Need Advise on Hitch

[tcmbk]

After 35 years of tent camping, age has led me to purchase a 2004 Sunline T-2475 and a 2006 Ford F-150 5.4L with a tow package. Now, I need advise on the hitch setup. I am not too mechanically inclined, so I want to select the setup that is easy to understand and still will do the job. One dealer suggested the Reese double cam system, but it looks rather complicated and I believe it involves drilling into the trailer tongue bar. Another dealer suggested a Husky weight distribution system with friction sway bars. At this point, I am rather confused. I intend to visit one or two other dealers, but they all seem to sell just one type of system. I believe the previous owner used friction sway bars, but I am not sure if or what kind of weight distribution system he used. Any advise will be appreciated. Thanks!

Tom

 

[MACK C-85]

Don't think you can get much simpler than an Equil-i-zer hitch, just two solid bars, no chains, cams, etc. Four point sway control built in.

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/

to hook up: Attach the coupler to the ball, raise the a-frame/tow vehicle with the trailer jack, slide the bars into the L-channel, secure with clips, lower the jack and go......

We have been very happy with the one on our rig.

 

[henryj-SUN]

WD Hitches

There are lots of members here that use the Reese DC. I happen to have the Equal-i-zer and am very happy with the quality and performance. The main reason I got it was because no holes are drilled into the tongue. I also liked the integrated all-in-one design and for your 2475/F150 you definitely need both wd and anti sway.

There are lots of hitches out there and I'm sure they all have their cheerleaders and do a good job. But Reese and Equal-i-zer have a big share of the market because they have been around a long time and make a good product.

The 2475 has a dry tongue of 630 lb. so you should be getting a 1000 lb. hitch. Definitely do not get friction sway bars. These are add ons that work well on pop ups and other light trailers, but have huge compromises in holes drilled, pain to attach and can break in tight turns... and they look so untidy compared to an Equal-i-zer.

I bought my hitch at http://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/product/catalog.cfm/nid/221
and their price will be better than any RV dealer. The Equal-i-zer ships in two boxes so the weight is just under UPS limits. But it ships from CA not IN so allow enough time for delivery if you use RVSupply.

Note that on the Reese, the DC anti sway is often sold separately. RVSupply lists it separately and in a package on the second page. Otherwise the price looks misleading until you realize you're only looking at half the package.

You also need to specify the drop/rise of the shank or drawbar you need to match and level the trailer and the truck. Download Equal-i-zer's pdf and they show you how to measure.
http://www.equalizerhitch.com/support/instructions.php
Plus, now you can see what's involved in the installation before you buy. It's really quite simple, but you do need some big sockets and a 250 ft.lb torque wrench. Installing the Equal-i-zer hitch ball is a bit of a pain. You need a 1 7/8 thin walled socket which they sell for $81.40! I got mine for about $20 at a discount tool store. I was able to go this root only because my neighbor has one of those mobile Cat service trucks complete with a 3/4 drive 450 ft. lb. torque wrench to install the ball. You should be able to order the hitch with the ball installed or go back to your RV dealer to get it done.

Henry

 

[315RLTS in PA]

We also have the Equal-i-zer hitch. Great set up and very easy to use. Rv Wholesalers usually has the best price and free shipping.
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/home.php?cat=364

 

[What6308]

Another Equal-i-zer user here, and very happy with it.

 

[ParTimCmpr-FRF]

You might also consider a Blue Ox hitch. I use it to pull a T2553. It is very easy to hitch/unhitch. See http://www.blueox.us/Hitches/hitches.htm for more information.

 

[Sunline Fan]

I have the Dual Cams and love them. I've never had an Equal-i-zer, but I do know the dual cams are a lot better than the old school friction sway control. I did have a little bit of sway when passing trucks before, but now that I have a high lift ball, I've found that the angle of the cams is critical to the performance. The more angle of the cams to the frame and bars, the more sway control. I'm very happy with them and try to sell people on them every day.

Jon

 

[tcmbk]

tcmbk

Thanks for all the help. I found the Equal-i-zer and the Blue Ox to be quite similar and fairly easy to use. I decided to go with the Blue Ox on my t-2475. I should have it ready to go soon. We will be on the road soon.

Tom