Forum Discussion

NYWarren's avatar
NYWarren
Explorer
May 27, 2018

Friction or straight line, or cam bars

Probably a well worn topic, but.. I'll ask it anyway. Tow vehicle is an F-150 3.5 eco-boost xlt super crew, new trailer is a Jayco 284 that's about 6100 lbs, dry hitch weight of about 700 lbs.

In the past I've towed a coleman popup with a GMC Safari and that combo swayed like mad and used a friction tow bar.

So.... with the truck/jayco.. the Reese friction seems ok, but wouldn't it wear over time? The other set up that looks interesting is the Curt system: https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Curt/C17500.html

Then.. what about the cam bar systems like: https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP66130.html

Any input is very welcome!!

Thanks folks!!!
  • If you are willing to spend the time necessary to properly set it up the Reese Strait-Line hitch is the best of the bunch, in my opinion. I towed with one for many years and it allows a safe, sway free ride.

    It is quite particular about being set up right though. We have an excellent sticky thread here that will help you do exactly that.
    Also, we have many members here that own and use the hitch a lot and can help you out. If you are willing to spend the time to get it right you will not be disappointed.
    Barney
  • I've used dual-cam hitches on several trailers in the 25-35 ft, and 5 to 9K weight range. In tens of thousands of miles, I have had nothing but great success with the system. The only drawback is that the system is quite noisy, and can groan, bang, and pop like an old pirate ship, as you twist into tight spots or back into a campsite. I would either buy a dual-cam or the Curt system you linked. By the time a dealer give you the, "we recommend two sway bars with a trailer this big" it's time to move on to something better. IMHO, your rig is WAY too big for a friction bar, or two. BTW, etrailer is an awesome company to do business with. Good luck, and make sure that you DIY this job. Nothing like having a complete understanding of your hitch and sway system, AND know that it was installed properly. On three occasions I have taken dealer installed hitch set-ups off, and totally reinstalled them, so that it was safe and properly set-up. One was done for the very first trailer I ever bought, and the dealer had my Tahoe so screwed up, by the time they installed the hitch and brake controller, it was unbelievable. The others were friends who bought trailers and had paid big bucks for hitch installs, only to have me pull everything back off, and start again.
  • Skip the friction bars for that size trailer and go with something with built in sway control. Common favourites are the Equil-I-zer, Reese dual cam and Blue Ox. The Curt is pretty much the same design as the Equil-I-zer but at a cheaper price. The Reese can be a bit finicky to get dialed in right but once you do it should be good to go. They all have their positives and negatives but any of them will do what you need.
  • wow, thanks guys.. seems like my own conclusions were spot on.... dial cam was my guess, and you have all verified it... any issues with the Reese
    "made in Mexico" issies? the camper dealer I talked to said to be "Careful"
  • I've had them all and prefer the Dual Cam's active sway control.
  • Dual cam is the best of the options you provided.

    Mine keeps my 32ft trailer right behind my X!
  • dodge guy wrote:
    Dual cam is the best of the options you provided.

    Mine keeps my 32ft trailer right behind my X!

    Yep. I spent 10 year towing a 34' TT using a Dual Cam system. It was always a solid connection with now sway even in some hefty cross winds. Lots of folks have good service from Equalizer systems too, so it comes down to price and preference for you. The main takeaway is to get a good Weight Distributing system with built-in sway control and you'll be very happy.

    KJ
  • dodge guy wrote:
    Dual cam is the best of the options you provided.

    Mine keeps my 32ft trailer right behind my X!


    X-2

    I've using this style hitch for ages. Works, take your time setting it up and tow with ease.
  • Another happy dual cam user here. It must be set up correctly to get optimum performance. And the pops and sqeaks can be minimized by a dab of vasoline on the cams and pivot points. Grease on the trunnion pins and Belray chain lube on the latch hinges and and chain pawl. Mine is very quiet.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025