Recommended WD Hitch For A 2023 Airstream Basecamp 16X

Question:

I am purchasing a new 2023 Airstream Basecamp 16X max weight at 3500lbs. The tongue weight is 450lbs. Not really a large trailer. My tow vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. It is rated minimum of 4500lbs but can go up as high as 7000 depending upon setup. I do have a dealer installed factory brake controller on the truck. I am thinking a WD system may help a bit when crossing NE or WY in winds. I am thinking I might like an Anderson WD system, mostly because I don’t like the pressures of the bar systems, and also possible ground clearance issues. My wife and daughters could handle hooking up an Anderson better as well. Would an air bag spring system help with improving the leverage at the rear end of the truck? I take delivery of the trailer in about 2 weeks, and am considering options. Thanks

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

Hello Michael. So, we do not sell the Andersen WD hitch here, but it is something I am familiar with. I also just spoke with an associate of mine who has some experience using the Andersen WD hitch so I can definitely give you an honest opinion on it.

What they say about it being easy to set up is true. Other than that, they really are not that great. The components seem flimsy, and it does not provide good sway control or weight distribution. I cannot say it is something I would recommend using. Especially since there are other options available to you in the same price range that will provide much better results.

My recommendation is the Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU36FR. This will work on trailers with a tongue weight between 300 and 600 lbs. Blue Ox systems are quite easy to set up and they provide excellent weight distribution and sway control. In my opinion this will provide the best results or any WD system we offer. Blue Ox hitches are all made here in the USA.

I have linked our review video for the Blue Ox system below.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Michael T.

4/21/2024

I understand that the Anderson hitch is not a product that etrailer or Airstream supports. But I asked a question about the use of an air lift spring system, which remains unanswered. Would an air bag lift system help improve the leverage at the rear end of the truck? I think the Anderson hitch would be too light for heavier trailers, but this trailer is 3500 lbs max. I currently tow a small 2000 lb box trailer with no problems. I am looking for a little more stability, not the major leverage with a bar hitch type WD system. As stated, I do not like the pressures of the bar system, with a trailer that has a 450 lb tongue weight. A bar system with this application seems like overkill. Thanks

Jesse M.

4/22/2024

@MichaelT Yes, an air bag kit will definitely help improve the leverage at the rear of the vehicle. We recommend air bag kit/WD system combinations frequently, and they are known to complement each other well. Usually the WD hitch will take care of most of the sagging (but not quite all of it). Then adding an air bag kit will level things out perfectly.