Equalizer / Load Distribution Hitch

[flipper35]

Lots out there, who makes a good one? Mostly for a 1979 Avion 34' travel trailer, but if i had one I would buy extra brackets for the 7000# cargo trailer.

I see Curt, Reese, and Equalizer all have the sliding rod style and I don't know much about them. I had seen ones with chains in the past but these seem to add sway control. The trailer didn't sway much on the way home other than the big gusts of wind.

I probably don't want to spend $1000 on a hitch, but in the grand scheme of things it is a small percentage of the overall price, and like I said, I can use it on the cargo trailer with an extra set of brackets.

What do you guys use/like/dislike?

Honestly I am tempted to go with the Equal-i-zer brand. Made in the USA, been around a long time, but they are twice the price of Reese.

[rfuerst911sc]

It's been a long time since I was involved with travel trailers but the last one my parents had was a twin axle 26 ' Avion . That hitch setup was a Reese with sway control .

I think all 3 brands you listed are quality parts . Maybe check out the RV section of your local Craigslist sometimes deals can be had .

[jhynesrockmtn]

I have spent so much time looking at this recently. I just bought a used Equalizer 4 point. Will install soon. I bought a new half ton truck (previous one was heavier) and wanted an upgrade from my old eaz lift chain bars. They get great reviews with the exception of being noisy. Paid $300 on marketplace.

[craigster59]

I have one similar to this:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hsk-32217

Sometimes levering up the flat bar into the bracket can be a pain on uneven ground but it works well.

[rfuerst911sc]

I didn't know they have gone away from chain link torsion bars . Is there advantages to the newer style bars ?

[flipper35]

I hear all the new 4 point bars are noisy. I also see quite a few on the TT forums liking Weigh Safe, which new isn't much more than the others if you get the higher end units.

Don't have a FB account but know someone who does so that may be a good option.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by flipper35

I hear all the new 4 point bars are noisy. I also see quite a few on the TT forums liking Weigh Safe, which new isn't much more than the others if you get the higher end units.

Don't have a FB account but know someone who does so that may be a good option.

I have a tongue weight scale so the idea of a weigh safe seemed like overkill to me. I will have my new used one installed this weekend and can report back.

[911boost]

I have used both the Equalizer brand and for the past 12 years a Husky Center Line. Edited the link, I used the TS one, that had sway control built in, not the other cheaper one.

https://www.huskytow.com/husky-towing-center-line-ts

I towed a twin axle 30 foot toy hauler with my F350 with the Husky and it worked really well. So much so, I have three friends that have purchased the same hitches and they have all had great luck with it also. I have towed my camper from CO to FL and all over the west, including a lot in windy Wyoming.

Like a dumbass I bent the bars very early on. I called Husky and they replaced them for free. So great customer service as well.

Too bad you are not closer to CO, I would give you both my older equalizer and the Husky to try out and keep if you wanted for free as I moved to a Super C and sold my toy hauler.

Feel free to PM with any questions.

Bill

[DaveE]

I used a Haul-Master chain type when I was racing. Looks pretty much like the one Curt sells now. I bought mine 25 years ago from…

J. C. Whitney!!

[flipper35]

When I towed the unit home it towed well, even in the very gusty conditions. Maybe I don't need as much as I thought.

Thanks for the help, it sounds like any decent brand should work so I might check the local places. Haven't had a chance to check craigslist or marketplace yet.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by flipper35

When I towed the unit home it towed well, even in the very gusty conditions. Maybe I don't need as much as I thought.

Thanks for the help, it sounds like any decent brand should work so I might check the local places. Haven't had a chance to check craigslist or marketplace yet.

That's a good start. What is the tow vehicle?

[911boost]

Those older Avons are super heavy so wind may have less of an impact. I think to tow safely a weight distribution hitch is important.

[flipper35]

Boost, I am still looking to do a weight distribution hitch. No question on that. Just not sure I need something that is very fancy. The cargo trailer is 7000# gross limit too, but the most I would put in it is a 2500# car and the empty weight is 2250#.

Might pick up a tongue scale to make it easy to tell the actual tongue weight. EQ has a tool that comes with their hitch to measure truck and trailer heights. I could buy it separate to go with the Husky or Centerline as well.

TV is a 2008 F150 with the tow package with a gross 8000# towing capacity. The trailer is 6560 according to the manual. Add in water and full propane tanks and it is getting close. It is a triple axle so that helps.

[flipper35]

I hear the bar system is a lot louder than the old chain style. Not sure the chains control sway as well though.

Not spending $3500 - $4000 for a Pro-Ride.

[gsxrken]

A no-buck$ way to figure out tongue weight close enough is to load the desired weight in the pickup bed (say, 600lbs) and measure how much the truck sags from unladen height. Then, assuming you have a means to shift weight, adjust or reposition things until you have the same sag.
Now, is a tongue weight scale easier? Yes it is. But for the guy that tows once every few years, or frequently but always the same known thing, I’d spend the $150 somewhere else.

[Arizona_928]

So, these systems meant to fix improper weight distribution on a trailer without the proper tow rig?

[stealthn]

I loved mine, can’t remember the name but it’s beefy as hell and ways a ton. Metal bar to brackets on the tongue, got me through many a windy tow.

[911boost]

That’s not the reason at all, as I tow with an F350. It is to distribute the weight properly so that it shifts to the front of the tow vehicle for braking and is level.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

So, these systems meant to fix improper weight distribution on a trailer without the proper tow rig?

As said above, they distribute the tongue weight properly and minimize sway from gusts and large vehicles going by.