Undersize WD hitch

[csjag1]

This afternoon, we took delivery of our new Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS. When we ordered it about 2-1/2 weeks ago, I asked specifically for the Equal-i-zer hitch to be installed. With of GVWR of 10,995 lbs, and a hitch weight (est) of 1,065 lbs, I assumed that the hitch used would be the model rated at 1,200 lbs/12,000 lbs.

When our new rig was brought down to us, it had a Fastway E2 round bar hitch, rated at 1,000/10/000 lbs. I did not notice the decreased weight rating on the hitch until we got it home. I did notice that for a hitch rated for "sway control", there was quite a bit more sway that I had hoped for. I called the sales rep where we bought our GD and told him of the hitch problem. He was wrapping up for the day and asked me to call him @ 9:00 on Monday, and he would find out why the installer had used the hitch that he did.

I feel that the hitch installed is undersized for the weight of my GD (tow vehicle is 2016 Silverado 2500 /Duramax.) I don't want to be pushing the weight limits on my hitch if there is no need to.I would hate to be hundreds of miles away from home only to have the hitch fail from undersized. We plan to keep this rig for quite a while.

Should I insist that the proper rated hitch be installed or live with what I've got? There is more sway than I think should be present, and does not make for a comfortable driving scenario.What do some of you all think?

[Hannibal]

That's fantastic! You can't argue with success. Now the only thing you need to do is enjoy the ride. Beware the hitch can groan while backing into your site or while making sharp turns. If it's bothersome, a drop of oil on the friction points will quiet it down and only slightly affect sway control. Glad they did the right thing for you!

[owenssailor]

I'm glad everything has worked out well for you. Safe travels and happy camping.

[csjag1]

Problem solved! Friday, the sales rep called and said that the requested Equal-i-zer 1400 was in and when did we want to come in and get it put on?

Towed the GD to dealer this morning - same results as last week - front end of TV felt light, minor bumps in the road felt too strong and sway could be felt from time to time.

Took a service tech about 45 minutes to swap the E2 for the 1400 Equal-i-zer. Different tech than last week - he appeared to know quite a bit about what he was doing. We measured the truck height, how much rise was on the back end unloaded, leveled the trailer, and set the hitch height to what the tech though it should be. We ended up with the truck having a slight rise in the back vs perfectly flat, and the trailer having about 1/5 of a bubble lower on the tongue than level. I agreed that it looked good and we headed for home.

I could tell as soon as I hit the street that "something was different". A half mile later, I hit the interstate and let her roll up to about 65. WOW - what a difference. Except for seeing the trailer behind me and feeling the weight, it was like pulling nothing at all! The trailer was well behaved, no sway, no bounce - just smooth sailing. Passing big rigs on the road resulted in a tiny amount of pull - just barely enough to feel and certainly not bothersome. Bottom line is: the Equal-i-zer worked exactly as advertised and the tech who set it up certainly knew his stuff.

So, with all issues solved, the misses is "ready to go camping". I certainly cannot disagree with her. See y'all in the campground. Be safe.

[csjag1]

mkirsch wrote:


If you are experiencing true sway, all is not lost. At this point you have not loaded the trailer to camp, so it is a bit light on the tongue (barely 10%, most travel trailers need more). Once you've settled in, the trailer should have significantly more tongue weight, more in line with the 12.5% "ideal."

Problem with that is, even if it is empty weight ( and it's not anymore, as we have loaded "some stuff" in it, mostly on the kitchen area and about 120 lbs. on the front storage compartment, the hitch that the dealer installed on the GD is still rated for only 1,000 lbs. tongue weight.Total GVWR is 10,995. and my sticker empty weight is 9,214 lbs.

Bottom line - hitch is too light and will have to be replaces before we can start using our new GD.

[Hannibal]

Excellent post mkirsch and spot on.

[mkirsch]

On the subject of swaying, you should NOT be experiencing ANY sway even without any sway control.

First thing is you should determine if you actually have sway. A little bobble here and there is not sway. Any push-pull you feel from large vehicles passing is not sway. In a nutshell, anything that self-corrects is not sway.

Good sway control and weight distribution does help in these situations by keeping the truck and trailer more as a solid, rigid unit rather than an articulated combination of two separate vehicles. The truck and trailer are showing a "unified front" to the passing vehicles, rather than acting separately.

If you are experiencing true sway, all is not lost. At this point you have not loaded the trailer to camp, so it is a bit light on the tongue (barely 10%, most travel trailers need more). Once you've settled in, the trailer should have significantly more tongue weight, more in line with the 12.5% "ideal."

[burningman]

The hitch they blatantly ripped you off for is a cheaper one... definitely go back there and demand they give you what you bought. Shyster salesmen.

[csjag1]

Done - I told the sales rep exactly what I wanted and why. Gave him the part # just to make sure. Said he would get one ordered and let me know.
Still not sure how I ended up with the too light a hitch - he said there was a misunderstanding. Hope this clears it up.

[Hannibal]

I would insist on the Equalizer of a weight rating recommended by Equalizer as that's what you and the dealer agreed too. Too bad (I assume) it's not in writing. Use the safety argument with them and it is a legitimate and valid argument.
We tow our 32.5' TT without any sway control and no sway. Are you sure it's sway or just gusts and passing trucks pushing you around a little. For us, sway control was me telling my DW she can load all she wants into the trailer as long as it's in front of the axles. Get the proper hitch, keep the tongue heavy and enjoy your new TT.

[rexlion]

Another vote for the 1400 lb rated unit. Do not let them get off the hook. A dry hitch of 1065 lbs ("averaged weight", no less!) could easily reach 1400 lbs once you load your stuff and add LP, battery, water, etc. You need to weigh the tongue when loaded up, and you might actually have to do some repacking to balance it out. Pay attention to where the water tanks are located; a front-mounted fresh tank will be very problematic if you fill it up.

[csjag1]

bikendan wrote:
WAY too big of a trailer, for the E2.

make them give you the 4pt. Equal-i-zer.

Totally agree! The installer should have know better, given the weight of the trailer and listed tongue weight, that the round bar E2 is too small. I'll be calling the sales rep tomorrow morning and giving him specific part numbers for the hitch I want. I'll post back later with an update.

[LarryJM]

owenssailor wrote:
I would suggest the 1400/14000 rated Equal-i-zer hitch. the 1065 in the brochure is likely for an unloaded trailer. Your weight will easily climb over 1200 lbs.

I totally agree and even with the 1400lb Equal-i-zer you might still have to watch your tongue wt. somewhat since that's a heavy trailer.

Larry

[bikendan]

WAY too big of a trailer, for the E2.

make them give you the 4pt. Equal-i-zer.

[owenssailor]

I would suggest the 1400/14000 rated Equal-i-zer hitch. the 1065 in the brochure is likely for an unloaded trailer. Your weight will easily climb over 1200 lbs.