new tt need wdh hitch advice

[slabat]

I just bought a jayco 23j Hybrid trailer. here are the specs
•Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs.) : 6500
•Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) : 4975
•Hitch Weight (lbs.) : 755
•Length Overall (LOA) : 24'11

The dealer is recomending a Equalizer hitch that does not have chains on it. I am not used to these type of hitches. I am used to the ones that have chains and you lock them in place with a bar.....

What are the advantages or disadvatages of the two?

[Crabman]

I assume you are referring to this type hitch, which is widely used and incorporates sway control into the system. I have never had one but reviews suggest it is a good system.

[slabat]

Originally Posted by Crabman

I assume you are referring to this type hitch, which is widely used and incorporates sway control into the system. I have never had one but reviews suggest it is a good system.

Yes that is the system they are recommending but I am not used to them. I have never had this big of a camper but my father and everyone else I know has the hitches with the chain links on them......I am wondering if there is that big of a difference betweeen the two. Also what kind of a difference does it make with a lighter trailer?

Thanks

[Crabman]

The main difference between this




and this:





Is that the one with chains has no sway control, you have to add a separate sway bar. The Equalizer has the sway control built in the system, which is generally accepted as better then a sway bar, particularly with trailers over 25 ft.

[Crabman]

This is a Reese Strait line with Dual Cam. It has the chains, but the Dual Cam provides the sway control. This is also a good system.

[clutch]

For a 24 ft trailer they would all work ok. I think you will get used to which ever one you get. Built in sway controll is a plus.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by slabat

snip...... What are the advantages or disadvantages of the two?

I concur with the comments made by members Crabman and Clutch. Here are a couple more comments to add to the discussion:

* When used with a standard WDH as shown in Crabamn's photo, the standard friction control sway bar will require removal when backing, but the Equal-i-zer brand WDH (or the Reese HP Dual Cam brand WDH (Reese Straight Line)) do not require any component removal when backing.

* The standard Reese WDH can be upgraded with the Reese HP Dual Cam kit at a later date..., or can be purchased as a total WDH assembly (Reese Straight Line) thus providing the same integrated sway control advantages as the Equal-i-zer brand WDH.

* With the standard Reese brand WDH (with or without the Reese HP Dual Cam) only the spring bars have to be replaced if changing the bar rating.

* With the Equal-i-zer brand WDH the "entire" WDH has to be replaced when changing to a different spring bar rating.

I also agree that the Reese HP Dual Cam brand WDH and the Equal-i-zer brand WDH provide enhanced sway control in lieu of a friction sway control bar.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Pierre]

I didn't know that different spring rates were available...
...my new 30u trailer came with a hitch w/ load levelers and all, but they seem small and less robust than the similar chain type ones that I used with my old 27 foot trailer; so I was thinking of using the ones from my old trailer...am I ok to use the old ones? I was going to try both and see which one was better...am I ok to safely do that?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Pierre

snip..... am I ok to use the old ones? I was going to try both and see which one was better...am I ok to safely do that?

Pierre,

The different spring ratings are designed to accommodate the different "loaded" tongue weight ranges of the different trailers. Most common WDH spring bar ratings are 600lbs, 800lbs, 1,000lbs, 1,200lbs, 1,500lbs, etc., and in some cases the spring bar style (round or trunnion bar) may determine how high the rating. Ideally one doesn't want the spring bar rating to fall below the TT's "loaded" tongue weight (ignore dry weights).

If you could provide the following information it would be helpful in responding to your question about your 2008 LGT 30U TT:

* Have you ever weighed your TT under "loaded" conditions?
* What is the brand and model number of the WDH that came with the TT?
* What is the spring bar weight rating stamped/tagged on the product?
* Has the WDH been adjusted correctly with "your" loaded TV (not the prior owner's TV adjustments)?
* Photos of your old WDH, and existing TT WDH would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[Pierre]

Well, my 'dry' tongue weight is 965lbs and the bars I had were rated for 800lbs... Good thing I have a big truck! .So I at least needed new bars, and since we cover a lot of ground, I bought an Equalizer hitch, with 1000lb bars. Tows better than before, and handled some major side winds perfectly so far...
Thanks everyone...now I have two WD hitches with anti-sway bars for sale...wonder what someone will pay for them...?