Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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Joined: 03/15/2002
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You need sway control and weight distribution. Yes and Yes.
A good WDH like the Equalizer does both tasks. Friction type sway bars are damage waiting to happen. Jackknifing the trailer, especially in reverse, will break things. Yes, folks use these for years without consequences. Others have major damage almost immediately.
Your small pickup truck doesn't really enter in this.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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Joined: 11/21/2005
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i have an '07 Avalanche, built on the same GM900 platform. same engine and the 3.73 rear end.
i tow a hybrid about 800lbs. more loaded.
there's NO way i'd tow it without a WDH WITH sway control.
if you've done the measurements on the wheel wells and you're not getting a big drop on the rear, then maybe a WDH isn't needed.
BUT, you still will need some sway control device. at least get a friction bar one. they don't cost much.
but we've driven our hybrid in 60 mph winds and a snow/ice storm. if we hadn't had our Equal-i-zer, we would have ended up in the ditch or a rollover.
you and your family's safety is your decision. as long as you have perfect road conditions and perfectly balanced trailer, you could be alright.
my Chevy owner's manual has a specific tongue/trailer weight that they require you using a WDH, for that amount and above.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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gates59
Sudbury Ontario
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Joined: 08/03/2009
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I do have a friction type sway control. I just thought because of the weight of my new truck I did not need it. I will take all your advice and use it. It can't hurt. Takes only about 2 extra minutes to install. I just find that after taking a ride with it today with and without, It seems to ride better without. I don't feel the trailer. With it I fell some very small jerks on rough roads. Safety first I guess. Thanks to all.
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KMx2
Gilbert, AZ
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Joined: 04/01/2010
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I have a similar truck and my trailer is about the same without water and I use the WDH. It tows a lot better with it, specially when you are on a road that has rolling bumps. I don't use a sway control though. I had to remove the ball that was on it when I put on the WDH and never got the rest of the sway control. So far it was always towed well.
Kevin, Kim and Mason
2007 Chevy Silverado Z71 Vortec Max
2007 Shamrock 233
2010 Nights camped- 13 +1 driveway
2011 Nights camped- 8
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myrondb
Lake Meade
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Joined: 07/19/2010
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I just returned from a 3,700 mile trip through PA, NY, VT, NH, ME,NB(Can),NS and PEI with my Toyota Highlander Hybrid and KZ Coyote Hybrid using a Reese hitch with Dual Cam High-Performace Sway Control. The unit was set up by dealer when I purchased the trailer two years ago and I've had absolutely no problems with it. The system rides and handles very well, even on some of the not-so-good Canadian roads. I would suggest you call Reese at their technical assistance number (1-888-521-0510)if you have further issues.
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camp4fun family
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Joined: 02/21/2006
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I am always a little surprised by people who spend a ton of money on a new truck and a new camper and then question the need to spend a few bucks on a good hitch to connect the two.
For a variety of reasons a Weight Distribution hitch with built-in sway control is a good idea. Not the least of which is that it is cheap insurance when the day comes that you get hit with a 30 MPH cross-wind while traveling down the interstate. A good WDH with anti-sway will keep the camper behind you rather than beside you.
Personally I would NOT consider towing any trailer over 2000 lbs. with out a good WD hitch with sway control. I have owned 2 Equal-i-zer hitches and they are great.
Good Luck!
Me - 67
DW - 71
DD - 01
DD - 04
DS - 06
04 Ford Excursion (Whomper)
2011 Coachmen Freedom Express 291QBS
Equal-i-zer and P3 - Plus a whole lot more Mod's.
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