Forum Discussion
Wishin
Jul 24, 2017Explorer
I started in 2008 using the used Drawtite branded, Trunion style hitch with friction sway control. The trailer at the time was 26' and I assumed about 4500 lbs loaded (actually more like 5600 lbs when I weighed it the next year). I was pulling it with the Buick wagon in my signature. It pulled fine not fully loaded on the test drive after setting up the hitch. After loading up and heading north on the freeway for our first vacation with it, every car and truck was causing me to get blown around. I pulled off at the next exit and significantly tightened up the friction sway control. That seemed to cure the issue for the most part, but then it never wanted to go perfectly straight down a straight road. You didn't notice if the road was curving or while making lane changes, but when the road was perfectly straight, the friction bar would always stick just off center. I'm sure part of my problem was that the vehicle was overloaded (well under the tire loading at least) and the wagon has a huge rear overhang that would give the trailer plenty of leverage on vehicle. I did some research, bought the Reese Dual Cam system, and found that to be a huge improvement. I found that under all but the most extreme conditions, it tracked nice and straight and passing vehicles didn't bother me much at all unless we both happened to be hugging the center line. Now if I had started out with the 3/4 ton Suburban that I have now, I probably wouldn't have ever changed. I only towed that trailer once with my Suburban and I was only going 15 miles, it was getting late and I didn't take the time to set up the hitch or align the cams. It was windy and a storm was coming, but I really couldn't even feel the trailer back there. The large the trailer or more marginal the tow vehicle, the more benefit you get from upgraded hitches. I love the Dual Cam and will stick to using it. I just finished a 5300 mile trip out west with a lot of very windy conditions, and it was a pretty easy drive most of the time. The only time I felt like I was getting blown around much, I could see the semi trailers getting blown around pretty bad as well.
About RV Tips & Tricks
Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,103 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025