New trailer... Weight distributing hitch?
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
New trailer... Weight distributing hitch?
So I just picked up a new 24' enclosed trailer this past week to haul my road racing car around. Got a few options installed at the factory like 10k axles and finished interior but will add cabinets later on. Already have some e-track to install and will be working on floor finishes, tire storage, and other niceties ahead of racing season.
Anyway, I need to upgrade to a weight distributing hitch. I currently have stock suspension on my 2005 PSD but in the future may upgrade a bit. I'll be towing probably 8000 pounds around the Northwest, including windy mountain passes and such. Assuming 10% tongue weight that puts me right at 800lbs. Most of these hitches are for 800 lbs or 1200lbs, so it seems I would want to err on the side of safety and get a 1200lb model?
I did run a few searches around the net and based on what I've read it looks like I want sway control in addition to weight distribution. From many posts it seems these are among the top few I am looking at:
Reese Strait-Line (dual cam sway):
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66074.html
Reese SC (friction sway):
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66155.html
I'm using etrailer for the pics so we can discuss, not for final pricing. Comments on which style/model is better for my use? Thanks!
Anyway, I need to upgrade to a weight distributing hitch. I currently have stock suspension on my 2005 PSD but in the future may upgrade a bit. I'll be towing probably 8000 pounds around the Northwest, including windy mountain passes and such. Assuming 10% tongue weight that puts me right at 800lbs. Most of these hitches are for 800 lbs or 1200lbs, so it seems I would want to err on the side of safety and get a 1200lb model?
I did run a few searches around the net and based on what I've read it looks like I want sway control in addition to weight distribution. From many posts it seems these are among the top few I am looking at:
Reese Strait-Line (dual cam sway):
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66074.html
Reese SC (friction sway):
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66155.html
I'm using etrailer for the pics so we can discuss, not for final pricing. Comments on which style/model is better for my use? Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Also look at these hitches. They work great. My rental company runs 9 of these hitches 20 - 30K per year. They have been flawless and the customers like the ease of use and ride.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - Product Info
Whatever you go with, the built in sway control is so much better than the chains and a separate friction sway control.
Equal-i-zer® Hitch - Product Info
Whatever you go with, the built in sway control is so much better than the chains and a separate friction sway control.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Texas
My Airstream is about the same weight as your new trailer. It's a bit heavier on the tongue however and runs about 1000# when I have loaded the trailer for a week of RVing. I'm very happy with my Reese Straight-line DC. I did add a Hellwig sway bar to the back and the RAS to bring the back end up a bit since the V codes raise the front.
Rides well, no sway (even when the 18 Wheelers roll by in either direction) and I have towed in as much as 40 mph winds (you will feel that much wind regardless of what your using/towing!).
If you've got money to burn, use the Pro-Pride or Hensley Arrow.
D
Rides well, no sway (even when the 18 Wheelers roll by in either direction) and I have towed in as much as 40 mph winds (you will feel that much wind regardless of what your using/towing!).
If you've got money to burn, use the Pro-Pride or Hensley Arrow.
D
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
another vote for the equalizer. i have one and love it. pretty easy to hook up like said above no chains to jack and sway control things to mess with. drop the trailer on the hitch and mount the 2 bars and bam! done!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Without actually weighing your trailer after it is loaded...simply going by 10% of the loaded assumed weight as hitch weight is not the most accurate...
To fully understand the real tongue weight...you will need to load the trailer and weigh it this way you can get the proper weight distrubution bars for your trailer.
In general...going heavier on the bars is better than lighter...but going heavier does do a few things to you.
1) It makes the ride rougher
2) You are inducing additional stress into the trailer frame
Therefore I recommend finding the true tongue weight and then matching the bars to it.
The Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch makes a 1000# bar version (I believe). Reese as you point out makes 800 and 1200# versions...
Either the Dual Cam or Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch would work well from a sway control AND WD standpoint...but the edge in my mind is which one gives you the closest WD spring bar rating...and only the scale can tell you that.
Good luck and great job in seeking out the RIGHT equipment...I've towed many windy mountain passes...and the way the passes FUNNEL the wind and blast you...you need the right stuff.
Joe.
To fully understand the real tongue weight...you will need to load the trailer and weigh it this way you can get the proper weight distrubution bars for your trailer.
In general...going heavier on the bars is better than lighter...but going heavier does do a few things to you.
1) It makes the ride rougher
2) You are inducing additional stress into the trailer frame
Therefore I recommend finding the true tongue weight and then matching the bars to it.
The Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch makes a 1000# bar version (I believe). Reese as you point out makes 800 and 1200# versions...
Either the Dual Cam or Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch would work well from a sway control AND WD standpoint...but the edge in my mind is which one gives you the closest WD spring bar rating...and only the scale can tell you that.
Good luck and great job in seeking out the RIGHT equipment...I've towed many windy mountain passes...and the way the passes FUNNEL the wind and blast you...you need the right stuff.
Joe.
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
You'll also want to consider whether you can load your car such that it's center of gravity is pretty close to the trailer axles otherwise you'll end up with way too much weight up front.
With the vehicle filling up most of the "back" you will be tempted to install everything else "up front" which will quickly drive your tongue weight too high.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 8
From: Greenfield,In
I have used the Pullrite Hitch for several years and like it.
Try a "search" on these Weight Distribution Hitches in FT Forum. Start here - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...pro-pride.html
Try a "search" on these Weight Distribution Hitches in FT Forum. Start here - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...pro-pride.html
Last edited by Richard2212; Mar 7, 2011 at 06:47 PM. Reason: add link
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 497
From: NC
Also, it is hard to judge the tongue weight on a car hauler because different vehicle of different sizes rest over the wheels differently, a larger car will have more tongue weight than a small car. I did have a lot of sway on my 24' when I first pulled mine. The car weighs 3500 and it is as far back as I can get it in the trailer but the engine weight is still forward.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1
From: LONG ISLAND N.Y.
all the weight in the rear of the trailer is also no good. that c an and will make the trailer sway all by itself. if its a two axle trailer you can be overloaded the rear axle. load up and go to a scale. weigh the truck, weigh the trailer, weigh the tounge., then weigh everything.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
I have both the Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch for use with my small trailer ( 7x19 aluminum loaded it 7000lbs) and i have a Pro Pride for my Weekend Warrior which weighs in at 12,000 lbs. Setup is everything...and air bags are your friend!!
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