Which WDH to pick...

[sheehast]

I recently bought a 2008 X23B...After 2 trips now I think a sway control is a must. And if I'm buying a sway control, I'm thinking the WDH is worth it as well. So...

1. Do I need a WDH? Dealer was kind of on the fence since my truck didn't dip a whole lot. (I measured a 2.5 inch drop after the camper was on)

2. Which WDH to get if i do...

Reese Pro Series
Equalizer
Andersen

Reese is most common name for hitches IMO, but the Equalizer seems to be the most heavy duty, the Andersen is a different style but seems good too.

[Doug]

I have the Equalizer E-2 hitch with anti-sway built in on 2 sides.
I have been satisfied with its performance.
I had about 2.5" of drop on my 4Runner and now I am less than 1"

Etrailer.com has a pretty good technical staff that can be reached on their 800 number.
Tweetys.com also has good technical assitance

My tongue weight is about 475lbs, TT weight is 3,000. TT GVWR = 3500lbs

Best regards,
Doug

[Rustic Eagle]

Yes, sway control is a must, especially should a sway event surface unexpectedly.

You didn't mention what kind of a TV or receiver hitch you have..., but IMO the potential of exceeding the TV receiver hitch's "Weight Carrying" limit with the 23B is very likely without a WDH. Also, I'm sure you would find that a WDH would maintain/control proper weight distribution to the TV's front suspension/steering which is important. The fact that your TV's rear suspension squatted 2 1/2" tells me that your front suspension lost weight .... not a good condition (steering/handling compromised).

IMO both the Equal-i-zer brand WDH and the Reese Strait-Line brand WDH would be a good choice......, both brand/models have integrated sway control. I think you would be better served with the Reese Strait-Line WDH over the Reese Pro-Series...., the Strait-Line is a heavy duty hitch along the lines of the Equal-i-zer.

My BIL had a 2006 23B, and his Reese Strait-Line WDH was rated at 800lbs, which accommodated his 650lb loaded tongue weight nicely. An 800lb rated WDH will also accommodate the 2008 23B should it be loaded at it's GVWR of 4,950lbs as well. Recommended loaded tongue weight range should be 10% to 15% of the 23B's loaded weight, but a 13% to 15% range would enhance TV handling.

Bob

[sheehast]

Should have included the TV info...I have a 2008 Ram HEMI 5.7 V8 3.92. I also have a DrawTite Activator break controller. A Reese hitch is durrently attached to my truck. It's labeled at a GVWR of 5000, and TW of 500. If that helps. When I was getting prices the rep that I spoke with about the Equalizer stated it was 825.00 all others were right around 400-500 roughly. When I inquired about the price difference, I was told the Equalizer was more HD than the others, but also said based on the size of the camper it was more overkill than I needed. What are your thoughts there?

[GBandPB]

Based on some recommendations here, we went with the Equal-I-zer. It works great!

[eldermike]

On my last rip with our current 34 foot TT hooked to my F250 and hitched with Equalizer we were on interstate roads all day long. Trucks passing us and we passed others. Had very little sway.
I have pulled with lesser hitches but will never do it again.

[Doug]

Here's the hitch I bought $324
800lbs Tongue wt, 8,000 tow weight
It's actually a Fastway e-2 with build in anti-sway.

I've been pleased with it for the money. Dealer wanted like $800

Easy to install yourself.

Best regards,
Doug

[Ecfeick]

This is what i got from my dealer.

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...ies/49570.html

With a sway bar seperate. 1 sway bar now, I might add a second. I havent had any sway yet, but for above 26 it says to use two. I have a 26.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by dougtoms01

Here's the hitch I bought $324
800lbs Tongue wt, 8,000 tow weight
It's actually a Fastway e-2 with build in anti-sway.

I've been pleased with it for the money. Dealer wanted like $800

Easy to install yourself.

Best regards,
Doug

I forgot the link. Free shipping

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...4-00-0800.html

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by sheehast

snip....... When I inquired about the price difference, I was told the Equalizer was more HD than the others, but also said based on the size of the camper it was more overkill than I needed. What are your thoughts there?

IMO your RV dealer was comparing apples/oranges with the Equal-i-zer product (with integrated sway control) and the Reese Pro-Series product (standard WDH, without integrated sway control). A better comparison would be the Equal-i-zer and the Reese Strait-Line WDH (heavy duty product with integrated sway control).

I question your dealer's statement "more overkill than I needed". The 2008 Jayco 23B has a Jayco published dry (unloaded) hitch weight of 400lbs, UVW of 4,060lbs, GVWR of 4,950lbs..., your TV receiver has a 500lbs Weight Carrying limit. IMO even a conservative packer could exceed a loaded tongue weight of 500lbs with the 23B....., thus a WDH would be required. Your TV's Reese receiver should also have a "Weight Distribution" rating limit (when a WDH is used) which will be higher then the "Weight Carrying" limit.

Loaded 23B example: (UVW 4,060lbs) + (approx. Actual Ship Weight delta 200lbs) + (dealer installed battery 50lbs) + (cargo 500lbs) = 4,810lbs Loaded 23B ........ (10% to 15% of 4,810lbs) = 481lbs to 721lbs Loaded Tongue weight range. The 23B has a conservative CCC, so loading it to it's GVWR won't be to difficult.

Sounds like the dealer is thinking in "unloaded" terms (giving him an out)...., but "loaded" weights are a towing reality. My definition of "over-kill" would be purchasing a 1,200lb rated WDH when a 800lb WDH will accommodate the 23B's GVWR.

Bob

[Skyron]

I have a Skylark FKV 23.
I had for comparisons sake a drop of 2 inches on our 4 Runner 4x4 with factory installed air suspension turned off before the WDH was installed.
With a Reese 66151 WDH and a Reese part # 3215 shank installed (from
Etrailer) no drop on the front and 1 inch drop on the rear.
The tongue weight 440 pounds. The Gross Skylark weight 3500 pounds.
I use a HD sway bar which made an substantial difference when driving in 60 mph gusty winds, passing heavy truck and bus traffic from either direction and uneven road surfaces...No white knuckles.
We just completed a trek from Ontario, south thru Vermont,to Boston area,then north along the Atlantic Coast from Portsmouth, N.H.,then to Maine, New Brunswick,Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, north thru New Brunswick and then headed back to Ontario along the south side of the St Lawrence Seaway.
We encountered every possible road condition there is from sharp turns on a 6 % grades to Atlantic winds and rain. The WDH system scores a 10/10.
A comment re the trip;The CGs and Parks were excellent, people and hospitality the best, scenery just out of this world and I would do this trek again.
Also, I only have positive words to say about the Skylark and the WDH 66151. I could have sold this combo several times.
We have owned six previous 2 axle TTs and various tow vehicles. For comparison the Skylark FKV rates high with the previous tts we owned. Speed limits could be maintained within reason. Gas consumption was increased by 25 to 30 % to be expected. Stability and maneuvering very good. This trailer/ WDH combination rates well.

Xantrex 600 watt inverter
Tekonsha Prodigy 2
Honda 2000 Gen.
5x5 square tube mounted at rear on bumper
Sherline scale

Skyron

[tjerrard]

Skyron
We have a 2012 Skylark FBV towed by a 2013 Ford Explorer. Without a WDH we had about the same drop on the back of the TV and had sway with heavy or light tongue wt. Just put the Reese 66151 an and what a difference towing much better and at the same wt as you.
We are out of Stratford just up the road from you. Where did you buy the Sherline?
I should add the hitch bars are rated at 800#

[Skyron]

I keep the Sherline scales with the TT at all times like my Torque Wrench, volt meter and surge protector.

For those of us living North of the border;
The Sherline Scale can be purchased from Atlas Machinery in Toronto. Phone # 416 598 3553. Price is 146 bucks.
Google Sherline and you will find suppliers close and south of the border for around $85.00.
I purchased the Sherline 2000 for around $85.00 including shipping when I was on holiday in Fla. last winter.
The nice thing about the 2000 Lb. model is if the need arises I can jack one side of the trailer to check individual wheel weights on either side also. The Skylark TT should max at 1500 Lbs per wheel.

Skyron

[Rustic Eagle]

Just a tip when using the Sherline scale on a HTT/TT/PUP, etc., make sure the slides are closed to insure an accurate reading..., with the slides open it will effect the tongue weight reading (been there, done that).

Bob

[Hasty1]

I tow a skylark 21 FKV (3500 GTWR) with an Audi Q5 without the air suspension. The Q5 is rated for 4400 lbs towing and 440 lbs hitch weight. I use an Excel spreadsheet to enter the weight and location of everything that goes into the trailer, which then calculates total and hitch weights. My goal is 360 lbs hitch weight.

Audi has not tested and does not endorse weight distribution hitches for the Q5. Only the Audi ball adapter has been used, which has only a 6" distance from the hitch pin to the ball. I am prepared to graduate to a anti-sway bar if necessary, and even a Hensely Cub setup. I tow at speed limit up to 60 mph. The Skylark tows smooth and without sway without WDH or sway control. I had previously towed a dual axle trailer with my Jeep Cherokee and a WDH and the towing was rough, with the WDH transferring loads to the vehicle over uneven ground. I have towed the Skylark a total of 1200 miles, so my experience is limited, but does include very windy days. I have not concerned by wife about talk of trailer sway. She drove for one hour (60 mph) for the first time on a day with strong cross winds and never noticed or mentioned any concern about trailer sway.

I believe that the Audi Q5's suspension is better for towing than many comparible weight, softer suspension vehicles. With the Skylark towing so well behind the Audi there has to be some mpg saving, not heating up the shock absorbers or in swaying the trailer. I wonder if the Audi's electronic stability control becomes active before trailer sway is noticed.

[s1njin]

FWIW I'm going w/ the Blue Ox SwayPro. Highly recommended by my dealer, its the top of the line WDH that they offer. I've read reviews, seem positive if somewhat nebulous as to how it actually prevents the sway. Lots of folks over at RVItch have it on their short list to try next time up.

[sheehast]

Just bought the Andersen last Saturday...Looks really heavy duty, got it out of the box to check things out before getting it on the camper, so hopefully all goes well.

[Rustic Eagle]

When you get the Anderson WDH installed/adjusted, take some pics and post them here so others can see what it looks like once it's installed. Also, let us know how the installation and adjustment process went.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

[sheehast]

Will do so Rustic Eagle, hope to have it done in the next week or so...

[Boubou]

I can't speak for the others than Reese Dual Cam, but I can say it performed very very well. We towed a 6000 lbs TT behind the Dodge Ram and never felt it sway. Rock solid.