WHAT SIZE EQUALIZER HITCH DO YOU USE?Conflict – Passion – Suspense – Myths Explored – Mysteries Solved
117 Posts --7 Years In The Making – Something For Every Opinion
Today, I rediscovered
a Thread on Airforums.com which might be of interest to some of you.
Although this AIR Forums thread began as a poll, it quickly developed a major sidetrack into the realm of pros and cons of being “under hitched” or “over hitched”.
Somewhere among the 117 posts, I believe you could find some anecdotal evidence to support any opinion you might have about hitch selection and trailer damage.
I have cited 9 posts which were of interest to me.
Twenty six Airstream owners responded to this poll. Based on WD bar rating, the results were 6@600#, 17@1000#, 2@1200#, 1@1400#.
The large peak at 1000# partly is due to there not being an EQ hitch with 800# bars. I was surprised at the small number of 1200 & 1400# hitches.
Unfortunately, very few loaded tongue weights were provided. The lone pair of 1400# bars were selected for a 30’ Classic with 1250# tongue weight and towed by a 3/4T van.
Input from Progress Mfg.A highlight of this thread (for me) was the posting of a detailed Email (attached to Post #48) from Josh Jones of Progress Mfg.
It will be easier for you to view the Email from Josh via
this ORF Post.
IIRC, Josh is the EQ “engineering staff” person to whom I referred in
this Post.
As regards “over hitching” – Josh stated, “
Andy does bring up a valid question about over hitching, but it may serve well if I add that possible damage is not likely caused from purely using a heavier-rated hitch, but rather from over-adjusting the heavier-rated hitch.---
This certainly is more open-minded than the recent “---
a bigger sized hitch will NOT damage or bend your trailer tongue.
---“
IMO, using a heavier-rated hitch would make it easier to over-adjust and overload the A-frame.
As regards “Weight of cargo loaded behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle” – I found no mention of this parameter in the Email from Josh, although I believe it was in the EQ hitch selection process in 2006.
For me, the Email answered the question of what was recommended for WDH-adjustment before EQ switched to the 50-100% FALR specification in 2010. Josh made it very clear that EQ advocated the “equal squat” approach in 2006. That means if EQ’s WDH adjustment specs were and are followed, their WD bars are being subjected to significantly less load today than they were prior to the change in adjustment specs.
Some Specific AIR Forums posts which might be of interestPost #14: Andy, who has operated an Airstream dealership and repair shop for many years, offers his steadfast belief that “over hitching” can cause damage to Airstream trailers. This belief will be challenged by some of the Airstream owners in subsequent posts.
Post #20: Tom, who switched to 550# bars, mentions a bent A-frame and believes the damage was caused by years of pounding from 1000# bars.
Post #22: 3DogNight relates a phone conversation with Josh Jones.
Post #33: 3DogNight relates conversation about using too small a hitch resulting in voided warranty.
Post #38: Tom refers to damaged A-frame.
Post #44: Silvergate posts Email reply from Josh Jones pertaining to best hitch for 6000# GVWR trailer. In a scenario where the tongue weight would reach 1020#, Josh stated, “---
In all likelihood you will only need our 10,000 lb. Hitch, as people rarely load enough cargo to reach the GVWR. It is optional to select the 12,000 lb. Hitch instead, although this would not provide any increase performance or added safety. The only benefit you would gain is the ability to handle more weight in the future.
---“
Post #48: Tom attaches copy of Email response from Josh Jones.
Post #88: Phil relates phone conversation with Reese Tec who said weight behind rear axle must be counted. Phil said “---
I discussed what Andy's concerns are about being over sprung and causing damage to the trailer. Also about the difference in bar ratings for different tow vehicles. He {Reese Tec} agrees with the concept. In the end there is no simple answer and all the conditions and load weights need to be taken into consideration.
”
Post #117: Mefly2 gets the creativity award for grinding down the cross sectional area of his 1000# bars – giving them a bit more flex to make them "easier" on his trailer’s A-frame.
Ron
