Forum Discussion

lukenick's avatar
lukenick
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016

Help with WDH... Fastway E2 vs Equalizer 4pt

Hi I am having issues getting things right with my current WDH. I am towing a Jayfeather 22Y TT with a 2001 Toyota Tundra 4.7L. My TT's dry weight is 4300 and GVWR is 5800 and TW is 515. I currently tow with a Reese round bar pro series hitch system with the sway control bar. This is my first time towing a TT, I came from a pop up. My current situation is that I feel like my front end has a mind of it's own on the highway when trailers pass me. I did all the measuring of the wheel wells and am definitely distributing enough weight to the front axles. The Tundra has Load C Bridgestone tires which I pumped up to 45psi for towing. Not sure I am doing this all correctly? Someone mentioned that my tires are a problem too but I cannot convince hubby to upgrade the TV tires at this time. Is it really the tires that are the issue or is it the fact that I am using a not so great WDH? I have heard a lot about the Equalizer 4pt sway control but when I called Etrailer they told me the Fastway E2 is the same hitch for less money. Will upgrading my hitch really make all the difference? I just want to be able to relax more when towing and not have to chisel my hands off the steering wheel when I arrive.
  • hohenwald48's avatar
    hohenwald48
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2016
    lukenick wrote:
    I did all the measuring of the wheel wells and am definitely distributing enough weight to the front axles.


    It's impossible to know this without "hitched with bars tensioned" and "unhitched" weights of the tow vehicle. Measuring fenders is just an approximation. Many on here and other boards have suggested that you get some real scale weights.

    Until you have that information folks can only guess as to what your problem might be. After you get it weighed folks can give educated suggestion for a resolution.

    Look forward to hearing what your actual weights turn out to be. Remember to get TV front axle weight, TV rear axle weight and TT axle weights when you go to the scale. Not sure if a "salt truck" scale will give the needed info. It may only be a 1 or 2 platform scale and not a 3 platform scale.
  • lukenick's avatar
    lukenick
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2016
    APT wrote:
    Spend $15 at a CAT scale and readjust your hitch. You'll have to readjust it if you get a new one anyway. I suspect you are not restoring enough weight to the front/steering axles.

    3 passes
    Truck alone
    Truck with trailer without WD
    Truck with trailer with WD


    I am planning to go this week to a scale here in town for salt trucks. CAT scale too far away from home.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2016
    Spend $15 at a CAT scale and readjust your hitch. You'll have to readjust it if you get a new one anyway. I suspect you are not restoring enough weight to the front/steering axles.

    3 passes
    Truck alone
    Truck with trailer without WD
    Truck with trailer with WD
  • lbrjet's avatar
    lbrjet
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2016
    The E2 is not the same as the E4, who ever said that has no clue what they are talking about.

    Towing for the first time can be nerve racking and as you get more experience it will get more relaxed. Your best bet is to get actual scale weights with with truck and trailer and truck alone and compare your front axle weights. They should be about the same. You may be transferring too much weight. I don't think a new hitch is the answer just yet.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2016
    Good added point PackerBacker,
    I forgot to mention that about the sway bar. Friction bars cannot be jack knifed because it can cause damage. Moderate backing w/o turning sharp is not an issue but tight turning while backing can be. The slide bar can 'pop out' if over extended. Also, make sure the sway handle is in a level position, NOT facing directly up or down.
    Whenever I drive into a CG or tight place, I just unsnap the sway bar. Sometimes I remove the WD bars as well , however my truck does not drop in the rear that much, so that's not a problem for me.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Apr 30, 2016
    I have no experience with a Fastway but I really like my Equalizer. Over the years I have had a few different hitches and have found the Equalizer to both really level out my setup and control sway. Best advantage is nothing needs to be unhooked to back up, even jack knifing.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2016
    I think its the set up of the hitch .

    Its not the Pro Series hitch . I use one , it works fine with the anti sway bar.
    Many people use this Reese hitch and like it.
    Air up the trailer tires to max too.
    Those c rated tires on the truck should be ok.

    Check out the etrailer.com video or youtube video for setting up that hitch. It shows step by step,how to take the correct measurements of the wheel-wells.

    The round bars should be parallel to the trailers frame. If not, change the angle of the ball by removing or adding the included set of washers. The bolt that holds those washers has to be snugged up tight .
    5 links should show on the chains. All is explained on the install set up video.

    All loaded up, you will near gross weight . Take about 13-15% of that gross and that is your TW (tongue wt.) for your Jayco .
    Compare those more realistic numbers to the numbers of your truck. Make sure your truck can handle that weight, which I think it can but im not up on the specs of that model truck .

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