[Franswa]

that e2 hitch looks good....and the amount of FG to cut out would be quite a bit less than a chain type (that uses chains and levers like mine)....not bad price wise either....

the anti-sway stuff ??? hummm, I guess I can imagine SOME resistance.....would be interesting to see an objective test.... and wouldn't metal on metal get noisy after a while???

maybe I'm just being picky..........but if I needed one I'd have to have a hard look at it....in person!

good thread!

[Wacenturion]

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/how-equalizer-works