Hitch Setup For Camper Towing
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Hitch Setup For Camper Towing
I need to pick some brains out there. My new 2011 Super Duty has finally arrived. I will be picking up a trailer camper in a couple of weeks. The camper is 27'+ long and will be between 5000 to 6000 lbs loaded. The hitch weight is around 500 lbs. What I need to know is, whether I will need any additional hitch components besides the trailer ball, such as a rear stabilizer bar etc. I have sway contol and trailer brake controls on the truck. Thanks!
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
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From: SW Virginia
You might also try posting this in the Trailer Towing forum:
Towing, Trailers & 5th Wheels - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Towing, Trailers & 5th Wheels - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 116
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I would strongly recommend purchasing a weight distributing hitch. It will make towing more comfortable. They take the hitch weight and distribute it between the front and rear axle and smooth out the ride. The equalizer brand hitch also includes sway control.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control™ and Weight Distribution
Ford also in their towing guide requires the use of a weight distributing hitch with a trailer weighing 5000 or more. I have used a Reese WD hitch for years and would not tow without one.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control™ and Weight Distribution
Ford also in their towing guide requires the use of a weight distributing hitch with a trailer weighing 5000 or more. I have used a Reese WD hitch for years and would not tow without one.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail, NC
I agree with Loganworks. I have a reese weight distribution set-up as well and it is very comfortable. If you don't use a W/D hitch, you will get a lot of boucing in the rear end of the truck and loss of steering feel. Anti-sway device is strongly encouraged as well.
Good luck,
Dave
Good luck,
Dave
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Florida
Having towed a similar weight 26 footer, my '97 F150 definitely was helped by the WD hitch. The F350 behaved about the same with or without it. On both, a properly adjusted anti-sway bar was key to a more comfortable, relaxed drive.
If it were me, I'd take a long test drive without the WD hook-up and see how she handles
Best of luck.
BTW, I have air bags to help with the leveling and cushioning of the ride....probably makes a difference.
If it were me, I'd take a long test drive without the WD hook-up and see how she handles
Best of luck.
BTW, I have air bags to help with the leveling and cushioning of the ride....probably makes a difference.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
When I had my dually with 10,000lb gvwr I did not notice when I had a trailer with 5-6 hundred lbs hitch ball weight. The truck was sprung heavy enough that the weight was not an issue. But, if you are an inexperienced tower, get the equalizer hitch with sway control. Now with my F150 I need the equalizer hitch.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
One more vote for a good WD/anti-sway set up.
99.9999% of the time you wouldn't "need" it. The SD's do tow awfully well as is, and MOST modern trailers come from the factory with pretty good balance.
When might you need it?
- Panic stopping
- Trailer brake malfunctions
- Tire failures/blowouts
- Abrupt evasive maneuvers
- Surprise patches of ice
- Gusty winds
- Driving next to big rigs
And it is those "freak" situations that result in the majority of trailer "accidents". My philosophy: After spending all that on the rig, what is another few hundred dollars to make it 10X more secure in a freak situation?
My family is well worth it, as is my peace of mind.
The SD with a well balanced trailer, proper weight distribution, good anti-sway control, and a good electronic brake controller is very, very secure. And comfortable.
99.9999% of the time you wouldn't "need" it. The SD's do tow awfully well as is, and MOST modern trailers come from the factory with pretty good balance.
When might you need it?
- Panic stopping
- Trailer brake malfunctions
- Tire failures/blowouts
- Abrupt evasive maneuvers
- Surprise patches of ice
- Gusty winds
- Driving next to big rigs
And it is those "freak" situations that result in the majority of trailer "accidents". My philosophy: After spending all that on the rig, what is another few hundred dollars to make it 10X more secure in a freak situation?
My family is well worth it, as is my peace of mind.
The SD with a well balanced trailer, proper weight distribution, good anti-sway control, and a good electronic brake controller is very, very secure. And comfortable.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
And another vote for WD.
I use mine for my flatbed when I regulalry haul 10K on it and if I get lazy and don't add the bars, I can really tell the difference.
I use mine for my flatbed when I regulalry haul 10K on it and if I get lazy and don't add the bars, I can really tell the difference.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
As far as brand...
I'd argue the Hensley Hitch is the best anti-sway set up on the market, but priced accordingly. A MUST when the trailer is unruly or significantly heavier than the tow vehicle.
Trailer Sway Control by Hensley
For your set up, an Equal-I-Zer or Reese Dual-Cam should give you great results.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control™ and Weight Distribution
The el-cheapo friction/clamp style are better than nothing, but just barely. After trying an Equal-I-Zer or dual cam, NOBODY would ever go back to one.
Personally, I use (and am thoroughly satisfied) with the Equal-I-Zer. I have several friends who are equally satisfied with Dual-Cam. Both can be had for about the same price with careful shopping on internet. Both are reasonably easy to install and set up yourself.
With my electric tongue jack, I can hitch up or unhitch in about 2-3 minutes with the Equal-I-Zer and not need any tools. The Dual Cam seems to take my buddies about a minute longer and they do need the lever arm.
The Equal-I-Zer also seems least problematic when backing up. The friction bars must be released or removed to back up, and the Dual Cam can make some frightening noises.
The only downside is they can be a little squeaky.
I'd argue the Hensley Hitch is the best anti-sway set up on the market, but priced accordingly. A MUST when the trailer is unruly or significantly heavier than the tow vehicle.
Trailer Sway Control by Hensley
For your set up, an Equal-I-Zer or Reese Dual-Cam should give you great results.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control™ and Weight Distribution
The el-cheapo friction/clamp style are better than nothing, but just barely. After trying an Equal-I-Zer or dual cam, NOBODY would ever go back to one.
Personally, I use (and am thoroughly satisfied) with the Equal-I-Zer. I have several friends who are equally satisfied with Dual-Cam. Both can be had for about the same price with careful shopping on internet. Both are reasonably easy to install and set up yourself.
With my electric tongue jack, I can hitch up or unhitch in about 2-3 minutes with the Equal-I-Zer and not need any tools. The Dual Cam seems to take my buddies about a minute longer and they do need the lever arm.
The Equal-I-Zer also seems least problematic when backing up. The friction bars must be released or removed to back up, and the Dual Cam can make some frightening noises.
The only downside is they can be a little squeaky.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
Weight Distribution Hitch
I don't think it's a vote thing when it comes to safety. Get the weight distribution hitch (WDH). You probably won't need the sway control. I towed an 8000lb trailer with an F250, 2011, 6.2L, SC, LB and WDH with no problems from Barstow to Denver and back. If you didn't get an integrated brake controller with your truck you will need one if your trailer has electric brakes. Call the place where your trailer is and ask them what the tongue height is on the trailer. You'll need that info to set up the WDH.
Keep the shiny side up.
Try to stay under 80% of limit when towing.
Keep the shiny side up.
Try to stay under 80% of limit when towing.
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cliffordredfx4
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
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