Let's talk WD hitches.

[Idrive4fun]

I would like a new hitch with better sway control. Currently, I have a Reese setup with two friction bars. It works just ok, but would like something better. I am considering the Anderson setup, because it is supposed to be much quieter. What do you all think? TT is a grey wolf 27RR which is about 30', toy hauler, weight is about 7k when I am towing. TV is a 2012 Expedition, EL. Attached are pics of my current setup.

Thanks y'all!

[Lins]

Have you checked your tongue weight to make sure it’s sufficient?

[uhduh camping]

I don't think you will be happy with Andersen. Andersen doesn't do well with light trucks and heavy long TT. Weight transfer is not that good. Yes it is easy, light, and quiet but...

Equali-z-er, Blue Ox, even Reese have much better systems. Or you can dig deep for nearly guaranteed no sway with pro pride or Hensley.

[Idrive4fun]

No, but without the bars, it squats the Expy quite a bit. Not sure where to go to measure that.

[Lins]

There’s a search button and A LOT of info on setting up just about any specific hitch. Do you have a manual for yours? There are usually instructions in there

[Idrive4fun]

No manual, same style I've been using for years though. I think I have about all I can get out of it. Just is really loud because of the sway controllers.

Why don't they just use something like a shock absorber from a car? Lol

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

I don't think you will be happy with Andersen. Andersen doesn't do well with light trucks and heavy long TT. Weight transfer is not that good. Yes it is easy, light, and quiet but...

Equali-z-er, Blue Ox, even Reese have much better systems. Or you can dig deep for nearly guaranteed no sway with pro pride or Hensley.

x2!

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[007matman]

I have a Fastway e2 hitch that I was using with my 7400lb (loaded, 6700lbs UL) 33' Rockwood. At the time I was pulling with my 2010 Escalade ESV (LWB version). So, I think that setup is very similar to what you have here.

The hitch setup was great. Absolutely no issues with it. Occasionally, in tight spaces I'd hear some noise but otherwise it was quiet. I still use it with my F350 Dually.



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[Idrive4fun]

I just wish there was a way to try these hitches before I drop $$$ on one!

Did you grease the E2? Someone at the campground last week had an E4 and greased the hangers on the camper... Seems like that would defeat the purpose tho, but he said it made it quieter.

And yeah, I'd love a Hensley, but I have a daughter starting college this year! Lol

[Lins]

Originally Posted by Idrive4fun

No manual, same style I've been using for years though. I think I have about all I can get out of it. Just is really loud because of the sway controllers.

Why don't they just use something like a shock absorber from a car? Lol

They do have something similar to that, but there is more to setting up your hitch first.

[Kimber45]

I generally don't side with the weight police but based on the pic I don't think the best WD hitch in the world is going to help the fact that you have to maxed out with that tow vehicle.

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Idrive4fun

I just wish there was a way to try these hitches before I drop $$$ on one!

Did you grease the E2? Someone at the campground last week had an E4 and greased the hangers on the camper... Seems like that would defeat the purpose tho, but he said it made it quieter.

And yeah, I'd love a Hensley, but I have a daughter starting college this year! Lol

I actually bought mine used. Found it on Craigslist at about $100 off of MSRP. previous owner had used it for a year prior to upgrading the trailer and TV. He needed a different hitch and the dealer didn't want it.

I did purchase the plastic/nylon glides that mount on the hangers for the Equalizer hitch and they work well. The only thing I didn't do is lube the bar pins (where they go into the head) and it caused some extra wear in the head but it still works fine. Looking back on it I should have known better.

The hitch setup worked well. No Sway and excellent WD system.

The Equal-i-zer is pretty similar.

Hers some links

Fastway e2 2-Point Sway Control Trunnion Hitch, 92-00-1000, 10,000 Lbs Trailer Weight Rating, 1,000 Lbs Tongue Weight Rating, Weight Distribution Kit Includes Standard Hitch Shank, Ball NOT Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TNNJAA..._zYynBbWSECYND


Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch, 90-00-1000, 10,000 Lbs Trailer Weight Rating, 1,000 Lbs Tongue Weight Rating, Weight Distribution Kit Includes Standard Hitch Shank, Ball NOT Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TR8F5C..._l0ynBbARFR567

Here's the nylon glides (they work well with either system).
Equal-i-zer 95015150 Sway Bracket Jacket - 1pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HRJNIE..._L1ynBbWT6YWTZ

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[mopwr4me2003]

Equalizer, Blue Ox are the ones I’m familiar with. Nice thing about the blue ox you only need to buy bars after the initial purchase if you need more or less for your tongue weight. Not sure if that is the same for equalizer or not. Depending on how much you want to spend you could go with a pro-pride or henesly hitch. Make sure you get your tongue weight of that trailer before you go much further.

But I will have to side with a few others here you look like you are maxed out with your TV.

[Idrive4fun]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I generally don't side with the weight police but based on the pic I don't think the best WD hitch in the world is going to help the fact that you have to maxed out with that tow vehicle.

Why? Trailer is about 6000/8000, (never been to 8000) truck is 9000+, yes it has a little squat, which is one reason why in looking for a different setup. If not much wind, it tires fine, even with semis around. But it is loud, and with too much side wind, it wiggles a little. The loud is another reason.

[mopwr4me2003]

Originally Posted by Idrive4fun

Why? Trailer is about 6000/8000, (never been to 8000) truck is 9000+, yes it has a little squat, which is one reason why in looking for a different setup. If not much wind, it tires fine, even with semis around. But it is loud, and with too much side wind, it wiggles a little. The loud is another reason.

It’s really not about the numbers on the stickers. Its what are your actual numbers. TV actual weight without trailer. TT fully loaded and tongue weight. You also need to know what your GVCWR is for your TV. Then you need both the TV and TT ready to go weight. These numbers are important. Some people can look at a picture and see certain things that are off and believe it or not most are right with what they see. I think before you spend more money you should get those weights. At very least the crude way to get weight for your TT is find the GVWR of the TT. Go with that number and take 10-15% for tongue weight. Now you still need your TV weight fully loaded like you travel. If you got these numbers you will have a good idea of what you might need to get set with a better setup.

Also google home made tongue weight scale. Easy to use and for the most part accurate and inexpensive to make.

Tim

[Idrive4fun]

Thanks, I'll do that. I think I have a lot of weight forward- very little in the back of the trailer. Maybe a better distribution would help, but I'll get those weights and see.

[mopwr4me2003]

Originally Posted by Idrive4fun

Thanks, I'll do that. I think I have a lot of weight forward- very little in the back of the trailer. Maybe a better distribution would help, but I'll get those weights and see.

Do a search for a CAT scale. Or truck scales near you. Hopefully they are not far from you.

Good luck
Tim.

Thought I would add this for you. Google 2012 Ford Expedition towing capacity if you need more info.

[LynnGlaze13]

Originally Posted by Idrive4fun

Why? Trailer is about 6000/8000, (never been to 8000) truck is 9000+, yes it has a little squat, which is one reason why in looking for a different setup. If not much wind, it tires fine, even with semis around. But it is loud, and with too much side wind, it wiggles a little. The loud is another reason.

Like mentioned before it isn't about the sticker numbers but real word numbers.



If the Expedition numbers are like every other tow vehicle made then the 9,000 rating is for an empty vehicle.


Every pound you add to it takes away from the "Tow Rating" and an Expedition EL will hold a lot of extra pounds.


If you are still unhappy after fixing the current hitch then go ahead and call Sean at ProPride and get the P3.


Your family and the other families on the highway deserve to have you towing your vehicle safely.

[txredfish]

About 10 years ago, I had a Reese WD setup like yours. I now use an Equalizer. I now have a different trailer (but close to same weight) than that was used with the Reese but I can really tell the difference. The Equalizer is much better. I feel a little sway in side wind when driving over 65. But nothing from trucks. My only complaint with Equalizer is the noise when turning.

[maskins]

have you thought about adding the dual cam system to your existing reese hitch? I had one of these and worked well.
Reese - Sway Control - Dual Cam