We're leaving on a long trip(16+hrs) in a couple weeks. Currently have an equilizer hitch with 1200# bars. TT is a Salem 30KQBSS towed by a 2012 Surburban 2500. The equilizer works pretty well but I still get a little sway with heavy cross winds or when a semi passes. Usually cruise 65-70mph. Was thinking I needed bigger bars(1400#) to eliminate the sway. Called dealer and they advocated for me to switch to a Blue Ox Sway Pro. New bars are $2-300. New blue ox is close to $800. What would you do?Trailer dry weight is 6900#. Tongue weight, unloaded 900#. Loaded, I'm thinking it's closer to 8500# and 1200 tongue although I've never had it weighed. When connected, the truck & TT are level so I don't think its a set up issue...Thoughts?

Nothing is going to fix it. That trailer is a long sail moving at 55 mph.

The Blue Ox will ride better because of its tapered bars. And it doesn’t make noise. But it won’t control sway any better. If you’re really 8,500 loaded you probably need more to tongue weight.

In strong cross winds or semis passing fast, trailers will sway a bit. The question is...is it excessive.Based on your numbers, it sounds like you have the correct hitch setup but you don't know for sure.If you can take it to a nearby truck stop and weigh it. It's something like $14 to weigh and then $2.50 for a reweigh (so should be around $20 total). Go loaded as if you are heading out on a trip. - Make the first pass fully loaded an hooked up. - Do a reweigh with the bars disconnected (ideally on the Aframe but not a huge issue if you have to put them in the back of the truck. - Then park the trailer and weigh the truck.Now you know all the weights and you don't have to guess.

I've used both and neither is any better. I'm currently using a BO with a 31' 9600 lb TT with a 1350 lb tongue weight. Towing with a 3500 SRW. I still get some wiggle. You TT is a big load for a 2500 Burb. $800 is too much for the BO. You can buy one off Amazon for $630.I'd buy the 1400 bars and crank em down till you get the front of the Burb right.

If you want no sway you will need to step up to a Propride or HensleyBoth are expensive but they work. No sway is attainable with those premium hitches.Friction based hitches really don't compare if you are truly seeking no sway.

Equilizer vs. Blue ox SwayPro? | Good Sam Community

ericpatt
Explorer
Mar 01, 2021
All- Thanks for all your input. By sway, I mean, when I semi passes me or cross wind, I'm getting sucked into the semi or pushed around a little. It usually resolves quickly, but having to continually worry about semi's sucks. Don't get me wrong, I'm always checking my mirrors anyway but not knowing how much I'll be sucked into a semi sucks.

For further clarity, I have leveled the front of the truck and from friends conversations, it sounds like that's also not helping. Having the truck lowered this week and hope that it helps.
valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 01, 2021
ericpatt wrote:
All- Thanks for all your input. By sway, I mean, when I semi passes me or cross wind, I'm getting sucked into the semi or pushed around a little. It usually resolves quickly, but having to continually worry about semi's sucks. Don't get me wrong, I'm always checking my mirrors anyway but not knowing how much I'll be sucked into a semi sucks.

For further clarity, I have leveled the front of the truck and from friends conversations, it sounds like that's also not helping. Having the truck lowered this week and hope that it helps.

If it's just a quick nudge and then immediately settles down once past, that's normal and nothing to worry about.

Just hold steady. Try not to crowd the left lane. The closer you are, the more you will feel the bow wave. If you do feel the need to do something, gently ease to the right but no jerky movements.
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 01, 2021
valhalla360 wrote:
ericpatt wrote:
All- Thanks for all your input. By sway, I mean, when I semi passes me or cross wind, I'm getting sucked into the semi or pushed around a little. It usually resolves quickly, but having to continually worry about semi's sucks. Don't get me wrong, I'm always checking my mirrors anyway but not knowing how much I'll be sucked into a semi sucks.

For further clarity, I have leveled the front of the truck and from friends conversations, it sounds like that's also not helping. Having the truck lowered this week and hope that it helps.

If it's just a quick nudge and then immediately settles down once past, that's normal and nothing to worry about.

Just hold steady. Try not to crowd the left lane. The closer you are, the more you will feel the bow wave. If you do feel the need to do something, gently ease to the right but no jerky movements.

This is where the premium hitches separate themselves from the others.
There is no holding steady, or moving over, no easing over. You no longer have to prepare for or anticipate the passing 18 wheelers in anyway.
lbrjet
Explorer
Mar 01, 2021
With a Surburban you are catching more wind with your vehicle than a pick up does. Make sure your socket bolts are torqued to spec and check them every few hundred miles.
goducks10
Explorer
Mar 02, 2021
Lantley wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
ericpatt wrote:
All- Thanks for all your input. By sway, I mean, when I semi passes me or cross wind, I'm getting sucked into the semi or pushed around a little. It usually resolves quickly, but having to continually worry about semi's sucks. Don't get me wrong, I'm always checking my mirrors anyway but not knowing how much I'll be sucked into a semi sucks.

For further clarity, I have leveled the front of the truck and from friends conversations, it sounds like that's also not helping. Having the truck lowered this week and hope that it helps.

If it's just a quick nudge and then immediately settles down once past, that's normal and nothing to worry about.

Just hold steady. Try not to crowd the left lane. The closer you are, the more you will feel the bow wave. If you do feel the need to do something, gently ease to the right but no jerky movements.

This is where the premium hitches separate themselves from the others.
There is no holding steady, or moving over, no easing over. You no longer have to prepare for or anticipate the passing 18 wheelers in anyway.

x2. My towing experience felt the same with the HA and towing my previous 5th wheel. Rock solid.
MHay
Explorer
Mar 13, 2021
Does anyone have recommendations for where to purchase the Hensley or ProPride with a discount? I need a hitch to eliminate sway similar to what the OP described but the price of these options is quite high!
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 13, 2021
MHay wrote:
Does anyone have recommendations for where to purchase the Hensley or ProPride with a discount? I need a hitch to eliminate sway similar to what the OP described but the price of these options is quite high!

They are often found for sale used. As a prior owner I would not hesitate to buy used. However if I never owned such an expensive hitched. I imagine I would be reluctant to buy used.
Buying new gives you the benefit of the money back guarantee and possibly financing incentives.
I was a very satisfied customer but I will admit I was a reluctant skeptical buyer.
Yes they are expensive but they do work as advertised.
Friction based hitches do not compare.
MHay
Explorer
Mar 13, 2021
Lantley wrote:
MHay wrote:
Does anyone have recommendations for where to purchase the Hensley or ProPride with a discount? I need a hitch to eliminate sway similar to what the OP described but the price of these options is quite high!

They are often found for sale used. As a prior owner I would not hesitate to buy used. However if I never owned such an expensive hitched. I imagine I would be reluctant to buy used.
Buying new gives you the benefit of the money back guarantee and possibly financing incentives.
I was a very satisfied customer but I will admit I was a reluctant skeptical buyer.
Yes they are expensive but they do work as advertised.
Friction based hitches do not compare.

Thanks — I’d likely want to go with a new one for peace of mind. I hadn’t looked into financing incentives, so maybe there are some options with that. Thanks!

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Equilizer vs. Blue ox SwayPro?

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