Hitch/Stabilizer Question
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
WoW! Thanks Joe! For some reason, I didnt get any email notifications of replies to this thread again...I will look into what you recommended! I really don't want to slap a bandaid on it but am still confused as to which is better: Equalizer or Dual cam. I only have 1200lb bars on it now. But I looked at the WW spec sheet and it said that the hitch weight is 1050lbs - was a tad off on my original post. The water tanks are in the front. I usually pull with them empty until I am close to my destination - saves 800lbs. And the fuel tanks are in the rear, which are full. Although on my 1st trip out, I left the ball height alone, as displayed in the pic in my sig. And the water tank was full (I just picked up the TH). The swaying was worse on my way out vs my way back. And I raised the ball one hole before I came home since it appeared high. Another question: whats the torque spec on the bolts/nuts that adjust the ball height? I think I over-torqued them because when I got home, one of the washers was broken in half! I really hope I dont exceed the tongue spec (I really thought the X's receiver was up to the job). I will review the procedures on rv.net and get weighed. Oh fun! 
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
I am about to walk out the door and go camping...I 'may' be able to pick up stuff on the blackberry...but wanted to offer this last bit.
On the rear fuel tanks...in general...loads placed behind the axles lighten tongue. However for stability sake...you cannot lighten tongue lower than the 10% of the LOADED trailer...and while each setup has a different 'optimal' % of tongue weight for best stability...and a tri-axle may be different yet...once you find the 'optimal' you should try and stay close to it...that means if you tow THERE with full fuel...you may need to ADD enough fresh water to counter-balance the tongue to achieve ONE tongue weight...that means on the way home...fuel low and water low (i.e. keep the tongue load the SAME both ways)...did that make sense?
The reason I asked whether you noticed sway more one way than the other...based on your last post...I would expect you to see more sway GOING to the site due to the load behind the axle...but that really depends on how much you PLAY and burn your fuel with your toys! LOL
Well good luck!
let us know what you find out.
joe.
On the rear fuel tanks...in general...loads placed behind the axles lighten tongue. However for stability sake...you cannot lighten tongue lower than the 10% of the LOADED trailer...and while each setup has a different 'optimal' % of tongue weight for best stability...and a tri-axle may be different yet...once you find the 'optimal' you should try and stay close to it...that means if you tow THERE with full fuel...you may need to ADD enough fresh water to counter-balance the tongue to achieve ONE tongue weight...that means on the way home...fuel low and water low (i.e. keep the tongue load the SAME both ways)...did that make sense?
The reason I asked whether you noticed sway more one way than the other...based on your last post...I would expect you to see more sway GOING to the site due to the load behind the axle...but that really depends on how much you PLAY and burn your fuel with your toys! LOL
Well good luck!
let us know what you find out.
joe.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 0
From: High Point, NC
but am still confused as to which is better: Equalizer or Dual cam.
I used a 'chain style' WD hitch before - it did it's job. I think it took a few more seconds to hook up and the bar (with the dangling chains) were a PIB to store.
A few advantages with the Equalizer - I can hook up quicker than before. The bars, since there are no protrusions, store easily, and I can hitch up at any angle (something that was somewhat problematic with the chian style).
Some say the RDC 'prevents' sway and the Equailzer 'controls' sway. I think thats bogus. Sway does not begin at the tounge (where it is being controlled) but rather begins behind the trailer axles. So in reality, both 'control' sway and neither 'prevent' it.
With the 'L' brackest and pins/clips, there are a few more pieces to the Equalizer.
So it really boils down to your gut feeling and impression of the product.
One big deciding facor for us in getting the Equalizer is that e are planning to upgrade a few years to a Keystone VR1 and use a Reese hitch with them.
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
VR6Nutt,
We have a 35 foot Toy Hauler that Weighs in at 13,000 Fully Loaded. When We first got it we to had the White Nuckle Driving about 60 to. Our Fist step us air Bags witch help alot and then a Helwig Anti Sway bar the Sorta helped but over all the biggest helper was switching to the Equlizer Hitch. I swear by it. we can cruise at 65 all day long with no sway. It is the best Hitch I have ever owned. O and by the way our toung weight is around 1,800 Witch is alot so we got a Upgrated reciver in the X That is marked for unlimed Wieght but when It was being install they ask you how much you are towing and I said 15,000 to be on the safe side and they said that was fine.
We have a 35 foot Toy Hauler that Weighs in at 13,000 Fully Loaded. When We first got it we to had the White Nuckle Driving about 60 to. Our Fist step us air Bags witch help alot and then a Helwig Anti Sway bar the Sorta helped but over all the biggest helper was switching to the Equlizer Hitch. I swear by it. we can cruise at 65 all day long with no sway. It is the best Hitch I have ever owned. O and by the way our toung weight is around 1,800 Witch is alot so we got a Upgrated reciver in the X That is marked for unlimed Wieght but when It was being install they ask you how much you are towing and I said 15,000 to be on the safe side and they said that was fine.
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wacnstac
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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Jul 22, 2004 04:10 PM
