Need help from the tow police

[SC_RVer]

I am looking at small-ish bumper pull campers. It's been a while since I've pulled a TT...at what point do I need a WDH?

Tow vehicle is a GMC Canyon rated to tow 7000 lb. The trailers I'm looking at will be 4000-4500 gross.

Thoughts?

 

[CharlesinGA]

Yes, you do. Short enough answer? A 4500 lb trailer will be maxing out the Canyon, and will have a 500-600 lb tongue weight. You will want a hitch with good anti-sway properties. I use the Blue Ox Sway Pro, its easy to use, easy to set up, one of the lightest WD/AS hitches, and works well. One Youtuber didn't like it, he said he got grease on him when installing it in the receiver. It has two grease fittings on it. I keep a plastic grocery bag over mine when sitting in the shop. I install it, throw away the bag, grease it, wipe it down and ready to hitch up.

Charles

 

[SpencerPJ]

You will want a wdh. More info on your Canyon (specifically payload available per door sticker, eng, trans, rear end, tow package) along with trailer and model number. That is full size 1/2 ton territory imo.

 

[Gizmo100]

For what it's worth....
If you decide to get a WDH, I HIGHLY recommend you learn everything about how it should be installed. Some of the places that install them don't take the time to do it correctly. I have seen a couple installed WDH with the bars floating above the brackets. When I asked one of the drivers about the bars, His reply was "That the way they installed it". He didn't appeared concerned.

Last I will add..
I used a Husky WDH and it worked well for us. I'm not suggesting it's better or worse than any other brand. It did the job.
Good luck

 

[SC_RVer]

Thanks for the info. I found an article online suggesting that a wdh was necessary if the trailer was more than half the GVWR of the truck, which the ones I'm looking at would be. I haven't used one of these in many years.

I haven't made an offer on anything yet but the dealer wants $1200 for a hitch. Thank goodness for Facebook marketplace!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Really need the specifics of the Canyon's payload rating and hitch receiver rating (weight carrying & weight distributing ratings), but YES, you will want a WDH for that size trailer. Pickups have a relatively stiff rear suspension, though, so you won't need a heavy duty model. There are lots of solid choices, but I'd go for something modest like the Curt TruTrack 2P, which is less expensive than the big boy models but entirely capable of handling your needs. You can install it yourself if you have sockets or an open end wrench of the correct sizes, and the hitch comes with detailed instructions (which you can download to read before buying). Otherwise, ask the dealer how much to install the hitch that you provide.

Make sure your Canyon is equipped with a 7-pin trailer plug for brakes and running lights, and a trailer brake controller. If not, there may be some additional expense.