Unsettled shamrock

[JLamb]

Just purchased a 21' Shamrock and plan to tow it w/ 2006 F150. The drive home was somewhat unsettled - the trailer seemed to push-pull on the hitch. I am not sure how the tounge weight was set up so I will check that. I have a Ford factory receiver and used a 2" ball. I note that the user manual states a 2 5/16" ball but it seems large for the hitch - I haven't forced it but it does not fit w/ hand pressure.
Questions:
What size ball is correct for OE hitch?
What do you think of stabilizer bar hitches for this type of application? Recommendations as to brand?

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by JLamb

Just purchased a 21' Shamrock and plan to tow it w/ 2006 F150. The drive home was somewhat unsettled - the trailer seemed to push-pull on the hitch. I am not sure how the tounge weight was set up so I will check that. I have a Ford factory receiver and used a 2" ball. I note that the user manual states a 2 5/16" ball but it seems large for the hitch - I haven't forced it but it does not fit w/ hand pressure.
Questions:
What size ball is correct for OE hitch?
What do you think of stabilizer bar hitches for this type of application? Recommendations as to brand?

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, DO NOT TOW AGAIN ON A 2" BALL!


It does indeed take a 2-5/16th. The ball size should be stamped on the tongue, and that's the size you use. Towing with a 2" ball means you can become disconnected at any time, and if you think it's jerking on the hitch a lot, try dragging it down the road on the safety chains.

A weight distributing hitch would be appropriate for this application, and one with sway control would be a good idea. I had a ROO 21 footer and towed with a 3/4 ton diesel Excursion, and I wouldn't go a foot without my WDH. For a 150, its pretty much a requirement. I'm partial to the Reese Straight-line hitch, but there are others that work equally as good.

BUT GET THE RIGHT BALL, NO MATTER WHAT!

Tim

[bikendan]

YEP
DON'T tow again until you get a 2 5/16" ball.
Shame on the dealer for letting you drive away with the wrong setup.

As Cowracer said, ball size is stamped on the tongue, near the coupler.

[JLamb]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the quick info. I have a 2 5/16" ball that I can use immediately and will order a new WD hitch shortly.

[Bama Rambler]

Also, which brake controller do you have? And what do you have it set to?

[My17Ram]

Originally Posted by JLamb

Just purchased a 21' Shamrock and plan to tow it w/ 2006 F150. The drive home was somewhat unsettled - the trailer seemed to push-pull on the hitch. I am not sure how the tounge weight was set up so I will check that. I have a Ford factory receiver and used a 2" ball. I note that the user manual states a 2 5/16" ball but it seems large for the hitch - I haven't forced it but it does not fit w/ hand pressure.
Questions:
What size ball is correct for OE hitch?
What do you think of stabilizer bar hitches for this type of application? Recommendations as to brand?

He doesn’t mention he bought it from a dealer. And since when is a dealer responsible for every aspect of the purchaser’s tow vehicle, equipment and knowledge of towing?
Motorcycle dealers don’t teach a customer how to ride (with a few exceptions being organized training, I realize)

[JLamb]

Looking at the stamp on the hitch it does spec a 2" ball so I guess that was not the issue.
I have primus IQ brake controller but I did not have it installed for the short tow home. The prev. owner wasn't aware it had elect brakes.
I'm still getting a wd hitch.

[JLamb]

Trailer is a 2002 21 ft shamrock purchased from s private party. Hitch is stamped as 2", so that isn't the problem. Trailer gvw is only 4600 lbs.
I have a PRIMUS IQ brake controller but it was not installed for the short ride home.

[DieselDrax]

I would still do a WDH, it will help the trailer and truck move more as one unit and provide a more stable towing experience.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by JLamb

I have a PRIMUS IQ brake controller but it was not installed for the short ride home.

Well, that could have easily been your problem!

[JLamb]

How so?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by JLamb

How so?

Since you had no brake controller, the trailer brakes don't work.
Your are relying solely on the truck brakes to stop.

So of course the trailer is going to behave like it did.

[DieselDrax]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Since you had no brake controller, the trailer brakes don't work.
Your are relying solely on the truck brakes to stop.

So of course the trailer is going to behave like it did.

Unless they are referring to push/pull/bucking while driving down the road and the brakes aren’t being used, in which case the lack of trailer brakes isn’t the issue.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by Cowracer

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, DO NOT TOW AGAIN ON A 2" BALL!


It does indeed take a 2-5/16th. The ball size should be stamped on the tongue, and that's the size you use. Towing with a 2" ball means you can become disconnected at any time, and if you think it's jerking on the hitch a lot, try dragging it down the road on the safety chains.

A weight distributing hitch would be appropriate for this application, and one with sway control would be a good idea. I had a ROO 21 footer and towed with a 3/4 ton diesel Excursion, and I wouldn't go a foot without my WDH. For a 150, its pretty much a requirement. I'm partial to the Reese Straight-line hitch, but there are others that work equally as good.

BUT GET THE RIGHT BALL, NO MATTER WHAT!

Tim

Second what Tim says. Reese has been my hitch of choice since I started towing in 1985. The fancy hitches do more for some, I have found the Reese to fit my needs (had a EZlift for one tow and returned it for a Reese)

[Finster]

Originally Posted by JLamb

Just purchased a 21' Shamrock and plan to tow it w/ 2006 F150. The drive home was somewhat unsettled - the trailer seemed to push-pull on the hitch. I am not sure how the tounge weight was set up so I will check that. I have a Ford factory receiver and used a 2" ball. I note that the user manual states a 2 5/16" ball but it seems large for the hitch - I haven't forced it but it does not fit w/ hand pressure.
Questions:
What size ball is correct for OE hitch?
What do you think of stabilizer bar hitches for this type of application? Recommendations as to brand?

I still question whether or not your using the correct ball size. Ive never seen a tandem axle camper with less than a 2-5/16" ball. 2" is pretty standard for a pop-up. Is it possible that the 5/16" is wore off and it appears to say 2"? I would double check to make sure a 2-5/16" ball won't fit. If it truly is a 2" ball, you'll never be able to get a 2-5/16" ball to fit into the hitch.

[ddbck]

I have had 2 different F-150's & they both towed my 21SSL with with no problem also always have 2 Can-Am Outlanders 4wheelers loaded. Never have had WDH just Timbrens. Never had a problem towing all over the Rocky Mountains.
Definitely a 2 5/16 ball