VCROSS Sway Control

[pdchristensen]

Has anyone installed weight distribution/sway control on the VCROSS series? If so can you enlighten me on what you may have used as it seems to me that the limited visible area on the frame from the hitch ball to the trailer would restrict the type of system you could use.

I have never installed one before so I am not sure if this limited frame length would be an issue.

[Old car]

I have a Windjammer which is the Rockwood sister to your trailer. I use the Equalizer 4 point weight distribution/sway control set up on my 3008W. I have the 10,000 lb. bars for my set up and so far all has been working very well.

[Happy Vibe]

The only way we could get the E2 WDH to work on my 6501 was to weld the bracket to the frame, I've heard that they come with the bracket installed on the later models, the factory told my dealer to remove the trailer from the frame to install it but there was no way they were going to do that. The only other hitch I have seen that might work is the blue ox, they have a bolt on rotating latch.

[pdchristensen]

Thanks for the feedback.

My thinking is that maybe I do not need weight distribution as much as just sway control. I think the tongue weight on the 6500 series is only around 300 lbs, so maybe I could just get away with a say control product such as this link.

CURT Manufacturing | CURT Manufacturing - CURT Sway Control Kit #17200

Forum feedback is always appreciated, thanks.

[Happy Vibe]

you may be able to get away with just sway control. The dealer I bought from sold one to a person with an MDX with just sway control. In my case with the minivan the combination of soft rear suspension and a hitch that sits low under the bumper made it necessary to have the WDH. You could just load up the TV as you would for camping and see how low it sits. One thing to watch out for is taking too much weight off the front wheels.

[dbuzz77]

my unit does not sway at all even after quick lane changes. my friend brought up that the v front would be more stable than a flat or tilted front because the wind resistance is split instead of being allowed to buffet. i think after towing i agree. i looked at a sway control but i don't think i need one.

[bikendan]

many V-nose owners have had no problems with the Equalizer.
you definitely will need a WDH with a Traverse.!

[pdchristensen]

Originally Posted by bikendan

many V-nose owners have had no problems with the Equalizer.
you definitely will need a WDH with a Traverse.!

I appreciate the feedback bikendan - why do you feel I would "definitely" need a WDH ?

[Vern]

Originally Posted by Old car

I have a Windjammer which is the Rockwood sister to your trailer. I use the Equalizer 4 point weight distribution/sway control set up on my 3008W. I have the 10,000 lb. bars for my set up and so far all has been working very well.

x2...Same experience to report with my Windjammer.

Edit: I just realized you are talking the "Vibe" line and not the original V-Cross line (which is more like my Windjammer). You state around 300# (very light) hitch weight. No experience with that and will defer to others as to whether WD is needed or not.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by pdchristensen

I appreciate the feedback bikendan - why do you feel I would "definitely" need a WDH ?

the actual tongue weight, when loaded, will be at or over the Traverse's max.
this is because the passengers and cargo will also affect its payload and then you also factor in the typical overly soft suspension of SUV's.

[pdchristensen]

Originally Posted by bikendan

the actual tongue weight, when loaded, will be at or over the Traverse's max.
this is because the passengers and cargo will also affect its payload and then you also factor in the typical overly soft suspension of SUV's.

thanks for clarifying, I am trying to source the best product to provide adequate tongue weight (likely around 500 lbs - to give a 200 lb margin over the trailer tongue weight of 300 lbs) and rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity. My problem is the limited space on the Vibe 6504 "A" frame.
I will have to double cheque the measurements, but I think I need a minimum 27 inches - as per this document I found on the forum

[pdchristensen]

[QUOTE=bikendan;260880]the actual tongue weight, when loaded, will be at or over the Traverse's max.


Just to be clear, I assume the tongue weight maximum for the Chevy Traverse would be limited to the "hitch rating" of 500 lbs. The Vibe 6504 hitch weight of 300 lbs is well within the hitch rating on the Traverse. Everything I read in the owners manual would suggest that addition of hitch weight needs to be included in the calculation of available payload (CCC) for the vehicle and that adding payload to the vehicle does not impact your overall hitch weight (which would remain at 300 lbs of the trailer tongue weight).

[Happy Vibe]

One differance between the 6504 and other trailers is the propane and battery are behind the axel, also the main storage area is behind the axel. So keeping the tongue weight over 10% can be more of an issue than having a heavy tongue.

[pdchristensen]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

One differance between the 6504 and other trailers is the propane and battery are behind the axel, also the main storage area is behind the axel. So keeping the tongue weight over 10% can be more of an issue than having a heavy tongue.

Good Point Happy Vibe.

So I take it you are operating without a weight distribution hitch ?
What is your tow vehicle ?

[Happy Vibe]

I have a vibe 6501. I am towing with a Kia Sedona ( minivan) so I am using the E2 WDH. The rear suspension on the van is too soft and the hitch to low not to use a WDH.

[pdchristensen]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

I have a vibe 6501. I am towing with a Kia Sedona ( minivan) so I am using the E2 WDH. The rear suspension on the van is too soft and the hitch to low not to use a WDH.

I had a closer look under my trailer and noticed that there is a "factory" installed bracket about 27 inches back from the ball hitch. Does anyone on the forum recognize this as a possible standard bracket mount for an "equal-i-zer" weight distribution hitch. See attached photos I took of my VIBE 6504. Brackets are just under trailer floor.

[Happy Vibe]

That is what my E2 bracket looks like,I had heard that the factory was putting them on but had not seen one, thats the part they welded to my frame. The L bracket would bolt to it. It looks like they changed how they mount the trailer to the frame, mine does not have any room between the bottom of the body and the frame, it looks like there is a gap on yours.
One thing off topic, check your caulking on the roof, I had to recaulk where the one piece roof meets the sides as the factory caulking had split.

[pdchristensen]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

That is what my E2 bracket looks like,I had heard that the factory was putting them on but had not seen one, thats the part they welded to my frame. The L bracket would bolt to it. It looks like they changed how they mount the trailer to the frame, mine does not have any room between the bottom of the body and the frame, it looks like there is a gap on yours.

thanks Vibe - I am glad my install may be straight forward then. "whew"

[Happy Vibe]

I see you started another thread about this bracket. If you want to be 100 percent sure give forest river a call or email the V-Cross department
Kim Money : Kmoney@forestriverinc.com (574) 975-0272

[PA Paco]

Pdchristensen,
Your install should be a breeze with those factory mounts. Sure wish they would have done that on earlier models.
I have a 6501 & the dealer installed an Equalizer WD hitch Model #90-00-0600 (6k bars). Instead of welding like Happy Vibe’s install, they were able to slip in the mounts around the frame for my install (see picture). They did have to cut down the L-brackets due to the camper floor was in the way.
Enjoy your Vibe!