Reese WD & dual cam chain setup

Safari64 · 03-14-2006, 03:00 PM

Ok, I bought the Reese WD hitch & dual cam sway setup, glad I did. Thanks for the help sorting it out. It mounted fine.

Which link in the chain should be used?

Does it change depending on tow vehicle, AS weight , which link makes TV level, etc?
Instructions simply state: Pull chain vertical and place link on hook of snap up bracket.

Thanks, Safari64

61Overlander · 03-14-2006, 03:05 PM

I have the same Reese hitch, love it. I use the 5th or 6th link on the chain. The more links the more weight you are shifting toward the front axle of the tow vehicle. I played around until both trailer and tow vehicle were perfectly aligned and level.

Gunnyusmc · 03-14-2006, 03:06 PM

You use as many or few links as needed too get tow vehicle and trailer level.

Don

Gunnyusmc · 03-14-2006, 03:08 PM

You use as many or few as needed too level trailer and tow vehicle.
Adjust by trial and error.

Don

davidh · 03-14-2006, 03:14 PM

I also use the 5th link on mine. thats what the hitch company that I bought from said to use, and I also haul a 800 lb Harley Davidson in the box of the truck. truck and trailer are nice and leval, from ground to fender wheel well the front sit's 1" lower than the rear when in the 5th link.

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Steve Heywood · 03-14-2006, 05:01 PM

It's a bit more complex than just getting the rig level. With regards to the Dual-Cam I think Reese assumes that your basic hitch is adjusted correctly BEFORE you install the Dual-Cam unit.

If you look on my photo page you'll see a photo of a correctly adjusted Reese HP Trunnion hitch with a Dual-Cam.

**CanoeStream** · 03-14-2006, 05:47 PM

What are you saying??? Intrasectionalitypersonalizingwha?

Anyway... Safari 64, assuming you have the top of the hitch ball adjusted to the height specified for your trailer (do you have the manual..?), post a photo of your TV & trailer from the side on this thread with about 4 or 5 links engaged. Then PM Jack Canavera and ask him to comment. Capiche?

jimmickle · 03-14-2006, 06:28 PM

I recommend that you follow the reese instructions for setting ball height, head angle and dual cam link location. The complete instructions can be downloaded from the reese site, www.reeseprod.com
Be sure to measure accurately and you should have no problems. Don't depend on Airstream's dimension for ball height. Get the trailer level and measure it yourself. Airstream's dimension was almost two (2) inches off on my 2002 Safari!

**CanoeStream** · 03-14-2006, 07:25 PM

Good one Jim -- Also... without the trailer hitched, measure to the top of the wheel well sheet metal over front & back tires on your tow vehicle. When WD is properly distributing weight to the front wheels, the TV should settle relatively evenly after the trailer is hitched & WD is engaged. For instance if it is 27"at front and 29" at the back to the measure point before hitch & WD is engaged, and then is 25.5" and 27.5" front and back after -- you'd be balancing this out properly. Am I making this clear?

My GMC manual maybe explains that better. Ask back at this thread and I'll run grab it and explain it in their terms too if you need.

overlander64 · 03-14-2006, 08:22 PM

Greetings Safari64!

Something else that comes into play with the Reese Dual Cam setup is selection of the proper weight distribution bar rating, particularly if your tow vehicle is has heavy duty suspension. When I tow my '78 Minuet (3,200 pounds maximum Gross Weight/550 pounds gross hitch weight) with the K2500 Suburban, I utilize a pair of 350 pound weight distribution bars from my days with a special light-weight Reese setup from the 1980s -- without these lighter bars, it was virtually impossible to get enough tension on the Dual Cam system for it to operate properly (I have 600 pound weight distribution bars that I utilize when towing with the Cadillac). I would echo the suggestions to utilize the Reese setup instructions when adjusting the tension on the weight distribution bars.

I am sure that you will enjoy your Dual Cam System once it is completely adjusted!

Kevin

davidh · 03-14-2006, 08:28 PM

Here check this site out read thru it and you will understand how to set it up,
http://site.drawtite.com/WeightDistr...wayControl.pdf

Safari64 · 03-14-2006, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the help.
Yes Norm it's Walter, confused again. But getting ready to roll if spring ever arrives. You guys helped me sort it out, again.

Manual?? What manual? No really, what is proper height for trailer tongue for 64 Safari? “Level” or an actual measurement?

I downloaded (and read) the Reese/Drawtite instructions. I leveled the trailer and measured to top of ball socket. It all makes sense now. Chain link #5. TV front/rear within ¼”.

I was having a hard time leveling out trailer and TV, but duh, the Safari is sitting on 3 inches solid ice and TV isn't, its on 1.5” packed snow. I’ll remeasure/tighten everything on solid/ flat before hitting highways.

Perhaps I should try reading the instructions before I fly the Cessna again, eh?

If only the 9 grizzly bears we GPS collared this year came with instructions! Or a forum!!

What do you use to lube trunnions/hitch ball? or do you?

Thanks for the help,
Walter

C Johnson · 03-14-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftwood

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HUH !?!?