Towing a Nobo 16.1 travel trailer

Looking to tow a new Nobo 16.1 travel trailer with our Tundra and not sure if a weight distribution hitch is needed for such a small trailer. The trailer is 14’ 4” total length with hitch 315 lbs UVW is 2,889 and ccc is 926 lbs. I have been towing boats etc for many years one of which I still have and is 3,200 lbs loaded (19ft ranger bass boat). I never had any concerns with the boat on the back of the Tundra and I barely notice it is there. The new trailer we are looking at is built with independent suspension designed for off road use and we do plan on doing a lot of boondocking and off roading with it. I know the weight distribution hitch would only get in the way when off roading. As a side note I am always towing at or below 65 mph for safety when on the road. Any thoughts?

 

Double check your owner's manual but I thought it was only recommended once you get up over about 5000 lbs so, if that's the case, you should be fine if you're staying within the capacity of that trailer.

 

I tow a 20 foot 4k lbs travel trailer and still use a BlueOx SwayPro. Not so much for the weight distribution as it's not really needed, but for help with sway. FYI I have not yet towed it with the Tundra as I just bought it 2 days ago, but previously towed it with my Silverado.

You should be OK with that weight.

 

I think weight distribution hitches start at 6,000#. Unless you can find one that will match your trailer weight you might bend the trailer tongue. Call the trailer manufacturer and ask them.

 

BlueOx SwayPro's lowest tongue weight is 200lbs and max is 2,000lbs. The advantage of these is that it's the same hitch head and you buy the spring bars that suit your need. If you ever need to go lighter or heavier, instead of having to buy a new full hitch, you only buy the springs rated to what you need, and those fit the same hitch head.

 

Two thoughts:

1 - Contact the dealer and Forest River. There are many small trailers like the Nobo on the market now and some have very light frames that are not designed for WDH hitches. Not sure about that trailer, but some even void warranties. Call - don’t take random internet stranger advice.

2 - personal opinion only: Single axle trailers that are short and light (less than 4k) can track much worse with a WDH. The transfer of weight from the truck, which usually isn’t needed, causes the single axle to be bouncy and almost dolphin like on certain roads. Yes, sway is nice, but with something that short I would just hitch it and go.

 

Anderson is ideal for a wide cross section of vehicles. Very adjustable. I ran one with a 3.5k trailer being towed by a Honda Pilot. Was ideal to even things out. Also works well on much heavier trailers.

 

Agree, I wouldn't use one for a trailer that small/light, the truck will handle it just fine. And going off road at slow speeds you won't need to worry about sway.