Reese Dual-Cam Anti--sway WD hitch on FR Sport 220

teddy · 03-02-2014, 01:54 PM

Hi everyone:
I am relatively new to the forum. Last summer my wife and I purchased a 2014 Sport SP220. So far we are very happy with the unit. I had the dealer install a Reese dual-cam round bar WD hitch because I was familiar with the Resse system on another TT and it seems to be highly recommended. The dealer was not happy with my choice of the hitch and tried to dissuade me to get another style (Trunnion style, I think). He really couldn't give me a good reason other than to say that is what people in the Eastern US use. Huh?

Anyway, he did install the round bar dual-cam hitch. However, the chains that connect the cams to the snap up brackets are not straight up and down as recommended by Reese. The brackets need to be installed approximately 1.5 inches forward on the frame. The problem is that the tray for the propane tanks interferes with placement of the snap up brackets. I called Reese and they said this is not good. They recommend a different style bracket that is stationary and does not "snap up." The stationary brackets would be a little more inconvenient and cost $70-$80.

Has anyone here run into a similar problem? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

mTn_biKer65 · 03-02-2014, 02:02 PM

I have the Reese dual-cam trunnion style and had to move my propane tank tray slightly to get the chains straight. Is that an option? either forward or backward on the frame. There's typically 4 screws holding the propane tray to the frame. I removed these, treated the holes and slide the tray the distance I needed to clear the chains, drilled pilot holes and rescrewed the tray down.

Note about trunnion vs round bar: As I understand it the main difference between the round bar and trunnion style is clearance below the shank. The round bar style sticks a little lower thus reducing the clearance you'll have. That said I have the trunnion style and still drag a bit when exiting my driveway. Depending on your set-up this may not be an issue.

youroo · 03-02-2014, 02:05 PM

Go to (Etrailer/site) there are other MFG.of snap brackets that will allow you to hook up.Members have also put spacers between the frame and tank wells. Call Etrailer and talk to a rep.good people!

Youroo!!

meck51 · 03-02-2014, 02:33 PM

I would take it back and tell the dealer to install your safety device properly. If you don't feel comfortable having them doing it since they half assed it the first time it is an easy DIY project for most people as detailed above.

MtnGuy · 03-02-2014, 03:03 PM

Definitely no expert here, and would never override anything that the Reese tech people suggest, but:

The Reese Dual Cam setup manual says the "chain should be as straight up and down as possible". http://www.reeseprod.com/content/dow...ion/N26002.pdf In a case where the chain swings (non dual cam setup), I can see where straight up and down would be very important. But the chain on the dual cam does not move at all.....just the spring bar moves over top of the cam. Did the Reese tech know that you were using the Dual Cam setup vs. just spring bars ??

If moving the propane tanks forward will get the chains straighter, then that is a good solution to the problem. However, before doing that, make sure that the crook of the spring bars are squarely on the the dual cam when the truck and trailer are straight in line (pg 8, figure 14 on the above link).......that might straighten the chain some if the dual cam is too far forward of the spring bar crook....but it would have to be way off to get rid of 1 1/2 inches.

IMHO, the round bar setup is the way to go on the smaller trailers. The round bar setup seems to be the best fit for trailers with the coupler mounted to the top of the tongue frame, vs the bottom where many of the heavier, longer, taller trailers have those mounted.

Make sure the round spring bar setup is parallel with the trailer tongue. frame.

teddy · 03-02-2014, 03:15 PM

Wow! You guys are great. Thanks for all the helpful replys so quickly. I will check the propane trays. (Thank you, thank you Mt Biker65!) That will be an easy fix. (I agree with having the dealer do it, but he is 100 miles away). I will also check on the alignment of the cam and bar.

teddy · 03-02-2014, 03:27 PM

Well, that was too good to be true. I checked my setup. Moving the propane tray will not work. The snap-up brackets are up against a cross bar on the trailer tongue, i.e. the crossbar is forward of the brackets. I can move the brackets in front of the cross bar, but I am afraid they will be way too far forward.

I will try some of the other solutions.

teddy · 03-02-2014, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroo

Go to (Etrailer/site) there are other MFG.of snap brackets that will allow you to hook up.Members have also put spacers between the frame and tank wells. Call Etrailer and talk to a rep.good people!

Youroo!!

Can you elaborate on placing a spacer between the frame and tank wells? I'm not sure what you mean.
Thanks.

youroo · 03-02-2014, 05:41 PM

The tank tray is now sitting on the A-frame or weldments between the A-frame. Remove the fasteners (Bolts/screws) that are holding the tray now and place (Spacers) for needed clearance for your (Snap up brackets).The spacers can be made of (Steel/wood/Alum/ect) then use longer fastners to hold in place.

Youroo!!

LaydBack · 03-02-2014, 06:11 PM

Pics would go along way. I had the Reese trunnion setup when I had a TT....It's an AWESOME setup when properly dialed in. If they set it up wrong, you may want to go over it yourself with the manual. I can go over it with you if you'd like, but like you, my dealer wanted to sell me something different and didn't install the Reese properly. You may find other adjustments that may move the snap up brackets.

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