Easier to hook up WDH?

[Cookiejar]

I currently have a Husky Center Line WDH that was installed by the dealer when we bought our Jay Feather 25RB in 2021. Trailer weighs approx. 7200 lbs, tongue wt. approx. 700 lbs. The Husky works well for weight distribution and sway but is a bear to hook up and disconnect because even when I raise the rig (using the elec. tongue jack) to the maximum travel (even with a few blocks under the jack foot), I bust a gut getting the tension bars on/off using the provided leverage tool. I've been putting up with the effort until now. However, as we approach another camping season, I am now presented with some physical limitations that will prevent me from simply gritting my teeth and pushing my way through to hook up and detach.

So, I'm looking into swapping out the Husky for a WDH that might be easier to use. I've narrowed my search to the Blue Ox SwayPro because, while all the WDHs I've found require raising the rig to reduce the hook-up/disconnect tension, the Blue Ox looks like it may require the least physical effort to accomplish the task.

I intend to ask my dealer (great customer service) for their input and to install whatever I finally choose. In another life, I'd do the install myself but that isn't an option these days. Meantime, I'd appreciate any/all insights/comments/advice. Stay well and safe travels.

I'd appreciate any insights/comments on the ease-of-use with the Blue Ox Sway-Pro or any alternatives that might be easy to use. Thanks mucho and safe travels.

 

[bow-man]

I have the BlueOx sway pro, and like you mentioned, I raise the coupled rig to ease the chains into the saddles. The new units include the breaker style bar, not the flat piece of iron earlier units included. With the rig raised, it does not require a lot of physical strength.

My dealer told me to count 7 links and slide the 8th in the slot. That gives me a slightly bouncy ride. I'll be going up 1 link on my return trip. I tow a Jay Flight 261BHS using a Ram 1500.

 

[DaddysBigTruck]

I have never used the BlueOx however, we used the Equalizer hitch for years when we towed our TT. I remember having the same issue as you when trying to hookup/unhook on unlevel ground. After a while I learned that leaving the ball connected to the truck while raising the tongue jack up relieved the pressure of the spring bars and I was able to easily remove them or hook them up. I found that at times it would raise the rear of the truck up more than if it had no load on it at all but it made it so much easier, after I learned that I never had to use the helper bar again.

 

[Route 66 Traveler]

The Equalizer or it's less expensive Fastway hitch, made by Equalizer, is probably the easiest on the market to setup and use. I have the Fastway hitch with Trunnion bars that uses a 2 point sway control, the Equalizer has a 4 point anti-sway system. It is so easy to hookup, and I never experience any sway by passing trucks or crosswinds. No chains to mess with which is a huge plus. I have never needed to make any adjustment to my hitch in over 8 years of towing my 30' TT.

Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch

Superior Sway Control and Weight Distribution You Can Trust

www.equalizerhitch.com

e2™ Hitch | Weight Distribution With Sway Control Hitch

The Fastway Trailer Products e2™ Hitch provides you with faster and easier weight distribution and sway control. Learn more here.

www.fastwaytrailer.com

 

[JFlightRisk]

I've never had to use the bar to hook up or disengage the bars on our Equalizer hitch. I did install a Bulldog tongue jack when it was new, and the drop leg feature gives it a lot of lift when the ground is sloped a lot. The DW tells me to nudge the truck forward a touch when the tongue latch won't release. Usually, I just have to put the truck in drive to get the latch and ball to release.

 

[stinger608]

I have the Fastway hitch with Trunnion bars

I've been using that exact same hitch with two different trailers.

I had to readjust everything when we purchased out JayFeather 27RL due to the Jayco having the under slung hitch.

Other than the adjustment for the new trailer, I haven't had to mess with anything. It's been a great WDH setup. Much cheaper than the Equalizer counterpart.

I've had it for about 7 years now.

I do check torque on it every season though. LOL