Sway/WD Hitch opinions

[HappyCamper77]

So I know this has probably been discussed at length on here but I can't decide between 2 different hitches. Mostly trying to figure out if one is better than the other. The Reese strait line, or the equalizer 4point. I will be towing a Rockwood Ultralite 2905ss. TV is a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. Could you guys give me your opinions on installs and performance of the two hitches. Thanks in advance.

[dustman_stx]

Haven't had the Reese but have used 2 different Equalizer 4 points and they performed well. Just make sure to get the 4 point, and not the 2.

[offroad]

I like my Equal-i-zer.

Positives:
Very quick / easy to hitch and un-hitch, smooth stable ride.
The bars can be mostly pushed under the bumper after we un-hitch, nothing to take off or store until we are ready to leave.
Great customer support.

Downsides:
It's a bit noisy even with their sway bracket jackets (only noticeable at slow speeds).
It's heavy when you take it off, (taking off the bars separately helps)
Quicker than taking a fifth wheel hitch out of the bed though.

Sorry, can't help with the Reese.

[dustman_stx]

Very true about being heavy. The Anderson is probably your only option that will be substantially lighter, but there are some concerns about it's ability to transfer enough weight with larger trailers. I would definitely give one a try if I had a loaded tongue weight of less than 600 or so.

[MtnGuy]

I have the Reese Straight Line Dual Cam, and it does a great job. A bit of work to get the cams exactly in the center of the crooks in the spring bars, but when done correctly it lives up to the name....keeps the rig straight and true.

Note: Cequent towing has moved it's Reese manufacturing jobs to Mexico, and I think Equal-i-zer is still american made.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

I have the Reese Straight Line Dual Cam, and it does a great job. A bit of work to get the cams exactly in the center of the crooks in the spring bars, but when done correctly it lives up to the name....keeps the rig straight and true.

Note: Cequent towing has moved it's Reese manufacturing jobs to Mexico, and I think Equal-i-zer is still american made.

Then Equalizer is what I recommend.

[dustman_stx]

BTW, RVWholesalers has free shipping and excellent prices on their Equalizer hitches.

[HappyCamper77]

MtnGuy, when you say it's a lot of work getting the cams in, do you mean on initial set up? Or do you have that trouble every time you hook up?

[mogman]

We had an Equal-i-zer on our TT and loved it. So easy to set up and use especially with the electric tongue jack.

[HappyCamper77]

Originally Posted by offroad

I like my Equal-i-zer.

Positives:
Very quick / easy to hitch and un-hitch, smooth stable ride.
The bars can be mostly pushed under the bumper after we un-hitch, nothing to take off or store until we are ready to leave.
Great customer support.

Downsides:
It's a bit noisy even with their sway bracket jackets (only noticeable at slow speeds).
It's heavy when you take it off, (taking off the bars separately helps)
Quicker than taking a fifth wheel hitch out of the bed though.

Sorry, can't help with the Reese.

What are you talking about when you say it's noisy? I'm thinking when you turn?

[HappyCamper77]

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

I have the Reese Straight Line Dual Cam, and it does a great job. A bit of work to get the cams exactly in the center of the crooks in the spring bars, but when done correctly it lives up to the name....keeps the rig straight and true.



Note: Cequent towing has moved it's Reese manufacturing jobs to Mexico, and I think Equal-i-zer is still american made.

when you say it's a lot of work getting the cams in, do you mean on initial set up? Or do you have that trouble every time you hook up?

[ChooChooMan74]

I asked a similar question not too long ago. I currently have the Reese DC, and thinking of getting the Equal-I-zer when I upgrade my trailer, and hopefully I can get a new Ram Truck Ram 1500 Diesel.

[offroad]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

BTW, RVWholesalers has free shipping and excellent prices on their Equalizer hitches.

Yes they do, and they shipped mine fast.

Originally Posted by timmcneil

What are you talking about when you say it's noisy? I'm thinking when you turn?

Yes, it groans and squeaks some mostly while turning.
The factory rep I spoke to said to put some HD grease on the bar sockets where they contact the head and this helps as well.

You'll notice it while moving slowly through a campground or parking lot. I can't hear it at all once I'm on the road.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by timmcneil

MtnGuy, when you say it's a lot of work getting the cams in, do you mean on initial set up? Or do you have that trouble every time you hook up?

It is not a lot of work, but you have to be precise with the setup. You need to drive to an area that you have room to make sure the truck and trailer are in a straight line. I pick a long, level area (I use a seldom used Lowe's access road) I pick a distant object and drive straight toward it. I will double check by sighting down the trailer in reference to my truck mirrors. You then check the cams in the spring bar crooks, and if the need adjusting you loosen the nut on the turnbuckle and adjust accordingly. You may have to that several times to make sure the cams are exactly centered.

Once the cams are adjusted, they will not need to be adjusted again unless you change something on the hitch. I also have my spring bars marked I install them on the same side every time, just in case they are not the exact same length.

Check out figure 14, page 8 here: http://www.reeseprod.com/content/dow...ion/N26002.pdf

[HappyCamper77]

Thanks guys for the thoughts. I think it's just gonna come down to price now.

[vinmaker]

I will second he comment that the Equalizer is easy to use and performs very well. I cannot speak to the Reese either.

I recommend the Equalizer for everyone who is not sure what to get. I was a newbee when I bought my first pop up and posted a thread much like this. After hearing the comments like those posted above, I bought an equalizer and have loved it. Very easy to set up and operate.

[coffeebean43140]

Hummmmmm........Price, been there done that. I bought a new Reese dual cam, and have used an Equailzer towing a friends trailer from Florida to Ohio. Both are good setups, both make noise when turning.
I bought the Reese for our new 8315BSS in August of this year. Adjusted and tweaked it until everything thing was right on. 3300 pounds on the steering axle, 3500 pounds on the drive axle, and 7300 pounds on the trailer axles. It was still a white knuckle combo!!!!
For safety and handling I removed the Reese and installed a Pro-Pride 3P, yes it was a good piece of change. But I am thrilled with this setup, there is no sway no more!!!!
I had a 32 foot, 10,500 pound 5th wheel before the new trailer and the new set-up with the Pro-Pride 3P is just as comfortable to drive.
There are many different (Hummmmm Price Points ) in both bumper pull W/D hitches and 5th. Wheel hitches.
That being said, Price versus Safety is worth some though.

[Scotsat]

Hi - I have recently switched over from the traditional WDH and sway bar to the Equalizer 4 - and I can honestly say there is a world of different. I have a 08 Tundra Crew Max and pulling a 8315BSS and even if I try it is very difficult to get the trailer to sway. I have also noticed less bounce when going over bumps. $800 installed here in Ont.

[HappyCamper77]

Originally Posted by Scotsat

Hi - I have recently switched over from the traditional WDH and sway bar to the Equalizer 4 - and I can honestly say there is a world of different. I have a 08 Tundra Crew Max and pulling a 8315BSS and even if I try it is very difficult to get the trailer to sway. I have also noticed less bounce when going over bumps. $800 installed here in Ont.

Can you tell me how much you would have paid without the install. My dealer is telling me he can get me a "great deal". All I can find online are American prices. I'm in Ontario also

[Scotsat]

Leisure days had it at 25 % off, $ 550, Mobile Life in Kitchener reg price is around $ 650 - I have the 12 000lb hitch