WDH for towing travel trailer

[chicagoair]

Since we are having to dry camp we left with a full tank of water. Lots of water sloshing around made sway a big problem. Will probably look at getting a WDH for it if we keep pulling with the S. I don't like the added complexity for disconnecting if I need to drop the trailer, so was trying to avoid it.

I’ve only found one company that makes it as a drop hitch, but Bulletproof Hitches has a friction sway bar only option. I plan to buy this for our R1T as our trailer is under 5k but I want the optional sway protection when I need it.

https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/products/bulletproof-extreme-duty-sway-control-ball-mount

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[Tucker74]

Maybe this is just CYA language in the manual, but I was disappointed to learn that I will need to buy a new WDH to tow anything over 5k. This was not written on the Rivian site as far as I could see. It just says 11,000 lb max towing capacity. My Touareg can tow 7200lbs and doesn't need one. It also seems to be a low number compared to the 11k max.

That’s just a weird European thing. Most full size VW/Audi/MB/BMW SUVs are rated for 3500kgs and say to not use a weight distribution hitch with no supporting evidence as to why not.

These are unibody vehicles, WD hitches leverage the frame to distribute weight. The Rivian skateboard is designed to act as a frame, so the R1T/S are body on frame vehicles. I use the same Draw-tite straight line WD hitch i used for my Land Cruiser on the R1T, works great pulling my Airstream.

 

[R1-T1]

@Tucker74 thanks for the info. That makes sense and I hadn’t thought of that difference

 

[wolfnjan]

We just picked up our R1S (Dual motor, Max pack) a couple of weeks ago. One of my main concerns was towing since you hear so much negative about it. So, I did a trial run today with my Escape-19 trailer (Fiberglass, GVWR 4000 lbs) for 100 miles. Conditions were challenging: temperature 32F, high winds, combination of divided highways and hilly back roads. It turned out much better than expected. Range was 200-225 for a full charge, which I consider to be very workable. It was totally stable when trucks drove by (in contrast to my previous tow vehicle). Handling on hills/curves was outstanding. Regenerative braking and integrated brake controller worked flawlessly. With this low weight, I didn't need a weight distribution hitch and was very happy to leave it off. That will be a big help if I have to disconnect for charging. The fact that it'll be perfectly silent in campgrounds is another plus. I can't wait to take it from Pennsylvania to Florida in February.

 

[Thedude]

We just picked up our R1S (Dual motor, Max pack) a couple of weeks ago. One of my main concerns was towing since you hear so much negative about it. So, I did a trial run today with my Escape-19 trailer (Fiberglass, GVWR 4000 lbs) for 100 miles. Conditions were challenging: temperature 32F, high winds, combination of divided highways and hilly back roads. It turned out much better than expected. Range was 200-225 for a full charge, which I consider to be very workable. It was totally stable when trucks drove by (in contrast to my previous tow vehicle). Handling on hills/curves was outstanding. Regenerative braking and integrated brake controller worked flawlessly. With this low weight, I didn't need a weight distribution hitch and was very happy to leave it off. That will be a big help if I have to disconnect for charging. The fact that it'll be perfectly silent in campgrounds is another plus. I can't wait to take it from Pennsylvania to Florida in February.

Did you actually drive 200 miles while towing? The range estimate when towing is extremely inaccurate. What was the last 15 minute efficiency displayed?

 

[Dark-Fx]

Did you actually drive 200 miles while towing? The range estimate when towing is extremely inaccurate. What was the last 15 minute efficiency displayed?

This is probably the first account of towing with a dual max R1S I have read. I am not doubting it could be this much better than the range of our quad large with a much taller trailer, especially considering they didn't say anything about speed.

 

[wolfnjan]

I forgot mention that I was traveling at 60 mph on the highway (most of the trip) and between 45-55 on secondary roads. I only traveled 100 miles but usage was 1.38 miles per kWh so that tracks. Also, the new Rivian upgrade which calculates the weight and resistance of the trailer seems to estimate the mileage much better than before making the use of ABRP much more accurate. Btw, it’s estimate of my trailer’s weight was spot on.

 

[R1-T1]

Did you actually drive 200 miles while towing? The range estimate when towing is extremely inaccurate. What was the last 15 minute efficiency displayed?

They mentioned they towed for 100 miles.

 

[Epicloop]

This trailer is more aerodynamic, lower & narrower (7' wide) than the average trailer, I would guess that the LP would have similar mi/kwh towing the same unit at those average speeds.
Approaching 200 miles is not too bad.
I will likely go with a popup for better efficiency & regen.

 

[JamuJoe]

Hi everyone,

I've searched the whole forum and couldn't find a solution. Most R1Ts that I see on the road with small travel trailers use basic hitches. I understand that leveling is not an issue with R1T since truck will do it for you. But what about sway control and putting more weight on the front axle for better handling?

I have a travel trailer with 6500lb GVWR. I currently use Husky Centerline weight distribution hitch (aka WDH or WDS) on my gas truck. It helps with towing a lot. Installing bars back and forth is very annoying. But with bars installed I can tow without even noticing I have 6000lb+ behind me. No sway, good handling. Was towing in windy conditions and passing semi-trucks at 75mph, all good.

Since I already have Husky Centerline, I thought that I can just reuse it with R1T. On smaller trips I can go without installing the bars and let the truck level itself, but use bars for longer highway trips.

What is your experience with WDH?

I’m using a 10K Equalizer hitch that I’ve used for 12 years with four, now five tow vehicles. I simply moved it from my RAM 2500 to my new R1T. It is tight at the low ride height - maximum sway control for highway driving where sway control is important, less so at normal ride height - good for back roads, and city streets, and slack at high ride height - perfect for forest roads, steep breaks and campgrounds. I‘ve verified this by changing ride height underway, and the effectiveness is obvious and conclusive.

 

[Closedquestion]

We use an Anderson WDH. We love it. Easy to install and uninstall the chains on trips.

I had ordered the Anderson for my 22' Tundra, but never got around to setting it up. Picking up my new R1T on Thursday. Taking a trip to the Oregon coast June 16th with my 28' Coleman. I do have question. How did you do your set up of the hitch? The Anderson manual says to turn off self leveling, but I don't think you can. I'm planning on towing in all purpose probably lowest or lower ride height. Should I get it the Height I want then shut the truck off while doing the hitch set up? Any insight would be super appreciated.

 

[IHScout]

I had ordered the Anderson for my 22' Tundra, but never got around to setting it up. Picking up my new R1T on Thursday. Taking a trip to the Oregon coast June 16th with my 28' Coleman. I do have question. How did you do your set up of the hitch? The Anderson manual says to turn off self leveling, but I don't think you can. I'm planning on towing in all purpose probably lowest or lower ride height. Should I get it the Height I want then shut the truck off while doing the hitch set up? Any insight would be super appreciated.

I would say to set it to the tow height you will use and shut off kneel mode. The height of my Expedition and the R1S receiver was the same height, so I didn't have to make any adjustments.

 

[IHScout]

I just followed the installation instructions in the package and it worked out really well. I couldn't be happier with the set up

 

[Closedquestion]

I would say to set it to the tow height you will use and shut off kneel mode. The height of my Expedition and the R1S receiver was the same height, so I didn't have to make any adjustments.

Thanks! Appreciate that info! I appreciate the tip on Kneel mode, as a vertically challenged person with a perpetually torn ACL I'll be using kneel mode and I probably would drive myself crazy

I just followed the installation instructions in the package and it worked out really well. I couldn't be happier with the set up

I had bought the Anderson for my 22' Tundra as my old Bar type would make the Tundra feel like a roller coaster from the bouncing. Everyone on the Tundra forums suggested the Anderson because of the Tundra's car like suspension, and It appears yourself and a few folks on here are using them and happy. I know that for 1 of the charges I plan on using as I head to the Oregon coast will be a trailer disconnect and I'm happy I won't have to deal with the bars. I also appreciate the tip on the kneel function. I'm vertically challenged and have torn ACL/MCL so the kneel feature will be used. I would probably forget about it and drive myself nuts every time the truck kneeled down.

 

[AllInev]

Thanks, everyone. That is great info and confirms my belief that WDH is a must have thing if you tow anything meaningful.

Well, I consider this baby meaningful even if it's less than 5000lbs and towed without a WDH. ?

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