BurbMan wrote:
Joe, I think you will like the HA, and glad you were able to score a used one. Beats having to sell a kid LOL.
Whether anyone "needs" an HA is quite subjective. It's true (and you have proven the same in your testing) that with proper loading and constant attention to weight details, you can get the TT to behave with a conventional WD hitch. But as you pointed out, you have NO storage ahead of the TT axles, which makes proper loading somewhat problematic. You also have the rear storage for firewood and generator for boondocking, which you say is mostly how you like to camp. Not "needing" an HA leaves you a constant slave to weight/balance, whereas the HA gives you the flexibility to load the TT the way you want to use it and not have to worry about sway, regardless of how the TT is loaded.
As you are finding out, the design and floorplan of some TTs makes it very difficult to get a good balance. Some TT's it's easy, others not so much. One of the reasons I got the HA was so I didn't have to break out a Sherline scale and measure TW every time I packed the TT.
We just dry camped for 10 days, and had to tow about 50 miles to the Love's on the way home to dump the tanks, which are behind the axles. Lantley is right, you can feel a difference in how the TT handles with a lighter tongue, but IT STILL WON'T SWAY. I was towing 65-70 in a very stiff crosswind and had no hints of sway or any wagging by the TT. Set up the TT and try it with the HA, then add that rear rack with firewood and genny and you'll see what I mean.
Since you are new to the HA world, be sure to have a good brake controller and adjust the TT brakes to slightly "lead" the truck brakes. You'll see what I mean when you see the hitch. If the truck slows before the TT, the TT will come forward on the cams and "bump" the truck. This is the one downside to the HA, the hitch needs to remain in tension between the truck and trailer. If you feel a "bump" like the TT pushing the truck forward when you brake, then dial up the TT brakes.
Zeppe807 wrote:
I could have measured a chevy, but those are not real trucks, so didn't bother.
Man that was cold.... :B
I like your message, and agree with you. I look forward to trying this out.
And the only reason I know my dodge is a real truck, is because of the cost of all the repairs! ;)
Thanks for your opinion... I really value EVERYONES opinion here.
Joe Zeppe
