Reese Dual Cam Issue - Brackets

We ran with the same hitch for years....and installed it on 3 different trailers.
I would like to help, but I'm not seeing exactly what bent?

downtheroad wrote:
We ran with the same hitch for years....and installed it on 3 different trailers.
I would like to help, but I'm not seeing exactly what bent?

This setup was great on our last trailer, look closely at the snap up bracket in the second picture. Also take a look at the picture below which shows a bend in the rear of the brackets where the set screw is as well as a bend at the bottom of the bracket below the hanger.

http://i.imgur.com/qfTghIG.jpg

I just ran into the same thing!
Hate to say it but your Snap up brackets are the older, weaker style.
You need these: Reese 58392

Good luck,
Scott

Good catch ScottG .
I didn't notice that he had the older style brackets...Newer ones are sold as, "heavy duty replacements"

First what weight bars are you running? and what is your tongue weight?



bracket bending is often caused by the bar hitting the cam arm when it slides in a turn.

but yours looks like the new style which should give better clearance.

However, it doe look like you don't have the HD reinforce brackets with the gussett that goes all the way over the top of the bracket to the backside.

this HD bracket now comes on all bars 1200lbs and up IIRC. at one time only on the 1400 and 1700 lb bars IRRC.

It's possible with the heavier tongue your putting to much off axis load on the light weight brackets.

JBarca will probably chime in on how to diagnose any setup issues, but I'd recomend once you determine the cause, and correct if needed you also buy the HD brackets.

ktmrfs wrote:
First what weight bars are you running? and what is your tongue weight?

The bars are 1200lbs and the tongue weight is just over 1100 lbs loaded.

ktmrfs wrote:
bracket bending is often caused by the bar hitting the cam arm when it slides in a turn.

but yours looks like the new style which should give better clearance.

This is one thing I was checking when fine-tuning the hitch.

I would bolt the brackets on with thru bolts and put a backer plate on the inside of the frame if necessary.
Barney

CamperWill wrote:

ktmrfs wrote:
First what weight bars are you running? and what is your tongue weight?

The bars are 1200lbs and the tongue weight is just over 1100 lbs loaded.

ktmrfs wrote:
bracket bending is often caused by the bar hitting the cam arm when it slides in a turn.

but yours looks like the new style which should give better clearance.

This is one thing I was checking when fine-tuning the hitch.

since you've verified clearances:

1200lb bars, 1100lb tongue weight. I'd say you need the HD brackets.

Been there, done that. and they need to sit completely flat on the top side of the frame. no clearance, no tilt.

and do not overtighten the inside bolt. follow the Reese directions which I think is like hand tight plus 1/4 turn. there should be info on the stickies on setup.

a backer plate is good if you can do it on the inside of the frame.

or, if JBarca posts, follow his advice.

Have a welding shop weld them on or bolt through frame. Problem solved.

I do plan to get the HD brackets but I wanted to rule out any other possible issues so I don't bend yet another set of brackets.