Hi everyone. We just bought our first TT (Rockwood Ultra Lite) and are wondering which stabilization hitch to go with. The gentleman at the dealer gave us two options - a two-way hitch (that eliminates up-down sway) and a four-way hitch (that eliminates both up-down and side-to-side). We're willing to pay extra for the four-way (such as an Equalizer), but are wondering if the difference is noticeable/worth it? The dealer said with the two-way we'd feel it when a semi passed us (and get a "white knuckle" feeling briefly), but didn't necessarily think the four-way hitch was worth the extra money. I'm curious as to what you guys think. Thanks in advance, and I apologize if I'm not explaining this well or using incorrect terminology. As I mentioned, we're newbies!

What you're talking about is a weight distribution system and some like the Equal-i-zer include sway control as a function of the design so no separate friction sway bar is required. It would help if you provided details as to just which vehicle you intend to tow with and the specific trailer you've purchased. For many situations though you couldn't really go wrong with an Equal-i-zer.

I am picking up a Lance 1575 on Saturday and based on the advice here, I am getting the Equal-i-zer! I think it will be a good investment. I am pulling with a 2005 V8 4Runner with a 7,000lb towing capacity and a weight-distributing hitch that can take a tongue weight of around 1,100 lbs, if I remember correctly. Th dealer said I would probably be okay with just a simple sway control. I wasn't sure so I guess I will err on the side of caution since the 4Runner does have a relatively short wheelbase.

You don't say how big your trailer is, and that could influence your decision. Basically, the bigger it is the more you need maximum control. I have a load equalizing hitch and a separate sway control for my 29' trailer. I would not take it 10 miles without it. I did drive it home from the lot, but I told my DW that would be the last trip without it (8 miles). The 4 way hitch is the cadillac, but I believe it has a slight disadvantage over what I have, if you encounter slick roads. The lateral sway control should be released on slick roads, and the 4 way control may be difficult to eliminate the lateral control without removing the vertical control also?

The TT is 5400 pounds dry and 6600 fully loaded. I have a 150 5.4 V8. Thanks for all the comments so far!

The sales guy needs to go back to hitch training school if he's calling them "stabilization" hitches, and "2-way" or "4-way" hitches.In many years of RVing and reading countless forums, I've never heard those terms used to describe hitches.

Stabilization Bar | Good Sam Community

Chandne
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
I have been towing my Lance 1575 with the E2 and my V8 4Runner. It tows well and except for an occasional pop or clank, it is relatively quiet. The Lance coupler is another story but I have no sway or rear-end sag on the 4Runner. I'm very happy with it so far. I'm just wondering if I should pick up a couple of extra pins- the L-shaped silver thingies that keep the bars in.
yillb
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
trail-explorer wrote:
The sales guy needs to go back to hitch training school if he's calling them "stabilization" hitches, and "2-way" or "4-way" hitches.

In many years of RVing and reading countless forums, I've never heard those terms used to describe hitches.

The Equilizer hitch literally says " 4-way" on it, the newer models even say " 4-point" , not sure what the salesman said incorrectly ?
Fred13
Explorer
Feb 23, 2017
I am getting rid of my 4 point Equalizer hitch. I am tired of having parts breaking every year and having to wait 6-8 weeks for new ones. One thing Equalizer have is a good warranty. So far I have had all the brackets replace on the trailer (some more than once), the shank, the head, the pieces that the bars slide into into the head. Only thing that is original are the bars. I have been to numerous Equalizer service centers to check my set-up and found nothing wrong. When the hitch is not broken, it does works well.
Hannibal
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
When we bought our Jayco 28RLS last year, I ordered a Reese HP trunion style hitch and set it up myself. It has cams integrated into the spring arms so I can add the sway control arms if I ever feel the need. I would recommend going with the Equalizer for a first timer. Wind and passing trucks can be pretty unnerving to a new tower. If the noise of the Equalizer is bothersome, a drop of oil will quiet it down and only slightly reduce its effectiveness. We've been towing something or another for almost 40 years. Never reduce tongue weight to accommodate a light tow vehicle. The results are not pretty.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
Caleb O wrote:
The trailer is a Rockwood Ultra Lite.

Talk about extracting teeth! What model, what year? :h

You can't possibly select a correctly sized weight distribution system without knowing what the trailer's average gross weight may be loaded & ready to camp and therefore what it's average gross tongue weight will be. :R
Caleb_O
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
allen8106 wrote:
Caleb O wrote:
The TT is 5400 pounds dry and 6600 fully loaded. I have a 150 5.4 V8. Thanks for all the comments so far!

Hey Caleb, cut to the chase. Help us out here...what travel trailer are you planning to tow? Brand and model would help a lot.

When I towed a TT I had a weight distribution and sway control setup like the one below with duel sway bars because I was towing 32'. I never left home without it.

The trailer is a Rockwood Ultra Lite.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
allen8106 wrote:
When I towed a TT I had a weight distribution and sway control setup like the one below with duel sway bars because I was towing 32'. I never left home without it.

No doubt you'll disagree but if that Equal-i-zer had been properly set up you wouldn't have needed to use a separate friction sway bar. After all, that's one it's main selling points as an integrated WD / sway control system. ;)
allen8106
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
Caleb O wrote:
The TT is 5400 pounds dry and 6600 fully loaded. I have a 150 5.4 V8. Thanks for all the comments so far!

Hey Caleb, cut to the chase. Help us out here...what travel trailer are you planning to tow? Brand and model would help a lot.

When I towed a TT I had a weight distribution and sway control setup like the one below with duel sway bars because I was towing 32'. I never left home without it.
Chandne
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017
The fresh water tank is right in front of the axle and most of the storage is too. However, apparently the weight is well centered on this Lance. I'm leaning towards the E2 and not just a simple sway control. That will be a waste of money.
rbpru
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2017
Our dealer installed a Blue Ox hitch as part of the sale. I has the sway control built into the design. Every deal has their own favorite WD hitch.

We pull a 25 ft. 6200 lbs. across the scales TT with 750 lbs. on the tongue with no difficulties.

With a properly installed hitch, white knuckle situations are often a function of the driver. Some folks are bothered by truck and wind buffets other just take it as part of towing a barn behind you.

I have been forced to exit the Interstate a time or two so I could drop my speed to 30 or 35 mph. because of high winds. One time we were wind bound it a camp ground because of 60 mph gust with and 45 mph sustained winds. However these occurrences are very rare.

If you are sensitive to wind or truck buffets and you expect to tow a lot, ask the dealer if the hitch will eliminate them. Then you can decide if you want to spend the extra bucks.

Also see if you have to unhook them before you can back into the campsite.

Good Luck