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Old 08-28-2015, 01:20 PM   #1
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Weight distribution hitches and sway control bars

I am thinking about getting an Octane Toy Hauler, I need information on sway control bars and also wondering if anyone uses airbags on their back suspension? I am new to hauling. I have a 2012 F350 long bed that shouldn't have any problem towing a Toy Hauler, but after watching the video that someone posted about sway, it kind of has me a little frightened. Any information on sway control and trailering would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Greg
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Old 08-28-2015, 01:30 PM   #2
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Sway can be a real problem for lighter trucks - 1/2-ton, or lighter (F150, Chevy or Dodge 1500s) But an F350 has the suspension to tow just about any RV you can buy. It is built to tow and haul and should be able to handle that load.

If you're worried about sway, the Equal-i-zer hitch or the Reese Dual Cam weight distributing hitch systems will take care of that. I have an Equal-i-zer hitch for my Chevy 2500HD and it does well for my 32RLDS. But I doubt you'd need air bags with an F350.
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Old 08-28-2015, 01:36 PM   #3
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I use them and they work great.
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Old 08-29-2015, 09:10 AM   #4
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I've got a setup somewhat like Scoutr2's but a dually and 1400# bars. I've had an el cheapo WD hitch and sway that came with our first camper, a Blue Ox system that was pretty effective, a high priced get up that didn't fit and now an Equalizer. It's the best of those four and easiest to hook up to. You've got a great TV for the job. I like my air bags but could do without them. Good camping!
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Old 08-29-2015, 09:17 AM   #5
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the Equal-i-zer hitch or the Reese Dual Cam weight distributing hitch systems will take care of that. I have an Equal-i-zer hitch for my Chevy 2500HD and it does well for my 32RLDS. But I doubt you'd need air bags with an F350.
I have used both wdh's mentioned above. I like them both. Personally, I would not tow a large trailer without sway control.
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Old 08-29-2015, 09:23 AM   #6
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Your F350 should handle things just fine. A WDH is recommended though. It keeps things level and makes handling much more pleasant. Keep in mind though, the longer the unit, the more it is likely to have some sway. There is a common misconception that having a WDH is also anti sway. While weight distribution bars do reduce sway a small bit they are not always inclusive. Some manufacturers are weight distribution and sway control some require an additional sway bar along with the two weight distribution bars. Make sure you read carefully which hitch and WDH set up you look into. Pay attention to warnings.
Also, many of the new trailers have the wide stance axles, these also reduce sway a lot.
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Old 08-29-2015, 09:45 AM   #7
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I have a 2015 Octane T32C and a 2012 F-250 with a diesel, crew cab and standard bed. I also have the 14k Equal-i-zer with the 2.5" shank.

I'm under, but flirting with my payload limit, but aside from that, the combination works very well. No sway and plenty of power. Given that you have a longer wheelbase than me if you also have a crew cab and a higher payload (stiffer springs), you're likely to have an even easier time of it.

I'd probably wouldn't recommend towing something over 30' without a WDH, regardless of the wheelbase length. The equal-i-zer has worked well for me on the past few trailers, but I've never tried a different one, so I can't say whether it's better or worse than the other brands.
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Old 08-30-2015, 07:41 PM   #8
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snip...... Any information on sway control and trailering would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg
Greg,

Welcome to JOF

With the potential "loaded" gross weights associated with all the Octane models, I agree that a properly sized/adjusted WDH with integrated sway control like the Equal-i-zer brand WDH and the Reese Strait-Line (Dual Cam) brand WDH should be utilized at a minimum.

As you may be aware, proper tongue weight (13% - 15% of gross trailer weight) is important when towing any TH, TT, HTT, etc., thus optimizing a TV's ability to manage a sway event should it arise, and/or minimize one from occurring. IMO special attention should be given when towing a TH like the Octane because one's loaded conditions can very greatly (TH usage can very). The two main variables that can influence TH tongue weight are toy weight and the 100 gal fresh water capacity.

For piece of mind, once you have your TV/TH combination I would visit your local CAT scale under the different (if any) loaded conditions (w/wo toys & fluids) that you feel you may be towing your TH under. With the CAT scale information you will know if you have a towing condition that may compromise the recommended tongue weight range of 13% to 15% (of gross weight).

CAT scale how-to: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...v-tt-3871.html

Just food for thought.

Bob
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Old 08-30-2015, 09:47 PM   #9
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As others have said, you have more than enough truck. If sway has you concerned, I'd suggest you at least take a look at the Hensley or ProPride hitches. Pricey, but there's nothing else like them.
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Old 08-31-2015, 12:08 PM   #10
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My setup is a 2010 Sierra 1500 pulling a 2016 White Hawk 27DSRL with the Reese Dual Cam. Sag was horrible when I brought it home from the dealer last week, so I reset the ball height and angle correctly at home and things were much improved. I just returned from our maiden voyage and ordered a set of Firestone Ride Rite air bags. The Sierra is just too spongy in the back end for my tastes as it sits. However, the sway control of the dual cam has performed flawlessly even with the sag problem. You probably can't go wrong with any of the more reputable WD brands on the market as your 350 should eat up the weight for breakfast. Focus on the sway control side of things for your needs. The Dual Cam gets an attaboy from me.
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Old 08-31-2015, 01:08 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by gandrea View Post
I am thinking about getting an Octane Toy Hauler, I need information on sway control bars and also wondering if anyone uses airbags on their back suspension? I am new to hauling. I have a 2012 F350 long bed that shouldn't have any problem towing a Toy Hauler, but after watching the video that someone posted about sway, it kind of has me a little frightened. Any information on sway control and trailering would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Greg
Why not look at a Fifth-Wheel and skip all WDH and anti-sway stuff? They are far more stable when you are looking at lots of weight. Just a thought
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Old 09-01-2015, 09:50 AM   #12
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Why not look at a Fifth-Wheel and skip all WDH and anti-sway stuff? They are far more stable when you are looking at lots of weight. Just a thought
One reason I don't have a 5th wheel is because the beds have been covered on my last 4 trucks, either with a hard tonneau or a camper shell. I have to keep my stuff dry when I'm not pulling a trailer and also when I am.
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Old 09-01-2015, 12:32 PM   #13
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I would rather get the 5th wheel, however, my Polaris Ranger is 12'3" long and the new Seismic Wave 355W has a garage that measures 12'6", but is scares me to purchase without verifying that the Polaris will in fact fit??? Also, the Octane is about 20K cheaper...

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Old 09-01-2015, 01:01 PM   #14
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I would rather get the 5th wheel, however, my Polaris Ranger is 12'3" long and the new Seismic Wave 355W has a garage that measures 12'6", but is scares me to purchase without verifying that the Polaris will in fact fit??? Also, the Octane is about 20K cheaper...

Greg

Ask the dealer if you can trial run with the Polaris. When we were buying, there was a couple putting their Harley in the back of one. I heard the guy say, "Perfect! Guess this will do! Let's talk price." So from that, I gather they were trial fitting.
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Old 09-01-2015, 01:35 PM   #15
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One reason I don't have a 5th wheel is because the beds have been covered on my last 4 trucks, either with a hard tonneau or a camper shell. I have to keep my stuff dry when I'm not pulling a trailer and also when I am.
Understand- It is nice to keep your stuff dry on a rainy day. Regardless, go with a good WDH and anti-sway control. SO many options out there- I figure over-kill is best. Like a woman, I tend to take a lot with me and want to know the thing is going to hold.
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Old 09-02-2015, 01:22 PM   #16
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I think your 2012 Ford should have integrated anti sway built in from the factory. I know my f250 does. Lots of cool things happen you push that "tow/haul" mode button.
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Old 09-02-2015, 01:58 PM   #17
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I think your 2012 Ford should have integrated anti sway built in from the factory. I know my f250 does. Lots of cool things happen you push that "tow/haul" mode button.

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Old 04-27-2016, 09:11 PM   #18
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Skimmed through the thread, but there are lots of experienced people here. Please clarify. Towing at 300BH (older 30 ft. TT) with my newly acquired 97 F350 dually. The rear GAWR is more than entire weight of the TT, much less the tongue weight. But I should still use my equal-i-zer? If so, I'm assuming I should tone it down. I have been towing with a 2004 F150 SuperCrew with 5.5 bed. The new truck not only has a much higher GVWR/GAWR, but it's also about 2.5 feet longer. Thanks
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Old 04-27-2016, 09:54 PM   #19
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snip... Towing at 300BH (older 30 ft. TT) with my newly acquired 97 F350 dually. The rear GAWR is more than entire weight of the TT, much less the tongue weight. But I should still use my equal-i-zer? If so, I'm assuming I should tone it down. ...snip
Should you use the equal-i-zer hitch? IMO, yes.
Should you tone it down? If by that you mean reduce the tension on the weight bars, IMO . You'll have to go through the hitch setup and find out.

The weight bars do two things: #1) Transfer weight to the front end and
#2) reduce sway.

In short, for #1) follow the Equal-i-zer instructions and measure the changes in height of your truck to know when the tension on the weight bars has transferred enough weight to bring the front end down.

The tension on the weight bars produces friction to achieve #2).

I hope that helps a bit.
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Old 04-27-2016, 09:55 PM   #20
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The WDH effectively eliminates the need for air bags, as it naturally distributes the tongue weight. If you have too much load for your WDH, then you need to re-evaluate how you are loading your trailer. A 10,000 lb trailer should have no more than 1000 lbs of tongue weight. F350 suspension should easily handle that without air bags. WDH is essential, however.
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