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Old 06-05-2012, 10:26 AM   #1
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New 32 BHDS towing issues

Hi everyone...I think I need a little help, so here is where i'm at ...We have recently acvquired a lovely new TT, pretty much has everything one could ask for..and some.
The problem is...this new trailer is a cow to take anywhere. The new TT replaces an older 30' Terry trailer which towed like a dream...most of the time, it was easy to forget it was even back there.
I have taken the WD system (Drawtite dual cam) off the Terry trailer and pretty well set it up the same, making allowances for the different coupling height. Following the instructions on the correct settings has the WD chains on the 6th link (which is soooo tight). This 6th link setting is the best I have managed as far as road feel, but I still have reservations of having to jack the hitch so hi to reach the 6th link...just doesn't sound right...

Ok, so in this position...the trailer travels ok...55mph, an occasional increase to 60mph is doable....and then, a wind gust has my heart trying to push past my teeth...no white knuckles here...just dirty pants. 50mph is acceptable driving wise, but not for what my intended travel plans.

I have done considerable research trying to find a fix...I am leaning towards changing the WD system to a ProPride, but am still having a difficult time accepting that the Drawtite system is not suitable for the new trailer when it was so perfect for the other.

BTW, the TV is a V10 Ford Excursion and pulling the TT isn't a chore at all for this vehicle.

Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
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Old 06-05-2012, 10:40 AM   #2
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I have the same TT as your and also tow with my 2004 Excursion. I use a Reese dual cam. With my Reese I have 5 links under tension for a good tow experience. Once my Reese was set up and adjusted properly I have no complaints. I also need to lift my Excursions rear end very high ( at the max of height of my power jack) to get the prope links under tension.
I also installed a Hellwig sway bar, RAS and Bilstein shocks and steering stabilizer to my Excursion.
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Old 06-05-2012, 11:08 AM   #3
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aussiearcher,

Welcome to the Jayco forums!

I agree, the DrawTite (or Reese, same product) Dual Cam should work well with the 32BHDS if the spring bars are sized correctly, and of course adjusted properly. A friend of mine has an Excursion and tows a Jayco 31BHDS, here is one of his posts over at RV.NET: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...8.cfm#23993258

Can you post a side view close-up photo of your WDH Dual Cam hitched up to your TV/TT, this will help us provide you with some feedback.

Also, which of the following Dual Cam models do you have (makes a difference when mounting/adjusting):

Original Dual Cam:



1st Version "HP" Dual Cam:



2nd Version "HP" Dual Cam:



When referencing your WDH spring bar adjustment, refer to "chain links under tension" at the snap-up bracket, this will eliminate any confusion.

Look forward to your feedback.

Bob
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Old 06-05-2012, 11:36 AM   #4
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I have the original version...and the bars are the 1 1/4"which I understand are the stiffest available.

I have included photos of the set-up...mind you, these show the "7 chain links under tension", I have since modified the set-up to take the "6 chain links under tension" with the corresponding measurements of the TV in place.

I just noticed in these photos that the hitch bar is in two different positions...the way it is now is pointing down. I shall take some photos of the current set-up and post tomorrow.

Cheers
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Old 06-05-2012, 12:37 PM   #5
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I'm afraid I can't help you much with your current hitch but we had a 32BHDS (that was stolen) and used a HA and had no issues towing at all.

Our current TT (see Sig) is using a ProPride 3P and tows like a dream.

Both were pulled with the TV in my sig.
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Old 06-05-2012, 12:52 PM   #6
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It could be that those are only 1200lb bars, where the 1500 0r 1700lb bars may be more suited for your trailer.

Here is thread with another member who upgraded to larger bars with a 32BHDS

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...=towing+32bhds
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Old 06-05-2012, 01:26 PM   #7
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I have the newer dual cam set up and have the chain lengths on the 6th link as well. It also seems to be under a lot of pressure but the 7th link doesn't give it enough. I'm rather new to this type of set up but I was wondering if you had weighed your tongue weight after having the trailer loaded and made sure the ratio was correct? I'm wondering also what would make a tow situation seem fine at one speed 50mph and not at another 60 mph. What would happen to change the dynamics of the tow. Tires, suspension, or the relationship of where the trailer wheels are compared to your previous trailer. What is the difference of tongue weights between the old trailer and the new one?
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Old 06-05-2012, 02:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranger431 View Post
I'm afraid I can't help you much with your current hitch but we had a 32BHDS (that was stolen) and used a HA and had no issues towing at all.

Our current TT (see Sig) is using a ProPride 3P and tows like a dream.

Both were pulled with the TV in my sig.
So you have experienced both...Is there really the difference they manufacturers claim. I have been considering the ProPride(alot) but have some reservations $$$ are one, however, the main resistance comes in accepting that the current Duel cam isn't suitable for this trailer..

Thanks
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Old 06-05-2012, 05:05 PM   #9
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It could be that those are only 1200lb bars, where the 1500 0r 1700lb bars may be more suited for your trailer.....snip
Lee,

They look like they could even be 800lb spring bars. I think the OP should confirm the rating on his existing spring bars just to rule out that they are not undersized. An under rated spring bar with the 32BHDS would definitely effect the TV handling of the TT.

Bob
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Old 06-05-2012, 05:09 PM   #10
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Lee,

They look like they could even be 800lb spring bars. I think the OP should confirm the rating on his existing spring bars just to rule out that they are not undersized. An under rated spring bar with the 32BHDS would definitely effect the TV handling of the TT.

Bob

Bob,

I agree. I had undersized bars as well (750lb) and can testify to the benefits of upgrading to the correct size for my trailer (1200lb).
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Old 06-05-2012, 08:56 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by aussiearcher View Post
So you have experienced both...Is there really the difference they manufacturers claim. I have been considering the ProPride(alot) but have some reservations $$$ are one, however, the main resistance comes in accepting that the current Duel cam isn't suitable for this trailer..

Thanks
I have experienced both, and both of them tow exceptionally well. I think the 3P with my current set up town a little better, but that is probably because the hitch / stringer on the 3P is a perfect fit and the HA was a couple of inches off, but was never a big enough deal to mail back and exchange due to coat.

I chose the 3P the second time around for a few reasons:

1) Cost - the 3P was several hundred bucks less

2) There was no drilling into the frame to install the 3P.

3) There are no shear bolts on the 3P. I once had a shear bolt get sheared off due to a very tight turn on a over night shop on a long trip, what a bummer

4) The stringer on the 3P is adjustable, which is very nice if you change TVs, or adjust your suspension. The downside to this is that the taller arrangement of the 3P interferes with the back up camera, making it just a little harder to line up, not hard, just a little harder than the HA

To be honest, I would be thrilled with either set up. If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask me here or shoot me a PM.
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Old 06-06-2012, 06:18 AM   #12
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I'm going to guess that your bars are not stiff enough, as I just went through this same issue with mine.

I started out with 1200lb bars, only to find out my tongue weight is actually 1300lb lightly loaded. I stepped up to 1700lb bars and this thing tows great now.
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Old 06-06-2012, 07:13 AM   #13
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I measured the width of the bars and they are 1.25"...I have a sneeky suspision that these bars may be only 1000 lbs. I shall call today to verify.
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Old 06-06-2012, 08:29 AM   #14
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It also looks like the hitch is angled towards the Ex. You may need to tilt the hitch head back towards the trailer.
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:05 AM   #15
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Just finished a really good..in depth discussion with one of the tech gurus at DrawTite...it does appear that my bars are way to light...they are apparently 1000# and I need to go as heavy as possible...and this..is the largest size suitable for my hitch unit.

Looks like i'm going to have to get a new 1500# hitch...
He did tell me that ideally a 1700 would be better, however, that is the 2-1/2" receiver that the excursion DOES'NT have...

better go shopping...any suggestions??
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:19 AM   #16
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snip.....better go shopping...any suggestions??
I would consider at least the Reese Strait-Line WDH w/HP Dual Cam Sway Control, w/Trunnion Spring Bars, rated at 1,500lb TW/15,000lb GTW...., Reese Model #66130.

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66130.html

Bob
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:11 PM   #17
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What Bob said.

I took my 32BHDS to a scale while it was loaded up for a three day trip, and the TW was 1,280lbs, so the 1,200lb bars would barely be adequate. A good rule of thumb is to go one step above what you think you'll need. I think the 1,500lb bars will do good.

I've though about upgrading to the 1,700lb bars as well, but I don't want to change out the hitch on my truck. I'm hoping to go with a ProPride one of these days as well, so I'm trying to save my money up for that.
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:45 PM   #18
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What Bob said.

I took my 32BHDS to a scale while it was loaded up for a three day trip, and the TW was 1,280lbs, so the 1,200lb bars would barely be adequate. A good rule of thumb is to go one step above what you think you'll need. I think the 1,500lb bars will do good.

I've though about upgrading to the 1,700lb bars as well, but I don't want to change out the hitch on my truck. I'm hoping to go with a ProPride one of these days as well, so I'm trying to save my money up for that.
You can change out just the bars, without upgrading the hitch head, as long as you are not at full capacity. (17000 lbs total) I have a hitch head rated to 15k, but I am using 1700lb bars. I know I am not over the 15k total, so I'm not worried about the weight limit.

This question was also asked on the etrailer website, and Reese said that it was ok to use the 1700lb bars with the 15k head.
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Old 06-06-2012, 05:02 PM   #19
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Good to know! I may just buy some new bars then until I get around to upgrading to the 3P.
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Old 06-06-2012, 05:32 PM   #20
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I would look at a few other things to make sure your setup is right. Don’t forget to look at your tire ratings and pressures (both TT & TV). Look at your tongue weight. If your nose is a bit light you could be having issues. My parent’s last rig was horrible to pull. All the tanks were behind the wheels, the fresh water tank, basically was on the rear bumper. That rig the nose was just to light.
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