TT-Correct Hitch to use

The Blueox Swaypro you linked is good, as is the 14k EQ or maybe the 12k EQ. For reference there is only one Equal-i-zer hitch with different ratings. What you have is a basic weight distributing hitch that has optional friction sway control. My opinion is that 1000 pound bars is not enough for that TT and integrated sway control of EQ, BlueOx, and Reese strait Line are the minimum for towing a TT.

I've spoke with dealership and they claim I would be ok.

That statement comes up a few times every week on here, frequently followed by comments about how uncomfortable the towing experience is. No one has every said their truck salesmen has ever towed an RV. Yet there are thousands of RV owners right here that tow with all kinds of trucks. You don't have to listen to our experience, but where is the wisdom?


TV Specs:
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine 4WD
Curb Weight 5370 lbs
Max Payload 1805 lbs
Max GVWR 7200 lbs
Max Conventional Trailering, 3.73 Rear Axle 11800 lbs
GCWR, 3.73 Rear Axle N/A 16700 lbs 17700 lbs
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating 3650 lbs 3650 lbs 3950 lbs
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating with 3.73 Rear Axle N/A 4100 lbs 4100 lbs


TT Specs:
MODEL 32-DBKS

Dry Hitch Weight 758 lbs. (344 kg)
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 8,703 lbs. (3,948 kg)
GVWR 10,902 lbs. (4,945 kg)
Cargo Carrying Capacity 2,215 lbs. (1,005 kg)
Exterior Length 36' 9" (11.2 m)
Exterior Height 11' 1" (3.4 m)
Exterior Width 96" (2.4 m)
Fresh Water Capacity 51 gal. (193 L)
Gray Water Capacity 74 gal. (280 L)
Black Water Capacity 42 gal. (159 L)
Awning Size 13 ft

That's 10k pounds loaded with a family's gear for a long weekend, another 500 with full water tank. That is also 1200+ pounds of loaded tongue weight.

There is no half ton I recommend for towing that TT. Should you proceed to tow that combo, your truck will exceed the GVWR, receiver, rear axle, and maybe GCWR. You are about to spend $40-$50k on a new truck. Spend $2k more on the 3/4 ton gasser, 4.10 axle.

From the words you use, it sound like you do not currently have this truck in your possession. Good. Get a more capable one with at least 2500 pounds of payload and 1500 pounds of receiver limit. Travel trailers are the most difficult type of tallier to tow. 10 miles or 150 miles. It's a huge box of air. They have two sheets of plywood to pull through the air at 65mph. They have 8'x32' walls that catch any wind that is not head or tail on.

@lanerd

I've spoke with dealership and they claim I would be ok. They didn't try to sell me a 3/4 ton. Here is Chevy page on capabilities of the pickup I am getting. Select 6.2L EcoTech3 V8 engine 4wd on crew cab shortbox. It will have the 3.73 axle.

It's not like I'm traveling the country...max distance for the most part is 150 miles that we do our camping.

Boy, are you in for a surprise. 1/2 ton pu pulling a 10,000 lb travel trailer. Ain't no way, my friend. Your payload and rear axle will both be overloaded.

Anyway, good luck. Hope it works for you.

Ron

SimpleMan78 wrote:
The hitch I have is a Equal-i-zer hitch, which is 1000 tongue/10,000 pound tow capacity. It has no sway control, but does have a spot to mount a small ball and to connect a sway control arm of some sort to trailer.

you DON'T have a true Equal-i-zer if 1. it has no sway control 2. it has a spot for a small ball.

a true Equal-i-zer has integrated sway control, no chains and no small ball mounts.
just Google it and you'll see plenty of pics of the real thing.

it appears you have a plain old-tech weight distribution hitch.

Well I'm convinced from the couple of responses I need a new hitch.

Didn't want to spend anymore $, but to be safe and comfortable, it needs to be done.

What are your thoughts on this hitch?

I would imagine a 12,000# or higher rated ball is needed as well.

What other brand would you recommend?

The Blue Ox looks simple and clean.

The current vehicle I have and a 2011 Chevy Crew (i know...1/2 ton pulling this camper).

I ordered a new pickup right before Mother's day, which is another 1/2 chevy, but it is the 6.2L. Where I work there is a scale and I do plan on weighing everything. The only thing, the camper is at a campground until mid July. Then only a couple of days later we go on another trip and will not have enough time to weigh and figure out which hitch i would need.

What is you tow vehicle?
Knowing nothing (according to my wife), I'd recommend either a true Equal-i-zer Brand hitch or my choice, a Reese Dual Cam.

If you want to go whole hog and spend a bunch of $$$, look at Hensley.

Check out this hitch too.

http://www.propridehitch.com/products/ProPride-3P-Trailer-Sway-Control-Hitch-.html It is supposed to prevent sway.

Fred.

Hi,

You should really check the trailer and truck weight, then unhitch and check just the truck weight. My guess is that the hitch is way over 1,000 pounds, perhaps as much as 1,300 pounds.

ETrailer.com

http://blueox.com/p-1181-swaypro.aspx

Fred.

Thanks! This whole trailering weight stuff is confusing...for me at least. Probably like a lot of people, I just want to hook up and go! :)

I'll double check, but I'm pretty sure it is an Equal-i-zer (i think it is like 20 years old). I've been wrong before. It's got a spot on the hitch for a small ball connector.

I've looked at Blue Ox hitches, but all i've seen is 10,000#. I'd have to call and find out. Besides, pretty spending...but I think they all are.

For a decent wd hitch with sway control, what would you recommend?

Go for a new hitch....and I doubt to actually have an Equal-i-zer brand hitch if, as you say, it has no sway control... you probably have a generic equalizer.

Simple friction bar sway control is really not suited for a 36 footer.
You new rig will most likely have a loaded tongue weight far above 1000 lbs.

...and welcome to the Forum.