Windjammer towing

RVEagle · 11-01-2014, 08:48 AM

Purchased a Windjammer 2609W last month and have been very satisfied with the trailer. Not so satisfied with the hitch set-up. I posted the following in the Hitch forum, and thought that it might be better suited here: (Thanks in advance for your input):

When we picked up the trailer the dealer recommended the Reese SC WD Hitch because the V-front of the Windjammer didn't allow the cam style hitches to be mounted on the abbreviated A-Frame. We're pulling with a 2012 Sequoia which has a high receiver. As such the adjustable ball mount can't go low enough to have the trailer ride perfectly level - the nose is up a couple of inches. The Sequoia is level and the weight is distributed evenly (as measured at the wheel wells). Tongue weight at 10%. After about 6 hours of towing on the interstate (3 trips) I'm getting comfortable with the 6500 pounds following me down the road, with little (if any) effect from passing 18 wheelers. We just postponed a weekend trip due to 25 - 30 mph winds - (I'm not that comfortable!) So the questions: 1) Has anyone with a V-Front trailer been able to install the cam style WD/SC hitches? (If so what brand?) 2) Do 25 - 30 mph crosswinds have any more effect on the trailer than a passing 18 wheeler?

Vern · 11-01-2014, 09:29 AM

Can't really help you much, as I don't know anything about the Sequoia or the Reese SC WD system. However, I think it is similar to the Equalizer I use. I can only tell you that my 2006 Silverado 2500HD seems to have a fairly high receiver, but the Equalizer 4-way SCWD hitch which I bought with my Windjammer 3008W has enough range to drop the ball down to a height which allows it to work at a very level setup on my TT. Is the Sequoia overly tall (or the Reese overly limited in its range of adjustment)? Either way, if the dealer recommended it knowing your TV, and it is not "right", I'd expect them to help with the solution, especially if they did the install.

Vern · 11-01-2014, 09:31 AM

By the way, welcome to the forum!

acadianbob · 11-01-2014, 09:43 AM

Honestly, that sounds a little scary. A nose-high trailer inherently will want to wag its tail. Do you have any sway control at all? I think you should add a couple of friction bars if you do not. I think you really need to find a way to get that trailer nose down. Much better if your trailer tows level.

mark0224 · 11-01-2014, 09:49 AM

Looking at Amazon.com: Andersen 3380 - Andersen 'No-Sway' Weight Distribution Hitch - 8" Drop/Rise, 2-5/16" Ball, Universal Frame Brackets (3", 4", 5" & 6"): Automotive

For my V Lite to eliminate the sway control brakes and because of the limited room to snap the chains up on the type I have below

Windjammin · 11-01-2014, 10:12 AM

I have a Windjammer 3008W that I pull with my Silverado pickup using an Equalizer 4 point hitch. I can't answer your first question but I can comment on the second. This summer we were headed west on I-90 in South Dakota and the wind was so strong that it ripped part of the skirt under the living room slide. I knew the wind was strong as I was only getting 6.5 mpg going against the headwind component but I did not realize how strong it was until I got out of the truck to check on the damaged skirt. The wind was probably up towards 40 mph from the northwest which would have made the crosswind component about 30 mph. I was pleasantly suprised that the trailer was tracking with no sway in all that wind. By the way I don't get any sway from passing 18 wheelers either.

Carrier · 11-01-2014, 10:18 AM

I have the Blue Ox with the rotating chain latch on my Windjammer 3008. There is no issues with clearance when tightening the chains. I am looking at going with the Pro Pride and Sean from Pro Pride said they will work fine with it. Anyways it's an option you may or may not want to look at.
They have a clamp on and bolt on.

Blue Ox - Kit, Rotating Latch, Clamp-On Style

Vern · 11-01-2014, 10:18 AM

Like Windjammin, although not experienced in conditions quite that tough, I have been pleased with my Equalizer 4-way. It does an excellent job with the 3008W.

RVEagle · 11-01-2014, 10:25 AM

Thanks for the comments - and questions. Here's a picture of the Reese SC WD Hitch I have.

Yes it has Sway Control, using friction pads on the bottom of the bracket.

youroo · 11-01-2014, 11:14 AM

We have a V-Lite F/Kitchen,Reese DC 1200 lb Bars

,2500HD Truck,Both units ride (Level),(Upgraded Tires on both Units),Max Air pressure in ALL Tires! Side winds of (40 MPH) with the (Possibility of Gusts Higher) we are Parked! You have a Choice!

Youroo!!

Grn_Mtns · 11-01-2014, 05:39 PM

The hitch looks fine. Our WJ 3025 has been to FL and back and never sways with our equalizer 4 . I would head to a different dealer and get a longer 90 slug and hook up level. Good Luck!

Charles Firth · 11-01-2014, 06:23 PM

I have the Eq wd hitch for my 3065w Jammer seems to handle fine. The only issue I had with my unit was unhitching the tt. Even the dealer had problems so they replaced the coupler under warranty. The replacement coupler was mounted lower on the tt frame, they needed to adjust the wd hitch along with the ball height, made everything WAY to low, I was afraid of bottoming out and dragging the hitch. The replaced it again and put the coupler on top of the frame, the tt and my F250 are level and rides great. I agree if the dealer installed the hitch, they should fix it. I have not towed my Jammer in high winds, probably wouldn't if I had a choice. I am still a little green towing something this large. 6 hours is my longest tow in one day, wasn't bad but I was glad to stop for the night.

Chuck "still in Va "

rlschurman · 11-03-2014, 10:50 PM

I've had a hensley with an 8" drop shank on my 3/4 ton dodge no problem with cross wind up to 45 so far. With a hensley you don't have to mess with those force bars you simple turn a knob with a ratchet to level the units. Just open your wallet is the only draw back

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

pnwbrg · 11-05-2014, 04:27 PM

I pull my Windjammer with a Ford Expedition and was able to get a level ride hight and have had no trouble with wind and sway

RVEagle · 11-05-2014, 07:00 PM

Again, thanks for all the responses to my questions. Just got back from a 450 mile round trip to Marion NC (edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains). No real problems with the wind (only 15 - 20 MPH going there) or Tractor Trailers. I did feel the push from the wind and the Tractor Trailer's bow wave, but there was no sway following that. I was traveling between 60 and 65 most of the time. Since I feel the push from passing tractor trailers when I'm not pulling our trailer, I'm figuring this is normal. (Right?) Based on my limited experience towing, I'm impressed with the Sequoia - it definitely has the engine (5.7L) and the transmission (in Tow/Haul mode) to make me more comfortable.

Timex · 11-05-2014, 09:13 PM

I used this set up this past Saturday as a frontal system was blowing thru. 2 friction sway bars, 1 on each side. Wind gusting probably in the 35 mph range. Just when you would start getting used to it coming from one side, it would switch and come briefly from the other side. Kept my tires near the max psi and speed under 60 mph. The faster you go, the lighter you are. And also harder to control your vehicle. Averaged 9.3 mpg.

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