Dealer Frustration on a WD hitch

[Wolverine]

Received a call saying that my new 228 trailer is ready for pickup. One issue is that they will not give me the hitch that I wanted because they stated that the Equalizer or Reese Dual Cam was not the correct hitch for the trailer. They said that either hitch would not work without heavy trailer modification. At this point I am at a loss of what to do and plan to research it some more locally. I realize that some of you have the Equalizer and Reese Dual Cam. How can you guys have it and I can't ?? I am very confused and look forward to hearing what you all have to say. By the way, the distributor was really pushing a cheap hitch on me but I will not settle. This is not as convenient as I hoped.

[Rustic Eagle]

I would ask the RV dealership the following:

* What brand/model, and weight rating of WDH are they recommending?
* What are the specific reasons the Reese WDH or Equal-i-zer WDH brands are not the correct hitch for the 228?
* Is there a WDH weight rating (size) limitation sticker on the 228's A-frame?

I would get a call into Jayco directly and confirm if they have any known WDH issues with the Jay Feather 228.

In the past the Jay Feather TT's had low ground clearances (my brother in-law's did), but using a properly sized Reese or Equal-i-zer wasn't an issue.

Also, I noticed a 1,000lb Equal-i-zer brand WDH referenced in your signature, this may be an issue with the 228. Based on a GVWR of 4,950lbs, IMO a 600lb rated WDH would be more desirable/ideal. An 800lb rated WDH would be an absolute maximum if allowable (A-frame sticker). Figure a 10% to 15% (of loaded TT weight) loaded tongue weight range for the 228.

Bob

[bigbird]

I'm surprised to hear your dealer has said that wolverine. I notice you are part of the 228 group. If you look at of our past posts in the group you will see some of us had the same decision to make. When I purchased ours they sold me the 600# equalizer but when I got home and did some calculations (13% of 5000#) =650#. It got me thinking I might want to upgrade to a bigger trailer in the future. I emailed equalizer, gave them my specs and they got back to me saying the 1000# would work also. I returned to my salesmen to let him know what they said and was told it would work but that it might just be a little stiffer ride. They said they sold me the 600# because it was in stock. In fact one of group members has a 1200# equalizer. The price difference is very little but it would be nice if they sold a 800#. I'm curious to here how you make out.

[Wolverine]

I know others with the Equalizer #1000 installed, on their 228 with no issues. But when I asked about the Reese Dual Cam they said it would require 4 hours to fabricate the frame to except it......really????? That is where my confidence with this dealer started to waiver. How can I trust anything they say now???? So that is why I am going to get the trailer next Friday and handling the hitch on my own. I thought I did ample research by going thru the numbers and talking to others. So I will start over and do it myself. Just terribly inconvenient.

[Wolverine]

They are recommending a Husky round bar model. This is the same hitch I had on my 19H which I was not happy with. Besides, I want the sway control built into my hitch, dont want the separate friction sway control. They also want $700 for this hitch when I can buy it for $300.

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I would ask the RV dealership the following:

* What brand/model, and weight rating of WDH are they recommending?
* What are the specific reasons the Reese WDH or Equal-i-zer WDH brands are not the correct hitch for the 228?
* Is there a WDH weight rating (size) limitation sticker on the 228's A-frame?

I would get a call into Jayco directly and confirm if they have any known WDH issues with the Jay Feather 228.

In the past the Jay Feather TT's had low ground clearances (my brother in-law's did), but using a properly sized Reese or Equal-i-zer wasn't an issue.

Also, I noticed a 1,000lb Equal-i-zer brand WDH referenced in your signature, this may be an issue with the 228. Based on a GVWR of 4,950lbs, IMO a 600lb rated WDH would be more desirable/ideal. An 800lb rated WDH would be an absolute maximum if allowable (A-frame sticker). Figure a 10% to 15% (of loaded TT weight) loaded tongue weight range for the 228.

Bob

[bigbird]

Well I just checked out my trailer for weight ratings and found one near the tongue that states (do not use an equalizing hitch greater than 1000#). I would go with rustic eagles advice.

[bigbird]

Just checked my reciepts and found I paid 800 canadian plus tax for my equalizer

[ChooChooMan74]

Reese SC hitch is like an equalizer and they sell 600# and 800# models.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Wolverine

snip.......But when I asked about the Reese Dual Cam they said it would require 4 hours to fabricate the frame to except it......really????? .........snip

I've mounted/adjusted numerous Reese HP Dual Cam WDH's and have yet to run into an application that required any degree of additional "fabrication". I could be wrong, but I think this particular dealership is giving hints that they may not be the best source for customer WDH selection, installation, and/or adjustment.

I agree with your statement; "confidence with this dealer started to waiver".

Just curious, is the height of the 228's A-frame less than 5"?

Bob

[bigbird]

Bob my 228 A frame measures 1 1/2" by 4 1/2" high

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bigbird

Bob my 228 A frame measures 1 1/2" by 4 1/2" high

Hmmm...., the Reese HP Dual Cam installations that I have done have been with either 5" or 6" high TT frames, not sure if a 4 1/2" would be an issue. I would think that there would be a minimum frame height requirement (4", etc.(?)) in order to accommodate the "top of TT frame to top of cam surface" set-up working range. I guess Reese tech would know if a 4 1/2" frame would be an issue.

IMO there shouldn't be an issue with a properly sized Equal-i-zer WDH, Reese SC WDH, or a standard Reese WDH on the 228 (4 1/2" frame)....., otherwise why would Jayco have the 1,000lb limitation?

Bob

[Ry-guy]

Wolverine, do you have a specialty hitch installer in your area? My recommendation would be to put your old hitch on and take it to someone who specializes in hitch sales/installs. At least they would have some clue of what they are trying to sell. I have found in the past that trailer dealers really know lots about trailers but little to nothing about hitches. Ryan

[Crabman]

When my dealer`s techs installed my Dual Cam they either did not know how or did not take the time to get it right. The cams were not even close to being lined up true, and I had to adjust them the best I could at the CG we stayed in that night before making the trip home. That process included raising up the propane pan to allow for the ubolts to be moved. That would not be an issue on the new style dual cams. One other footnote, the dealer was installing MY hitch that I brought with me, NOT something they were selling. They had agreed to install it for me at no extra charge, too bad they did not get it right. Its quite possible they had no experience with that particular system as it has been discontinued.

[Wolverine]

I have decided to go get the trailer this Friday with a plain jane shank and ball. I will deal with getting the right WD hitch for the trailer. I hate that this happened as my dealer is now sour with me and acts like I am a pain in the butt. I figured if they sold trailers they would logically k ow hitches, after all, you need a WD hitch to pull a trailer correctly and safely........right. The inconvenience is what really erks me to no end. That being said, I would rather get it right the first time then have something installed or cobbled incorrectly. I have taken several deep breathes and found my inner peace......I think. Thanks for everyone's input. This forum is a God send and helps confirm that I am not as dumb as I think I am or could be. Thanks again.

[edatlanta]

This was mentioned in a previous post, but remember that all dealers, not just RV dealers, want to sell what they have in stock. Their sales people get paid more in commissions to sell from stock in most all cases. Stick to your guns with what you want or find another dealer. IMHO

[Wolverine]

When I ordered this trailer 5 weeks ago the WD hitch brand and type was all negotiated. 5 weeks later it's a no go and all I get is grief. That is why I am moving on because they didn't keep their end of the deal.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by Wolverine

When I ordered this trailer 5 weeks ago the WD hitch brand and type was all negotiated. 5 weeks later it's a no go and all I get is grief. That is why I am moving on because they didn't keep their end of the deal.

Yep, I think its time to move on. I`m getting to the point where I want to do more and more stuff myself, just do not know who you can count on anymore to get it right.

[JAMMFAM]

this is what the husky looks like. I had mine installed on my 29L and it looks like it is adjustable depending on the height of your a-frame.

[Wolverine]

JAMMFAM that is a nice hitch and have seen them before. What my dealer wanted to sell me was the round bar with chain and an additional friction sway control.......not what I wanted.

Update - found a dealer locally who ran the numbers and said to go with the Equalizer #600/6000. That is fine with me. Better part is they are a authorized dealer for Equalizer and have them in stock. They don't sell Jayco but they called Equalizer and was told that this hitch would fit my 228 with no modification....hmmmmmm. So I go in Saturday to have it installed. They offered for me to work with the technician installing it so I understand the working of the hitch. That way if I need to adjust it I would know how. Now that's what I call a dealer!!!!!! To bad they don't sell Jayco, I would have gave them the business instead. So crisis averted and I feel much better than I did.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Wolverine

snip.......They offered for me to work with the technician installing it so I understand the working of the hitch. That way if I need to adjust it I would know how.....snip

Glad to hear that things are working out.

Smart move on watching the installation/adjustment of the Equal-i-zer WDH, because you will have to check the adjustments once you have your TV/TT combination under typical "loaded for camping" conditions.

Oh, don't forget to ask for all the documentation that comes with the WDH....., never can have to much documentation

Bob