Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-23-2012, 09:36 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 5
Load Leveler / Equalizer Hitch

I was wondering if anyone knows whether it is neccessary to use load levelers or an equalizer hitch. I have Jayco X17Z and I am towing it with a Dodge Nitro I was told by the car dealer that since the SUV has anti sway and factory installed towing package the equalizer hitch was not neccessay. However, the trailer dealer said it was neccessary. So, now I am confused on whether the equalizer hitch is truly the way to go.

If it is truly neccesary are there any tricks to keep the squeaking and clunking to a minimum.

Thanks for any insight.

Rookie Camper
ROOKIECAMPER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2012, 06:29 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Quahog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Houston
Posts: 2,526
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROOKIECAMPER View Post
I was wondering if anyone knows whether it is neccessary to use load levelers or an equalizer hitch. I have Jayco X17Z and I am towing it with a Dodge Nitro I was told by the car dealer that since the SUV has anti sway and factory installed towing package the equalizer hitch was not neccessay. However, the trailer dealer said it was neccessary. So, now I am confused on whether the equalizer hitch is truly the way to go.

If it is truly neccesary are there any tricks to keep the squeaking and clunking to a minimum.

Thanks for any insight.

Rookie Camper
I'll only attempt to answer the question on the squeaking and clunking.

Towing my small tent trailer (~1.5k lbs) with my Acura MDX, I would hear so much noise, I thought the trailer was coming loose. After looking it over, it seemed like the ball mount shaft was loose in the hitch receiver. Some Gorilla tape wrapped around the outside of the shaft where it slides into the receiver took up the slack and quieted it down so much, it was amazing.

You might try that.
__________________
Mike, Sue, Sissy and Little Man

2015 Ford F350 Lariat FX4 6.7 CC DRW
2015 Eagle Premier 351RSTS

Quahog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2012, 10:06 AM   #3
Moderator Emeritus
 
Rustic Eagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
Rookie Camper,

Welcome to the Jayco forums .

Whether a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch) is required depends on a few things. First is knowing the weight limitations of your TV's receiver (should be stamped on it), and second how it compares to the maximum weight limitations of the X17Z loaded tongue weight and GVWR (loaded weight).

The receiver will have two ratings, Weight Carrying and Weight Distribution. If the X17Z "loaded" tongue weight is below the Nitro's receiver Weight Carrying limit then a WDH may not be required..., however, in many cases having a WDH may provide enhanced handling and/or weight distribution characteristics even under these conditions.

When the trailer's loaded tongue is above the receiver's Weight Carrying limit, then a WDH is required as long as the loaded tongue weight doesn't exceed the receiver's Weight Distribution limit (up-graded receiver may be required). When using a WDH make sure that there aren't any WDH restrictions noted on the trailers V-frame.

IMO incorporating a sway control device with or without a WDH will aid in TV handling should a sway event arise. Adding a manual friction control sway bar, or a WDH that has an integrated sway control feature like the Reese HP Dual Cam brand WDH or Equal-i-zer brand WDH are options. Please note that a standard WDH isn't a sway control device, it's a weight distribution device (hitch).

As far as noise, lubrication on the correct WDH components keeps things generally quiet, but some noise is normal. Making tight TV turns can also contribute to some WDH noise as well.

Remember to always think in terms of loaded weights when sizing a WDH or reviewing TV/TT weight specifications, not to many of us tow empty trailers

Bob
__________________

2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
Rustic Eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2012, 09:22 PM   #4
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 5
What would you reccomend to use as a grease and which parts?
ROOKIECAMPER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2012, 09:45 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Seann45's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
Rookiecamper.. what does a car dealer know about towing.... IF the vehicle squats at the rear end when the trailer is attached (loaded and ready to hit the road... ) then you need the equalizers...
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days boondockinig in2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12

Seann45 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.