Sway Control
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 70
From: Somerset NJ
Originally Posted by avmike
In order of effectiveness, (and cost) they are:
1. Hensley Arrow
2. Reese Dual Cam
3. Equal-izer
1. Hensley Arrow
2. Reese Dual Cam
3. Equal-izer
The Reese Dual Cam is a load distribution hitch - it has no anti-sway mechanism
by itself unless you add the friction sway control device to it.
The Equal-izer is a weight distrubtion hitch that also has built-in sway control.
I've used both and prefer the Equal-i-zer.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
From: Birmingham, AL
"Since the original question was about sway control, I would switch your #2 and #3.
The Reese Dual Cam is a load distribution hitch - it has no anti-sway mechanism
by itself unless you add the friction sway control device to it."
That is incorrect. The Reese Dual Cam Hitch provides both weight distribution and sway control in one device that doesn't need to be readjusted for backing or weather conditions like the friction systems do.
The friction of the dual cam device provides sway control by locking the tow into a straight line. The force generated by turning the rig will cause the spring bars to pop as they slid over the cams. It works better than friction type anti sway devices in my opinion. The cams or the matting portion of the spring bars should not be lubricated on a dual cam hitch as it will lessen the anti-sway properties of the hitch.
Gene
The Reese Dual Cam is a load distribution hitch - it has no anti-sway mechanism
by itself unless you add the friction sway control device to it."
That is incorrect. The Reese Dual Cam Hitch provides both weight distribution and sway control in one device that doesn't need to be readjusted for backing or weather conditions like the friction systems do.
The friction of the dual cam device provides sway control by locking the tow into a straight line. The force generated by turning the rig will cause the spring bars to pop as they slid over the cams. It works better than friction type anti sway devices in my opinion. The cams or the matting portion of the spring bars should not be lubricated on a dual cam hitch as it will lessen the anti-sway properties of the hitch.
Gene
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 70
From: Somerset NJ
OK, I just went to the Reese site. The system I had previously was called their
Dual Cam Hitch with the trunnion bars. It looks like they changed it to now include
what they call "Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control " if you order the package setup.
The dual cam hitch by itself does not have any sway control, you have to order the package
or buy the dual cam hitch and later add the sway control setup.
I think the Equalizer setup is easier and it works for me. It also doesn't need to be adjustedd
for backing up or for weather. YMMV...
Dual Cam Hitch with the trunnion bars. It looks like they changed it to now include
what they call "Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control " if you order the package setup.
The dual cam hitch by itself does not have any sway control, you have to order the package
or buy the dual cam hitch and later add the sway control setup.
I think the Equalizer setup is easier and it works for me. It also doesn't need to be adjustedd
for backing up or for weather. YMMV...
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
From: Birmingham, AL
This is what you probably had before. They also made them with square spring bars without the humps in the end many years ago.
"Draw-Tite Trunnion Bar Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems"
http://www.reese-hitches.com/WD/dt_trunnion_bar.html
The last two illustrations on this page show the two variations of the Dual Cam system.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/sway_controls.htm
The type you had is upgradable to the dual cam system and uses all of the same parts, including the same spring bars that have the humps in them to ride on the cam type chain hangers and provide the sway control. You can also use the friction sway control along with the complete dual cam system but I don't know why anyone would want to.
Same parts, but without the cams in the chain hangers it isn't a dual cam hitch.
The Equalizer hitch does look easier to hook up although after the initial installation of the Dual cam (which is a lot of work) it's fairly easy to hook up as well.
Gene
"Draw-Tite Trunnion Bar Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems"
http://www.reese-hitches.com/WD/dt_trunnion_bar.html
The last two illustrations on this page show the two variations of the Dual Cam system.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/sway_controls.htm
The type you had is upgradable to the dual cam system and uses all of the same parts, including the same spring bars that have the humps in them to ride on the cam type chain hangers and provide the sway control. You can also use the friction sway control along with the complete dual cam system but I don't know why anyone would want to.
Same parts, but without the cams in the chain hangers it isn't a dual cam hitch.
The Equalizer hitch does look easier to hook up although after the initial installation of the Dual cam (which is a lot of work) it's fairly easy to hook up as well.
Gene
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