Is a Curt WDH enough?

[aveytua]

We just purchased a 2012 Rockwood 2702SS. I already own a Curt 1000/10000 pound WDH and am trying to decide if I really need to change. One dealer said we need the Equal-i-ler but others have said the Curt is all we need. It has worked fine while towing our 22' Jayco. Anyone with experience towing with the Curt WDH?

Thanks,
Andrea

[Dave_Monica]

Your camper is over 32' long...you'll need some type of sway control.

Dave

[MtnGuy]

The Curt 1000/10000 should be sized correct for the 2602SS. But......I don't think any of the Curt hitches include any kind of integrated sway control. With that long of a trailer, you need sway control. A friction bar (or 2) will be needed if you continue to use the Curt.

You did not include what tow vehicle you are using. With a bigger truck, you might be able to get away with the friction control bars, but you may need to upgrade your entire system if you are towing with a "borderline" vehicle. The Equalizer 4 pt, Reese Straight Line Dual Cam, or the Blue Ox Sway Pro are a few options.

[MtnGuy]

Shucks Dave, you beat me too it.

[aveytua]

Would this WDH be ok if I add the sway control? They have a sway control add-on I can buy for $75. Much cheaper than a whole new WD system. Just wondering if the Curt WDH is ok to use. I'm sure Equal-i-zer is the 'best' but if I can use what I have and save hundreds and be safe, that would be preferred. I want to be safe, but don't want to buy more than we need.

Andrea

[aveytua]

Guess I should have refreshed before I asked another question. I am towing with a 2003 EB Expedition. I know this has a shorter wheel base so I kinow I will need to at minimum add the sway control to the Curt. Just unsure about having to buy a new system. Thanks for all the quick feedback!

[MtnGuy]

The wheelbase for a 2003 Expedition is 119". That is a 32' trailer. That is a lot of trailer for that vehicle. Minimum would be a WDH with integrated sway control, not friction control bars. I would be leery of pulling that trailer with an Expedition even with a WDH and integrated sway control......sorry, that is just my opinion.

What engine is in the Expy ??

[aveytua]

I have 2003 EB Expedition. GVWR is 7300. Weighed it on a CAT scale and we were at 6500 with full fuel tanks. The tongue weight on the trailer is about 600 pounds so we are under, weight wise, but close to the limit.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by aveytua

I have 2003 EB Expedition. GVWR is 7300. Weighed it on a CAT scale and we were at 6500 with full fuel tanks. The tongue weight on the trailer is about 600 pounds so we are under, weight wise, but close to the limit.

It is great that you have weighed your Expy. Is that everything loaded up that you plan on traveling with, including passengers and cargo ?? With those figures you only have 800 lbs. of cargo capacity left......the tongue weight could easily equal or exceed that once you get the trailer loaded. My trailer tongue weight "grew" 150 lbs. from the listed empty weight.

As asked previously, what engine is in the Expy ??

[steeleshark2]

I have a 31ft trailer (Coachmen 292BHDS) that I tow with my Nissan Armada with a Curt and dual friction sway bars. It does more than enough. Would integrated sway control be better , yes, do you need it, no. My Curt setup works perfectly fine. Get 2 friction sway control devices. That is all you need. Just remember to remove the sway control before backing or making VERY sharp turns. It only takes about 30 seconds to do.

[camper_Lucy]

If he has a GVWR of 7300 then he has the 5.4L 4x4 and that has a hitch load of 800lbs, so he is in spec for the TV but on the high end. I would lean towards the integrated sway control system myself on this setup.

However, if I had the Curt I might try adding two friction bars knowing I was risking 150.00 and that the back up plan would be to move to an integrated system if I did not like the setup.
Keep in mind that you do have to drop the bars to maneuver the TT in tight spots or backup, something that you do not have to deal with on an integrated system like the equalizer.

[aveytua]

When I weighed it I had all the kids in the Expedition. We'll have a few other items, like the Nintendos for the kids to play with but I'm not planning on loading anything else in it. The Expedition is a 5.4L v8 and has a new transmission ( not sure on the ratio but I know we had them rebuild it with the heavy duty components ). Not sure where to go to get the dual friction sway bars. I'm assuming they need to be from Curt to match the WDS so I'll check their website. Glad to see someone else pulling with the same system I'm looking to use!

[punkaccountant]

I owned a 30 ft. Jayco which was pulled by an F-150 with the Curt WD hitch. I ended up switching to an Equal-i-zer and the difference was night and day. Here's my take on your situation. I feel you are maxed out on the towing capabilities of your Expy. If you are financing, why not just include the new hitch in the amount you finance. Over 120 months it will be around $6/mo. Over 60 months it would be $11. Family safety should be of your highest priority. Why take chances to save a few bucks?

[aveytua]

If I switch from the Curt to the Equal-i-zer what model would you recommend? I've heard about the Equal-i-zer but don't know much about them.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by aveytua

If I switch from the Curt to the Equal-i-zer what model would you recommend? I've heard about the Equal-i-zer but don't know much about them.

1,000/10,000 Equal-i-zer 4 point. Not the e2. RVW is cheapest to buy from.

[steeleshark2]

Get 2 of these if you keep your Curt hitch:

Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 17200 Sway Control Kit: Automotive

[RoadDog66]

Aveytua,
Was just at RVW and they said they are moving away from the Equalizer and to a new type called Blue Ox. They said the Blue Ox has a better paint (specail powder coat) that will last longer. It uses heavy chains to adjust the sway bars instead of resting it on an L-bracket like the Equalizer does. It looks nice (lite gold color). Said it was only $10 more in price. I still went with the Equalizer 1000/10000 since I had studied up on it and it appears to be proven and reliable plus I wasn't a fan of the chains. I think the new Blue Ox would work fine too though if you chose to buy a whole new setup. Congrats on the new trailer.

[Triguy]

Blue Ox is nice, too, from what I've read.

[aveytua]

Thanks everyone for the feedback...and the link to what I need to buy for the Curt WDH.

[steeleshark2]

Originally Posted by aveytua

Thanks everyone for the feedback...and the link to what I need to buy for the Curt WDH.

No problem! Let us know what you finally decide on.