Hitch upgrade

Derek700 · 04-15-2011, 05:01 PM

I found a Reese Dual cam hitch used for a smokin' deal. It is a 1400/14000lb model. I currently have a 1200/1200 model trunnion head. Can I go this high with my trailer. It has a dry hitch weight of 795lbs, I never had it weighed to see what actual is.

**Crabman** · 04-15-2011, 06:43 PM

I`ve heard that you can go too high on your spring bars as well as too low on the rating. But that`s just hearsay, never experienced it myself.

Derek700 · 04-15-2011, 07:00 PM

I've heard the same, that's why I am asking to find out for sure. hitch is complete $250. we had some sway last weekend and my wife said she didn't like it. I will probably tow some more before we decide.

**Crabman** · 04-15-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek700

I've heard the same, that's why I am asking to find out for sure. hitch is complete $250. we had some sway last weekend and my wife said she didn't like it. I will probably tow some more before we decide.

What type of sway control do you have now?

Derek700 · 04-15-2011, 11:28 PM

None just a WD hitch.

**Crabman** · 04-16-2011, 06:00 AM

You could try the hitch and if necessary buy smaller spring bars later. Possibly using less tension on heavier spring bars could work, but that`s just a guess on my part. That is a good price for a complete hitch system. It may end up being a non issue which would be great and you will now have good integrated sway control/WD system.

TexasA&M · 04-16-2011, 10:08 AM

For that price, I would buy it ASAP and then test it later. Worst case, you could sell it and get your money back (and probably more).

Derek700 · 04-16-2011, 10:20 AM

E-trailer shows that a 1500lb model will fit from 800- 1500 lb tongue weight. I am around 900 iam guessing.

Derek700 · 04-16-2011, 09:17 PM

Picked up the hitch today, like new. Now I have to figure out how to get it hooked up.

**Crabman** · 04-17-2011, 07:10 AM

In case ya need a few pointers setting it up, here`s set up procedure from RVnet.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

Derek700 · 04-17-2011, 08:02 AM

Thanks I knew there was a set of directions on that site somewhere. I watched a video on e-trailer that made it look really easy.

clutch · 04-17-2011, 11:59 PM

You can probably sell your old hitch and have a free upgrade or even get a small bonus.

Derek700 · 04-18-2011, 09:13 AM

That's the plan. I did find out after I got it home, as I had to do a very quick turn around and picking up the hitch required a 2 hr ferry ride as a walk-on, that the spring bars are only 800lbs. The head is 1400lbs, so I have to get some new bars, but still a good deal. Hopefully I can sell the 800 lb bars as well.

**Crabman** · 04-18-2011, 01:22 PM

Bummer. On the plus side at least you know the bars will not be too much now!

clutch · 04-18-2011, 11:36 PM

With your trailer you really don't HAVE to get the heavier bars right away. It is nice to have the capability to upgrade when necessary.

Derek700 · 04-19-2011, 04:50 PM

My dry hitch weight is 795. I have 2-6volt batteries and 2-30lb propane tanks as well as typical front hold cargo. I figured I would certainly be taxing the 800lb bars.

Rustic Eagle · 04-21-2011, 09:20 PM

Derek700,

According the Jayco web site a 2010 256RKS has a GVWR of 7,350 lbs., UVW of 5,570, and dry tongue weight of 625lbs. If you loaded this TT up to it's GVWR, the loaded tongue weight range would be 735lbs to 1,102lbs (10% to 15% of GVWR). A visit to the local CAT scale (or Sherline tongue scale) would confirm your actual loaded tongue weight.

Make sure you confirm which "version" of the Reese HP Dual Cam you have, there are two versions and they both have different installation instructions, set-up dimensions, and component assembly. What makes it even more confusing is that the Reese model number (26002) is the same for both versions. With 1,400lb rating, it must be the trunnion style spring bars.

Early Version (gold in color): http://www.truckspring.com/Installat...eese/26002.pdf

Latest Version (2010, silver in color): http://www.reeseprod.com/content/dow...ion/N26002.pdf

Ideally you want the spring bar rating no less than the loaded tongue weight, but to high of a rating makes adjusting the WD a little more challenging and can make for a "stiff" (no give) WD connection.

I agree with your earlier statement that the 800lb bars may be on the lite side (2-6V, larger LP, etc.), and IMO a 1,000lb rated bar would be ideal, and a 1,200lb rated bar would be for worst case loaded TT weight. All depends on how heavy you load your TT.

Also confirm that there isn't any WD limit restriction tag on the TT A-frame, I believe Jayco has them on some units.

Just thinking out loud.

Bob

**Crabman** · 04-22-2011, 02:54 PM

There`s also one earlier then both of those, the 26001 like I have with the Ubolts. Link:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...ay-control.htm

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