Which Equalizer WD Hitch is best for...?

[RoadDog66]

Would the 1000/10,000 rated Equalizer WD Hitch be too rigid for a truck/trailer combo with a 450 to 550-lb tongue weight and 4,000 to 4,500-lb loaded weight?

The RV place said it would be fine and was in the middle range of WD hitch weights and was adjustable enough to not cause any lifting, turning or binding issues. However I've seen other articles saying don't get more hitch than needed because it can cause problems.

What do you guys think?

[RoadDog66]

Ok maybe I posed a confusing or dumb question. Let me try posing it this way.

Does anyone tow a Roo 19 or even a Roo 17, 183, 21BH, 21DK, 2306 Lite or similar weight/size trailer with an Equalizer 1000/10,000 hitch? If so, do you have any issues with it or would you recommend a lower weight rating version?

Thanx
RD66

[Cincy6]

We just purchased a 2012 Roo 19 and it was recommended to me to purchase a 600/6000 WDH. I have not purchased yet but was planning on buying the Equalizer E2 which I was told includes sway control and is quite a bit less expensive than the origional Equalizer. I am interested also in hearing from anyone with actual experience with this hitch and what size you recommend.

[Triguy]

A 4,000lb loaded camper would give you a 12%-15% TW of around 450-600. 600lb bars would work, but you are close to the limits. 4,500lb camper gives a TW of 500-650.

I recommend that you call the manufacturer, Progressive, to confirm this and ask them what they recommend. They are very helpfull and are most familiar with the product. By the way, I hope that you are considering the Equal-i-zer 4-point WDH and not the E2.

[pip]

I HAVE THE EQUALIZER 4 PT 1000/10000 HITCH AND PULL A 26FT. TT WITH 740 LB. TONGUE WEIGHT & IT PULLS GREAT. MATCH THE HITCH TO YOUR TONGUE WEIGHT WITHOUT GOING TO FAR OVER. AS THE LAST POST SAID BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE E2, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE FOR THE 4 PT. HITCH I THINK YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY WITH IT, & IF YOU EVER BUY A BIGGER TT THE EQUALIZER 4 PT. WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT TO.

[Cincy6]

Originally Posted by Triguy

A 4,000lb loaded camper would give you a 12%-15% TW of around 450-600. 600lb bars would work, but you are close to the limits. 4,500lb camper gives a TW of 500-650.

I recommend that you call the manufacturer, Progressive, to confirm this and ask them what they recommend. They are very helpfull and are most familiar with the product. By the way, I hope that you are considering the Equal-i-zer 4-point WDH and not the E2.

I am curious about 4-point vs E2 and why I should not consider the E2 for a Roo 19? I did call the manufacturer and they said the E2 was appropriate for my RV (and they manufacture both). I will not be upgrading for a LONG LONG time so I do not need any more hitch than is appropriate fro a Roo19. Any bad experiences with the E2 that would change my mind? There is quite a bit of price diffference!

[RoadDog66]

I have already ordered the Equalizer 1000/10,000 WD w/sway (I'm assuming that is the 4-pt), I just wanted to make sure it wasn't too much hitch for my setup.

I was more worried about it putting too much pressure on the hitch receiver on my truck due to the 1000 trunion bars. I've been told it would be okay since it can be adjusted with more washers or by raising/lowering the mount point.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by Cincy6

I am curious about 4-point vs E2 and why I should not consider the E2 for a Roo 19? I did call the manufacturer and they said the E2 was appropriate for my RV (and they manufacture both). I will not be upgrading for a LONG LONG time so I do not need any more hitch than is appropriate fro a Roo19. Any bad experiences with the E2 that would change my mind? There is quite a bit of price diffference!

Good question. Never used the E2 as its fairly new. I've had two Equal-i-zers, though, and have used another lesser "friction" bar hitch with a pup. Keep in mind that the E2 is marketed as a better alternative to a standard WD hitch with a friction bar.

I think of it this way, you're getting twice the number of friction points so does that mean its twice as effective in dampening sway once it begins? If so, that's the biggest difference.

Also, I don't think that the $170 price difference is that great. The Equal-i-zer 4-point can be bought delivered from RVW for $439 and the E2 is $269.

I am not saying that the E2 is horrible or that you will have problems using it. I just don't see the value in downgrading in order to save $170.

[ddemme]

I have a Roo 23SS and an e2 800/8000 round bar. So far, its been great. We went up to Ormand Beach last week and had a 15-20 mph cross wind the whole way up. The TT was rock steady, even when the big rigs zoomed past.

As far as I can tell, the trunnion bar e2 is identical to the Equal-i-zer. Also, it appears that the "4-point sway control" is mostly marketing. The 3rd and 4th "points" are downward pressure on the ball and upward pressure on the bars. I've got that with my round-bar e2.

So, since everything else is equal, including the manufacturer, I went with the best price.

[rschoono289]

I use the E2/600 on a ETC 181 mini lite

I believe the E2 head can accommodate any of the trunnion bars wereas the 4pt head must be changed when changing bars. Something to consider

Regards
Roy

[Char_n_Kath]

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

I have already ordered the Equalizer 1000/10,000 WD w/sway (I'm assuming that is the 4-pt), I just wanted to make sure it wasn't too much hitch for my setup.

I was more worried about it putting too much pressure on the hitch receiver on my truck due to the 1000 trunion bars. I've been told it would be okay since it can be adjusted with more washers or by raising/lowering the mount point.

I use the 1,000/10,000 Equalizer setup to tow our 2011 Rockwood 2304, which has a dry hitch weight of 550, empty as built is 4,308. I don't find any problem using the larger number bars - the difference in the hitch setup between the 600/6,000 and 1,000/10,000 is the size of the 'spring arms.' (1 1/4" vs 1 3/8"). The Equalizer is not difficult to set up properly, and our hitch works just as advertised. I would not expect that with your setup you will have any problems. Just be sure to follow the instructions when you do the initial install!

Charlie

[RoadDog66]

Charlie, thanks for the info. You must have loaded up your Model 2304 with options to go from 3519-lbs dry base weight to 4308-lbs dry as configured/built weight. It must be a heck of a nice TT.

Mine will be around 3700-lbs as configured and probably 4400-lbs loaded with a tongue weight around 550-lbs. Towed with my Froniter Pro-
4X Crew using a Curt Manufacturing class III hitch.

Is your Dakota a V6 or V8? A Quad, Extened or Standard Cab? How well does is pull your TT? Have you noticed any overly excessive wind sheer/drag issues when towing with your mid-size Dakota.
RD66

[Char_n_Kath]

Curt, you are welcome for the info. Our Dakota is a V8, extended cab 2 door (just enough room for our 7 y.o. to occupy with her stuff while driving!), with factory tow package. It pulls our TT just fine - except when going uphill into a strong headwind. We average about 10 mpg. The only time I notice any sway is when a semi passes me; but it is not overly significant & the Equalizer does its job quite well. I have noticed that with strong side winds I experience no sway. I'm glad, however, that we returned from our most recent trip last weekend - we just had 75 mph winds in Albuquerque yesterday! I wouldn't have wanted to have been driving in those...

You can find pics of our unit on this site through the 'photos' tab at the top. photos/member galleries/Char_n_Kath.

Charlie

[Z-man]

Drew, you have been immensely helpful to me, not only on deciding on a camper but now on a sway control bar. thank you!!