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help me decide on a new WDH

dolbsss
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all, my previous post was whether or not to buy a new WDH and after this past weekend my decision is set. I'm gonna buy a new one. I have a big trip coming up in August and I don't want the issues I've been having. So, I'm completely open to suggestions here. Let's start with facts.

I have a 2015 2500 HD 6.0L and a 2018 JayFlight SLX 284BHSW(6800lbs dry).

My truck does well with this camper with the old WDH when it was working right and didn't sway too badly when Johnny Semitruck went flying by me. That being said, this will probably be the last WDH I buy(previous was on its 3rd owner, round bar reece). So budget is flexible but I don't want to break the bank if possible. Let's hear your thoughts. Happy 4th all!
33 REPLIES 33

gmckenzie
Explorer
Explorer
drsteve wrote:
gmckenzie wrote:
I have an equalizer. Only downside to it is you can't play with it if you load differently. Once set up you can't just drop an extra chain link if you are towing with or without water. So is I tow with a full load of water, the truck squats a bit more than I like. I think the Blue Ox is better for this.

But this doesn't happen often for me so it isn't a big deal.


Sure you can. Just move the bar saddle on the trailer frame up or down. Each bolt hole gives you about a chain link worth of difference.


Isn't what I consider "playing" with it if I have to break out the wrench and breaker bar. It's nowhere near as simple as dropping a chain link.
2015 GMC Sierra 4x4 CC SB Max Trailer
2010 Cougar 30RKS

drsteve
Explorer
Explorer
gmckenzie wrote:
I have an equalizer. Only downside to it is you can't play with it if you load differently. Once set up you can't just drop an extra chain link if you are towing with or without water. So is I tow with a full load of water, the truck squats a bit more than I like. I think the Blue Ox is better for this.

But this doesn't happen often for me so it isn't a big deal.


Sure you can. Just move the bar saddle on the trailer frame up or down. Each bolt hole gives you about a chain link worth of difference.
2006 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab 2WD 6.0L 3.73 8600 GVWR
2018 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 223RBS
1991 Palomino Filly PUP

gmckenzie
Explorer
Explorer
I have an equalizer. Only downside to it is you can't play with it if you load differently. Once set up you can't just drop an extra chain link if you are towing with or without water. So is I tow with a full load of water, the truck squats a bit more than I like. I think the Blue Ox is better for this.

But this doesn't happen often for me so it isn't a big deal.
2015 GMC Sierra 4x4 CC SB Max Trailer
2010 Cougar 30RKS

samsontdog
Explorer
Explorer
I have the 4 point Equal-i-zer . I also have a Hensley that I do not use. I have used several different types over the last 55 years of towing and for me, the one I like the best is the Equalizer
samsontdog:o:W

Hondavalk
Explorer II
Explorer II
Happy with my Reese DC

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
I like the basic weight distribution hitch design with a friction sway control. Simple and easy to get parts for if you need them. With your truck that should be all you need.

I like the Equal-i-zer design too... same principle of friction sway control but it removes the inconvenience of the sway bars from the equation.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

owenssailor
Explorer
Explorer
I have Equalizer. After many thousands of miles I am still completely happy with it. No movement issues at all when semis go blasting by on interstates. I bought mine through an auto/truck accessory shop. Better price than an RV dealer.
2011 Jayco 28U
2012 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 6 spd 3.42 (sold)
2017 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 8 spd 3.42
Equal-i-Zer 1400/14000
RotoChocks

Campteacher
Explorer
Explorer
drsteve wrote:
I have a Husky Centerline TS--same design as the Equal-i-zer--and it works great. No sway, no movement from passing traffic or crosswinds, no problems. Easy to hitch up, no chains, mostly quiet. I'm happy with it.


I have the same hitch, and although I've only now towed once with it, my tow was 5 hours through up and down hills, traffic, high winds and lots of rain, and I have no complaints.

rangerjean
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you so much for the helpful...and speedy.. answer

drsteve
Explorer
Explorer
I have a Husky Centerline TS--same design as the Equal-i-zer--and it works great. No sway, no movement from passing traffic or crosswinds, no problems. Easy to hitch up, no chains, mostly quiet. I'm happy with it.
2006 Silverado 1500HD Crew Cab 2WD 6.0L 3.73 8600 GVWR
2018 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 223RBS
1991 Palomino Filly PUP

BarneyS
Explorer III
Explorer III
rangerjean,

No, they are not the same thing. WD refers to the bars distributing the weight off the rear axle and sending some of it back to the trailer and most to the front axle of the truck.

Sway control is controlling the horizontal movement of the trailer back and forth. To do that there needs to be some way of damping or preventing that movement. Since the WD bars are free to swing back and forth as much as they want, they in themselves do not prevent sway from occuring. They may help with the steering however as they replace the weight lost from the front axle of the truck when the tongue weight is place on the hitch. They are not considered a sway control device however.

Many modern hitches now incorporate sway contol with their WD bars however. Hitches like the Reese "Straight Line" or Dual Cam, the Equal-i-zer, the Blue Ox :Sway Pro: and others are very popular and work quite well.

So no, the WD bars are not sway control devices unless the hitch manufacturer makes them a part of the sway control capabilities of the hitch.

I would encourage you to use the WD bars when you tow the travel trailer even though you have stout truck. You will find that they give you a better ride, even out the bumps, and help you steer your truck the way it was designed to steer.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine

rangerjean
Explorer
Explorer
I hate to ask what may be a stupid question but oh well here goes. Years ago I had a heavy horse trailer and had bars installed on it (I think they were called e-z lift). Now I am pulling a 2018 Sonoma tt with a 3500 Chevy Dually and do not have the bars installed but still own the hitch.

Here is the question. Is weight distribution the same as anti sway bars.
I don't know if I need either or both??? We have taken a few trips and have had no issues but I want to understand this better.

NWnative
Explorer
Explorer
Blue Ox SwayPro.....easy hookup and performs as advertised.
2019 Ford F250 Lariat CrewCab Short Bed 4x4 - 6.2 Gas w/4.30 Axle
2016 Airstream Flying Cloud 30RB / Blue Ox Sway Pro / Rock Tamers
2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
My signature below says it all.

fireman41
Explorer
Explorer
If you only want to buy one last hitch get the Pro Pride, a d keep it for life. I got one this year and so far I'm convinced that it was worth the money.