Is it safe…

[callmedave]

Is it safe to tow an AS for a short distance without a WD/anti-sway hitch?

The AS dealer closest to us wants $1100.00 to install an Equal-i-zer Hitch.
I found a website where I can purchase one for ~ $600 with free shipping.
Being mechanically inclined, I feel I can install it myself(there are several how-to videos on Youtube).

I have no doubt that the dealer won't let me install it on their lot, so I would have to get it home with only the factory hitch.
We live about 40 miles away and would be able to avoid the highway.
What do you think, firstly about towing, secondly about doing it myself?
Thanks,
Dave

[Stefrobrts]

You will need to let folks know how big a trailer you are towing, and what you are towing it with.

[lsbrodsky]

Your dealer should be flogged! My dealer installed a ProPride at no charge because I purchased a trailer from him. Nevertheless, I cannot see why such a short trip would be a problem if you are within the ratins of your tow vehicle.
Larry

[wahoonc]

I have pulled both of my vintage 31' trailers up to 70 miles on a bumper hitch, however I was using an F-350 and it barely dropped the rear of the truck. I towed only on back roads at less than 60 mph on a dry, clear, calm day.

If you are at all mechanically inclined setting up a WDH is not a big deal. I have set up more than a few after the so called "experts" didn't set them up correctly.

Aaron

[jcanavera]

If you are staying off the highway, sway wouldn't be much of an issue. What is of concern is towing without a weight distribution system. Keep in mind that most hitch platforms are rated less when pulling without weight distribution. For example my platform on my van is rated 200 lbs. less if the hook up is "weight carrying" rather than "weight distributing". Check the sticker on your hitch on your tow vehicle or look for it to be embossed in the hitch area. If you have a bumper hitch, again check that weight limit. If you have a receiver type setup, check for the rating on the receiver and on the tow bar and ball. Look for the "weight carrying" rating. Not the distributing rating.

I know when I bought my trailer after the negotiations were done, I then asked if he would sell and install my Equal-i-zer at his cost. At the time it was about $700 and that included the hitch and a new receiver. My van came with a factory hitch that was rated for 1,000 lbs weight distribution. My Classic slide out about 1,300 lbs hitch weight so I had to go with a Class V rated setup.

Jack

[callmedave]

Thanks for the replies.

We'll probably be getting a GMC 2500HD for our TV.

Anyone know if the receiver height on the 2500 will be too high for this one-time tow?

[moosetags]

The Equalizer has an adjustable height ball. So, the tow vehicle's receiver height is not usually and issue.

Since we still don't what kind of trailer you will be towing, we can't really counsel you on the weight distribution issue. If you're picking up a 16' Bambi, it's probably doable. On the other hand, if you're picking up a 34' triple axle, you may have some tongue weight issues.

Brian

[Antique Pedaler]

Originally Posted by callmedave

Thanks for the replies.

We'll probably be getting a GMC 2500HD for our TV.

Anyone know if the receiver height on the 2500 will be too high for this one-time tow?

I got a shank and ball with a 2" drop from the farm store to tow the trailer between storage to the house. Otherwise I installed the Equal-I-zer on our 2 current trailers myself....really very straight forward with the factory owner's manual. The big thing is to get the model a step lighter than what the factory recommends to avoid over stressing the trailer. I read Inland RV Andy's discussions on this.

[dwightdi]

If you get the Equalizer hitch before you pick up the trailer, it only takes 15 mins. to put on the two A frame clips on the trailer. You could also tow with the Equalizer head without installing the clips, until you take it home or someplace to take the time to put the clips on. Your truck should be stiff enough to not bottom out without the bars installed.

[m.hony]

How would they prevent/stop you from installing the hitch on their lot? I traded in a pickup one time and removed all of my custom stereo equipment right there in front of the show room. Btw my Equal-I-Zer hitch was thrown in with the deal and installed for me by the dealer at no charge.

[MaxTow]

I installed the hitch for my previous trailer (also an equalizer) in the RV dealer's parking lot. I had done enough research that I knew the height of the hitch on the trailer, and I knew the receiver height of the TV. I had the head of the hitch all set up so that when I picked up the trailer it took all of 30 minutes to hook up the angle brackets on the A-Frame.

It was pretty straight forward. And this was a first time install on a brand new trailer with absolutely no experience on my part.

The internet is your friend - you can talk to folks with exactly the same TV and Trailer to get the right height measurements and configure the set-up.

You will likely need to fine tune the set-up - but mine was certainly good enough out of the gate.

[callmedave]

OK, thanks folks. I guess I'll have to re-post this question when we decide on the model AS.

But in the mean time, I'll try to negotiate a WD/A-S hitch into the deal so I won't have this problem.

Should I go for the AIRSAFE hitch set-up while I'm at it(& how much $ is it)?

Thanks all,
Dave

[heslinhotel]

As long as you are NOT a novice in towing I would think you would have no problem towing a AS. If you are towing with an F-250 I would expect no problems either. That being said I would caution you on weather conditions and Mtns (Hills in MA). I tow every day with a F-250 and tow a debris trailer that weighs up to 7.5 tons with no anti-sway set up. I brought home (450mi) my first AS (International 31) with a F-150 without WD hitch or brake controller straight down the smokies with no trouble. Just remember to stay in slow lane and let the other nuts just pass you. Hope all goes well
Steve

[cwf]

Here is a 2500HD, 2012 Chebby and 1999 34' Excella.

[LFC]

A suitable hitch can be found for allot less than $600.

800 TW 10K Round Bar Weight Distribution Distributing Trailer Hitch w Shank | eBay

[OB Bambi]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ead-98886.html

This thread has everything you could want to know about Equalizer. One thing that is contained is that most dealers install it wrong---running the gas line between the frame and the bolt on the right side bracket. If you don't have anything else to do for the next...say 4 hours, knock yourself out reading this.

Randy Bowman

[Drathaar]

Find a new dealer. If you're buying from them, the set up should be free.