Forum Discussion

Brockc's avatar
Brockc
Explorer
Apr 19, 2016

Concerns or Problems with Reese Dual cam

Just bought a 33'Salem Hemisphere. It currently has a 12,000 lb sway control system (Reese RP66155) on it ( type with the Trunnion bars that rest on the hangers with brake pads to create the friction).
The system actually belongs to the previous owner who let me use it to get the unit home. I have the chance to buy and keep the current system, but am also considering changing to the dual cam.
My greatest concern is the fact that I have to drill into the trailer frame and the chance of the mount screws/bolts backing out or becoming loose which I have seen.
Has anyone had any problems with this? When I install or do something I want it to be right and tight. Not something that I have to be concerned about stripping or backing out.
The positive of the system that is currently on it is that it is all bolt on...nothing screwed into the frame.
Any experiences or advice appreciated.

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  • STEVEO496's avatar
    STEVEO496
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    You can always run a couple of weld beads on the brackets if that'll make you feel better. I've done that on trailers in the past. I have had one of the snap up brackets break off of a trailer when the spring bars were set tight, I turned into a parking lot that had a decent incline and SNAP!
  • Brockc's avatar
    Brockc
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    I guess what concerns me is seeing my neighbors mess. Really nice TT but a dis tater in the installing the system by the delarship. Backed out screws, bent hanger brackets.. So bad they actually welded the system on. Probably reading to many horror stories on r net doesn't help either. Seems like a good system for someone with some mechanical know how and equipment to do the job
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    I used the self tapping bolts they supplied..I did not through drill.
    Held solid for 10 years. Again, don't over think this. Follow the supplied directions carefully.
  • Brockc's avatar
    Brockc
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    Thanks for the input so far. I have no problem with installing the system myself, and in fact would be skeptical about the dealership doing it, as I have seen some absolute messes created by their "mechanics". I have all the equipment to do the job, but as mentioned, my greatest concern is stripped or backed out screws.
    Question...would it be best to drill completely through the A Frame and bolt everything up with bolts, lock washers, and nuts.
    Or, would this somehow inhibit or jeopardize the system of the DC, or perhaps weaken the frame of the trailer?
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    Reese Dual Cam worked great for me and really controlled the sway of the trailer especially in emergency accident type situations (had 1 experience where another car hit the side of my truck causing my truck to immediately
    move from the right lane to the outside of the left lane. The RDG made it feel like making a slow easy movement without ever feeling like I was not in control)
    I recommend having the RDC installed by the professionals/RV shop. Too important of a job to be done by anyone other than a professional who is absolutely sure of the installation.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2016
    I've had the Dual Cam now for 11 years on 2 different trailers. Never had an issue with the bolts backing out. Installed properly it is a good system. Far better than the one that was given to you to use. I wouldn't use anything less. The only thing better is a HA or PP. which I have never felt I needed!

    Good luck!
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    I have used the Dual Cam for many years now and it is superior IMO to the other Reese hitch you mentioned. I have had to re-torque one of them once but it was no big deal
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    We used the Dual Cam for many many years before we sold our last trailer. Excellent hitch. Yes, it takes some doing to install and dial it in. Follow the directions very carefully...measure twice and dry fit before you drill.

    The bolts on the cam brackets (drilled into the frame) never backed out..but I did check them with a torque wrench at the beginning of each season.

    If you are somewhat handy and have some basic tools and are careful it should not be a problem installing the Dual Cam from scratch. (driver drill and impact wrench, torque wrench, set of sockets, the basics.)
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    I've had the same DC on two trailers and have not had a problem with the screws backing out. If you use a 7/16" drill for the holes they will be hard to get in but will tighten up nicely. You can always use some blue Loctite for extra insurance.

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