Equilizer vs. Blue ox SwayPro?

[ericpatt]

We're leaving on a long trip(16+hrs) in a couple weeks. Currently have an equilizer hitch with 1200# bars. TT is a Salem 30KQBSS towed by a 2012 Surburban 2500. The equilizer works pretty well but I still get a little sway with heavy cross winds or when a semi passes. Usually cruise 65-70mph. Was thinking I needed bigger bars(1400#) to eliminate the sway. Called dealer and they advocated for me to switch to a Blue Ox Sway Pro. New bars are $2-300. New blue ox is close to $800.
What would you do?
Trailer dry weight is 6900#. Tongue weight, unloaded 900#. Loaded, I'm thinking it's closer to 8500# and 1200 tongue although I've never had it weighed. When connected, the truck & TT are level so I don't think its a set up issue...

Thoughts?

[Sjm9911]

BenK wrote:
As for the WD'ing of the TV's front axle...things have changed

First noticed it with the change to GMT800 and that the 4x4's front bumper stop is in constant contact with the lower link (A-Arm).

Then the other OEM's started changing their manual's recommendation on HOW2 WD the weight

So, recommend the OP check with their manual for their OEM's recommendation for how to finish adjusting their WD

Some say return the front axle weight to a +/- lbs of unweighted

Others say to return the front fender height to a +/- of unweighted

I used to use 'even drop' when WD'ing and still do for my GMT400 and would NOT do so with newer TV's. Just follow the OEM's manual recommendation

I didn't see that in my manual ,but i could have skipped it because my TT is lighter and dosen't need the wdh. I basicly use it for sway controll so its set with just a bit of pressure. Good to know.

[BenK]

As for the WD'ing of the TV's front axle...things have changed

First noticed it with the change to GMT800 and that the 4x4's front bumper stop is in constant contact with the lower link (A-Arm).

Then the other OEM's started changing their manual's recommendation on HOW2 WD the weight

So, recommend the OP check with their manual for their OEM's recommendation for how to finish adjusting their WD

Some say return the front axle weight to a +/- lbs of unweighted

Others say to return the front fender height to a +/- of unweighted

I used to use 'even drop' when WD'ing and still do for my GMT400 and would NOT do so with newer TV's. Just follow the OEM's manual recommendation

[goducks10]

Measure the front fender well before hitching and after dropping the coupler on the ball without the spring bars connected.
So unloaded you have 40"
Hitched without spring bars you have 41"
Attach the spring bars and try and bring the front back to as close but not under 40"

Above is a generic example of returning the front back to what the manufacture recommends. Each manufacture has their own criteria.

[Sjm9911]

Hes refering to your suburban front wheels and the wdh. When ajusting it you need to take measurements so the front isnt light. So , when you get the weight distributed corectly so the front of you TV isnt up in the air from all the weight on the hitch.

[ericpatt]

goducks10 wrote:
I've used both and neither is any better. I'm currently using a BO with a 31' 9600 lb TT with a 1350 lb tongue weight. Towing with a 3500 SRW. I still get some wiggle.

You TT is a big load for a 2500 Burb.
$800 is too much for the BO. You can buy one off Amazon for $630.
I'd buy the 1400 bars and crank em down till you get the front of the Burb right.

Thanks for all your insights.
"front of the burb right"? What are you referring to?

[fx2tom]

Personally I'd stick with the Equali-I-Zer hitch and nail down loading and tongue weight. I don't think you're going to gain anything by switching out hitches. If you were using the old chain and sway bar set up I'd say to upgrade.

[Lantley]

I felt no sway with my Hensley I feel no sway with my fiver. sway is not merely feeling the wind.
Sway is when the trailer reacts differently than the tow vehicle. The motion or different reaction of the trailer impacts the tow vehicle.
With a Hensley the trailer and TV move as one unit there is no wiggle or sway involved.
When the wind blows or a truck passes there is no wiggle or impact felt by the driver. Which is why Hensley makes there no sway claim.

[valhalla360]

Lantley wrote:
If you want no sway you will need to step up to a Propride or Hensley
Both are expensive but they work. No sway is attainable with those premium hitches.
Friction based hitches really don't compare if you are truly seeking no sway.

Even with the top of the line hitches, you can feel some sway. Even 5th wheels and MH's get some in a strong cross wind.

The question for the OP is the sway normal or excessive. A little sway isn't a big deal and is to be expected.

[Sjm9911]

I would look onto packing and weight distribution first. Then tires and pressures in the TV and the trailor. Dosen't sound like that much weight, but some things sway more then others depending on how there built. A little push now and then from a 18 wheeler isnt that bad, as long as its just a little.

[Lantley]

If you want no sway you will need to step up to a Propride or Hensley
Both are expensive but they work. No sway is attainable with those premium hitches.
Friction based hitches really don't compare if you are truly seeking no sway.

[goducks10]

I've used both and neither is any better. I'm currently using a BO with a 31' 9600 lb TT with a 1350 lb tongue weight. Towing with a 3500 SRW. I still get some wiggle.

You TT is a big load for a 2500 Burb.
$800 is too much for the BO. You can buy one off Amazon for $630.
I'd buy the 1400 bars and crank em down till you get the front of the Burb right.

[valhalla360]

In strong cross winds or semis passing fast, trailers will sway a bit. The question is...is it excessive.

Based on your numbers, it sounds like you have the correct hitch setup but you don't know for sure.

If you can take it to a nearby truck stop and weigh it. It's something like $14 to weigh and then $2.50 for a reweigh (so should be around $20 total). Go loaded as if you are heading out on a trip.
- Make the first pass fully loaded an hooked up.
- Do a reweigh with the bars disconnected (ideally on the Aframe but not a huge issue if you have to put them in the back of the truck.
- Then park the trailer and weigh the truck.

Now you know all the weights and you don't have to guess.

[carringb]

The Blue Ox will ride better because of its tapered bars. And it doesn’t make noise. But it won’t control sway any better.

If you’re really 8,500 loaded you probably need more to tongue weight.

[jdc1]

Nothing is going to fix it. That trailer is a long sail moving at 55 mph.