New hitch system...need some experienced advice

[greyson]

I am new to forums so please bear with me. I have been towing smaller TT's for about 20 years and recently purchase a 2016 Grey Wolf 29DBH and towing it with a 2015 Silverado 1500. First couple of trips were local and it pulled OK with a Pro Series™ RB2 Wt. Dist. Kit w/#63970 Shank, 10,000 lbs. (GTW), 800 lbs. (TW). Dealer added a sway control bar and off we went.

On our first "Long Haul" everything was fine until I hit the freeway (I-75) heading to northern Michigan. White knuckle ALL THE WAY! Back end of TT was out of control. I measured my tongue weight before I went and I was at 11% of total weight including cargo (weighed everything when I loaded it).

I called the dealer when we got back and they recommended a second sway control bar or a Reese dual cam set up. I am not real keen on that idea because of changing weather conditions while driving and heard that if you don't lighten up on the sway controls during wet driving conditions it could cause an issue.

Is anyone using the Reese Dual Cam System on a similar set up as mine?

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[Black]

Adding a 2nd friction type sway bar should help, recommended on 24' and over trailers.
11% on the hitch seems a little low...I like more like 12-13%.
Is your trailer riding level behind the truck ?
Maybe a wrong WDH adjustment ?

[greyson]

Trailer is level behind the truck. I did lower one chain link and did not make much difference. I don't mind spending the money on a better system if it will help. Rather be safe and not have my trailer moving so dramatically when a car or truck comes around me from behind. What type of WD hitch system are you using?

[DDC]

The best systems are made in Michigan (Davidson), google Hensley Hitch, expensive but is the best system you will not need to control sway there will be none and you can drive totally relaxed with one hand even when trucks are passing or being passed. We have had ours for many years and moved it from trailer to trailer when we replaced them.

[Black]

Originally Posted by greyson

Trailer is level behind the truck. I did lower one chain link and did not make much difference. I don't mind spending the money on a better system if it will help. Rather be safe and not have my trailer moving so dramatically when a car or truck comes around me from behind. What type of WD hitch system are you using?

I use a HUSKY 12000 head /1200 lbs springbars and 2 friction type swaybars on a 35+ feet trailer.
Pulling with a F-250...solid as a rock, no sway problems.

[Loraura]

I am towing a Coachmen Freedom Express 292BHDS with a Ram 1500 5.7L V8.

The initial friction sway set up from the dealership left much to be desired above 50 MPH or when semi trucks were passing me.

I replaced the friction sway WDH with a Blue Ox and it is a night and day difference. I highly recommend a mid-level sway control system that does not use friction sway bars for trailers of this length.

Preventing sway > attempting to control it once it starts.

A Sway bar was fine for our 19 foot trailer, but once we went bigger (33feet hitch to bumper) it simply is not enough.

I feel MUCH MUCH more comfortable now towing between 60-65 on the highway with the Blue Ox.

I installed it myself. It was not difficult.

[Papa GLS]

X2 on the Blue Ox.

[dustman_stx]

I can't recommend the ProPride (works the same as a Hensley) enough. You'll notice a huge improvement going to something like an Equalizer 4 point, though.

[greyson]

Thanks to everyone for your input and experiences! It is awesome to be part of a group of people that enjoy camping and share there experiences! Still have not made a decission but getting closer.

[youroo]

Greyson,dont rule out your (TV and or your Trailer Tires)also! If P on TV and trail???? on trailer that can cause Sway Issues! We use a OLD Reese DC system! Youroo!!

[Brewhedd]

I went with Equalizer 4 point WD/ anti sway hitch, about $480.00 with ball. I tow a Rockwood 2702SS with a 1500 Silverado. Dealer supplied a single arm unit that didn't cut it. The Equalizer works very well, hardly any movement, turned the towing from white knuckle to relaxed. Set up is straightforward if you follow directions. I set it up then took it to my RV dealer to torque the two bolts I couldn't do.

[rockfordroo]

If P on TV and trail???? on trailer that can cause Sway Issues!

Huh?

[Scotty]

Can't say enough about the Andersen WDH. Give them a call or google. Agree that Hensley or ProPride are the number 1 dog in this hurt, however for the money and ease of use don't believe you can beat the Andersen.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Huh?

What do you not understand about (P Tires on a Truck) or (Trail whatever they add to it for ST tires)? They both have (Weak Sidewalls)! Youroo!!

[youroo]

Originally Posted by youroo

Greyson,dont rule out your (TV and or your Trailer Tires)also! If P on TV and trail???? on trailer that can cause Sway Issues! We use a OLD Reese DC system! Youroo!!

This is the Full Post,not the (Cut Off Version)! Youroo!!

[rockfordroo]

What do you not understand about (P Tires on a Truck) or (Trail whatever they add to it for ST tires)? They both have (Weak Sidewalls)! Youroo!!

"P on TV or trailer" I would have understood.

What's "and trail????" mean in front of "on trailer"??

Did you read what you wrote before you hit "Post?"

[youroo]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

"P on TV or trailer" I would have understood.

What's "and trail????" mean in front of "on trailer"??

Did you read what you wrote before you hit "Post?"

Trail Tamer/Trail Sport/Trail Defender/ Trail Express/ Whatever they Mold on the CBs! Youroo!!

[hunterrick]

Hello Greyson,


I have a 35ft Windjammer with 11% on the tongue. So far I've tried three hitches.


The first was a 10,000 lb Equal-I-zer which I believe is the gold standard for sway control hitches at anything less than $1000. I had it from a previous trailer which was a bit lighter than the Windjammer. It controlled sway fine, but I had a bit of a harsh ride unless I set it up with more than the recommended tilt angle to get enough weight transfer to the front. The answer would have been to switch to a 12,000 version of the same hitch. I was happy with the hitch except for the noise - lots of clunks and groans.


Next I tried an Andersen (my dealer just happened to have one laying around and handed it over for me to try). This is a very interesting design with chains instead of spring bars. It also has integrated sway control. It worked very well. Absolutely no sway. The downside to this design is that it can only transfer a limited amount of weight to the front. I scaled it, and my previous hitch (at the same session) and was only able to transfer 50% of the weight back to the front that had come off due to the tongue weight. The result was bit more vague handling than I was able to achieve with the Equalizer. My brother has the Andersen and he loves it, but he has never compared back to back with anything else.


So I decided the Blue Ox Sway Pro would be my choice. I ordered in a 15,000 version and took that on a trip last weekend. I love it. Very easy to set up and to hook up, and is totally silent. It handles great and no sway, even on the Interstate with 30 mph crosswinds.
It's a keeper and my recommendation to you.


Rick

[rockfordroo]

Trail Tamer/Trail Sport/Trail Defender/ Trail Express/ Whatever they Mold on the CBs!

Ah, "I see" (said the blind man, as he picked up his hammer and saw.)

Mine are called Constancy LY188. No "Trail???"

[NCBBA11043]

I used the Reese dual-cam on two of my TT's - a 24' Scotty and a 28' Jayco. I moved up to 1200# bars for the Jayco. NEVER had a problem. No noticeable sway, even when passing / being passed by semi's on the highway. I highly recommend, but there are many ways to outfit a rig. Your choice.