Must Reese dual cam be removed to back up? Is Equlizer simpler?

[Ken-Judy]

Just ordered a Flagstaff 831QBSS. Am trying to research hitches while awaiting camper delivery. Simplicity of hitch operation (quick, easy) is important to me. I would love to obtain good sway control, yet not have to get out of the tow vehicle and unhood or remove any hitch or sway parts before backing up. I'm currently undecided between Reese dual cam or Equilizer 4 point sway control.

I've been told that Reese dual cam may provide better sway control than Equilizer, but the Reese cams must be disconnected before backing up. Does anyone know for sure if Reese cams must be disconnected before backing up?

With a full size 3/4 ton Chevy Express van, I've towed a Flagstaff 827BH with round bars and chains, and friction sway bar for 10 years and had no problems backing up without unhooking the sway bar, but have been told I'm lucky the sway bar didn't bend.

Any voices of experience would be appreciated.

[kalik282]

Ken-Judy, Welcome to the Forum!

Congratulations on ordering the new Flagstaff!

As for the Reese Dual-Cam, you don't need to take the bars off to back up. I usually do anyways, just because the hitch can be somewhat noisy at slow speeds. (The nature of the anti-sway function means no lubrication...) I figure, what's the difference if I take them off in the parking lot or the campsite. They have to come off sooner or later!

[windrider]

I have a Reese dual cam, 3 years old, and over 3000 miles, and have been backing at near the turn limit, 70 degrees or so, and have never unhooked the bars to back up. Love the hitch, once it is set up right. Might take a test pull or two of few short miles.Make sure you get a copy of the directions for set up, and double check when the dealer gets through.

[bikendan]

IMHO, the Equalizer is simpler than the Dual-Cam.
that and not having to drill into the tongue, are why i bought the Equalizer.

[Fire Instructor]

I've never taken mine off to back-up. It's a bit noisy backing (or taking sharp turns at low speed), but that's the friction that makes it work so well!

[firephighter]

I have the friction anti-sway bar and was told by camping world(will always lower case this company) that it should be removed during backing. I was told it would bend in the backing process. I am going to continue this process for fear of having to replace the bar. Besides, I am not going to have much trailer sway in the campgrounds.I make a habit of once I pay for my stay, on the way to my trailer I remove the bar. That way I do not need to stop and do it at the spot I pick to stay in. Better safe than sorry in most cases.

[bikendan]

WDHs with the simple friction bar, do require you to unhook it to back up.
but higher end WDHs, like the Dual-Cam or Equalizer, do not require this. you just simply back in without any messing around with anything.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by windrider

I have a Reese dual cam, 3 years old, and over 3000 miles, and have been backing at near the turn limit, 70 degrees or so, and have never unhooked the bars to back up. Love the hitch, once it is set up right. Might take a test pull or two of few short miles.Make sure you get a copy of the directions for set up, and double check when the dealer gets through.

X2!

A friction sway bar can be problematic but the Dual Cam does not have an issue if properly installed. IMO a benefit of the Dual Cam system is that it actively works to prevent sway in the first place; but rather than just damping sway action, it will try to push the trailer back into position.

[great white]

While my hitch is not one of the ones you listed (Husky centerline, closest to the Equalizer) it is a WD sway hitch.

While mine can be backed and turned, I take the bars off before backing into a site.

Reason being, it's easier on the over all process.

If I get the trailer in and the truck isn't straight, getting the bars off is a b......

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by great white

While my hitch is not one of the ones you listed (Husky centerline, closest to the Equalizer) it is a WD sway hitch.

While mine can be backed and turned, I take the bars off before backing into a site.

Reason being, it's easier on the over all process.

If I get the trailer in and the truck isn't straight, getting the bars off is a b......

Agree. Even after jacking the tongue up, there is still a lot of pressure on the outside bar. I always remove that bar 1st, allowing the inside bars to take some of the pressure.