Equalizer or Reese Dual Cam

One of the reasons I have adjusted mine a few times is the iniitial adjustment once loaded, then the correct shank was delivered. So once I swapped the shank out (new one is longer!) I readjusted the set up.

The air bags to compensate for when the bed is loaded vs unloaded is something I have considered so the hitch height is a constant. Regardless of how much you try to keep the weight right behind the cab, some has to go on the rear axle, changing the hitch height depending on just how much weight is there!

Not sure about the older DC's, but I noticed our cam arm bracket (that pivots on the frame mounted bracket) have a little bit of "movement" allowing some rotation. Not sure if this is on the new model only or not (ours is brand new this July).

Once set up the design behind the DC is hard to beat, except maybe by a PP or HA system.

I totally agree with the need for proper set up on the Reese DC. The way I got around that issue is by adding air bags to my suspension. I measured my trucks bumper height when I was setting up my DC and always return it to that height after loading the truck before I hook up. That said I've had my DC for pulling a 34' 7800# trailer for 3 years and am very happy with it. As far as the original install, I read and reread the instructions, watched the videos (E trailer has some great ones), measured 2 to 3 times everything, and maybe I got lucky but got it done on the first time. Regardless of what hitch you buy if you can, install it yourself. I don't think most dealers will take the amount of time it takes. Also if you don't have one get a torque wrench and follow the instructions specs.

After using the Reese Dual Cam system for 8 years I am completely satisfied with performance. I have not encountered any of the issues some have stated they had with it nor did I find it hard to adjust at all. I believe the engineering behind the DC is better but you should buy what works for you.

When you have a large difference in tw, you would need to adjust the Dual Cam adjustment for the system to work correctly. The crook in the bars needs to be seated on the cam arms, and large changes in tw change this.

As for the hitch head/ bar angle adjustment, the Reese washer system offers more fine tuning over the Equal-I-Zer. In speeking w/ Equal-I-Zer on the 4 Way system, changing the hitch head angle by adding or removing a washer is equal to changing the trailer L brackets (that the bars "ride" on) up or down a hole.

The Reese SC system is very similar to the Equal-I-Zer system, but it also offers the same hitch head adjustment the DC system does. The washer and hitch head have teeth on them, and changing them 1 tooth equals aproximately 1/2 a chain link (ont he DC system) chang at the trailer bracket.

The DC can be finicky setting up as well due to the bar crook/ cam arm. I am still adjusting our DC system after a couple trips. Will find out this afternnon if it is good to go! I had asked the dealer to not mount the cam arms, but they did and one of the arms was mounted about 1/4"-3/8" back from where it should have been.

IF I was to buy again, I would look a little closer at the SC system vs the DC, even over the Equal-I-Zer based mainlly on the hitch head adjustability. IF I could (or can, haven't tried yet!), I would find a very good condition DC u-bolt system (the original model) for our trailer.

Our 1500lb Reese came with the HD chain brackets that GGardne2 mentioned.

Good luck deciding!!!

The Equalizer offers adjust ability at the a-frame brackets and in my opinion may be more adjustable than the Dual Cam. Whenever you have a change in bar position on the dual cam the position of the cam to the weight distribution bar changes, to maintain optimal sway control it is necessary to readjust the cam position. For what it is worth I also had issues on the dual cam with bending the chain brackets under heavy tongue weights. Today Reese manufactures a heavy duty bracket that has a welded reinforcement to prevent it from bending, if you are in the 1200+ lb tounge weight you may need to purchase the heavy duty brackets for your dual cam. I never had an issue with the Equalizer brackets.

Don't count Blue Ox Sway Pro out of the choices either.

Take a look here >>>>>LINK