New Truck-New Camper-New Question

[GUNNERS_MOM]

Once again we come to the experts for direction. After years of towing a 5th wheel with a GMC 3500 dually, we have downsized! Need direction on purchasing a weight distribution hitch. The salesman for the truck stated that the 2015 Silverado has its own built in sway control????. He even stated that using a separate anti sway system could impact the built in system causing it to "work against each other" We were looking at purchasing a Equal-i-zer 4 point sway control hitch. Would appreciate your opinions. Was the salesman correct? Anyone out there used this hitch?

[JBarca]

GUNNERS MOM wrote:
The truck is a 1500 with tow package, rated for 9000 lbs. Trailer is a Starcraft Airmaxx lite at 3200 lbs.

The Equalizer hitch should not interfere with the truck anti sway system. Do not know how up to speed your salesmen was. While your camper is small, GM made the truck to handle a lot bigger camper where GM recommends a WD hitch when loaded tongue weights exceed the weight carrying ability of the truck receiver in weight carrying mode. GM also encourages the use and a sway control hitch with any trailer. See page 9-89 and 9-90 in your 2105 Silverado manual.

GM stated wrote:
Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/834009/Chevrolet-Silverado-2015.html?page=363#manual

Now to your situation and a WD hitch on "your" trailer.

All you stated was "3200# Star Craft Air Maxx" It is one of these single axle campers?
http://starcraftrv.com/light-weight/ar-one/standards-and-options/

They make 2 models that have a max GVWR of 3,200# (Gross weight once loaded). Which model are you looking at? They do make some that are longer and a little heavier, all within you truck's ability but maybe a different size hitch setup.

If yours is one of them the loaded tongue weight may be low enough weight distribution may not be needed but sway can could be a good thing to have.

There is a concern on a camper that small, will the A frame support a WD hitch? Meaning will the A frame (trailer hitch) not be damaged using a WD hitch?

Better call Star Craft and ask to be sure so you do not damage the camper. I am not trying to talk you out of the WD hitch, just to make sure you do not damage your new camper by accident.

Equal-I-zer does make a 400# tongue weight rated WD hitch with the anti-sway in it. That size would align with a 3,200# camper. If your trailer frame can handle a WD hitch, that would be the size as the next one up is the 1,000# rated one and that is too big.

Pending the trailer, as was said by another poster, you can get a proper rated draw bar (no WD hitch) and add a friction sway control to it.

Hope this helps and good luck with your new camper and truck

John

[DutchmenSport]

The Equal-i-zer 4 point system is a weight Distribution system first. You should have a weight distribution system for your truck and trailer. The anti-sway feature in the system is simple friction resistance of the bars against the L-Bracket, instead of chains hanging down to the bars like a Reese old-style (which requires a separate sway control bar then). I do not see how the Equal-i-zer anti-sway (friction) feature would affect the anti sway feature in the truck.

From what I understand, he feature in the truck is designed to pulsate the brakes in the opposite way the rhythmic sway is occurring, thus, stopping the sway. The Equal-i-zer is designed to keep the sway from starting in the first place. The Equal-i-zer will react first (by simply friction). If sway would occur, then the truck will attempt to stop it.

With the Equal-i-zer, you have the best of both.... get the Equal-i-zer and drive comfortable!

I have the Equal-i-zer with a 35 foot trailer. To the best of my knowledge, I've never had sway, even in high winds. I've been pushed around, but not sway.

[lawnspecialties]

That's a light camper. If you stay local and don't do a whole of camping, I'd be fine with towing without the sway control. But if you're avid campers and/or travel some longer distances, its worth it.

The Equalizer is an awesome WD hitch.

[APT]

The electronic trailer sway control systems in some late model vehicles detect sway and attempts to regain control. The WHD with integrated sway control (like that Eq 4-pt) limits/reduced/eliminates sway from starting. Which do you think is better?

[noteven]

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[GUNNERS_MOM]

The truck is a 1500 with tow package, rated for 9000 lbs. Trailer is a Starcraft Airmaxx lite at 3200 lbs.

[Calicajun]

Get the hitch, your salesman is not an RVer.

[donn0128]

What model truck and how big a trailer?