Tow Hitch Feedback

[MikeCT]

Hi Everyone, Picking up our 2016 Classic 30J next month. Purchased it at Colonial in NJ (very nice folks). My only concern is that Dealer set me up with the "Equalizer Hitch" Dealer stated this hitch is fine for application and approved by Airstream.

However, I see most forum members recommend the more expensive ProPride or Hensley hitches.

Am I good with the Equalizer? Will not be going out west, and only vacation weekend use.

Thanks for your feedback. I want to make sure I buy the right hitch despite what the dealer says.

[Farmer Dan]

I have two Equalizer hitches, a 600# and a 1,000#, for my trailers. We pulled the 25' to AK last year and the 30' to SW FL for several years. The hitches work fine for me and are relatively easy to use. I like their performance. You should be ok for your travels with your hitch.

Dan

[Minno]

Oh my - you're going to open up a religious hitch debate here...

Many folks feel very strongly about their hitch set up, and how is the best one in the world. There are many threads on the various hitches - do a search on hitch name and you should find them. I think it's a personal choice as much as anything else. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them.

Having said that, we've used the Equalizer hitch for well over 25 years on various SOB trailers and now Little Girl. We love it. Last year, we added an air-safe to the Equalizer, and it really smoothed the ride out. Check out post #772 in our Little Girl Refurb thread if interested.

Go with what you feel comfortable with, and is easy for you to hitch up and un hitch. Make sure both of you can hitch and un-hitch.

Chris

[andreasduess]

Personally I would never tow with anything but a Hensley. Yes, it is more expensive, but look at the cost of your trailer and vehicle combined. Then it becomes a drop in the ocean.

This is not to say that other hitches are not any good, just that the Hensley, and competing hitches of the same design, do the best possible job eliminating all sway, under any conditions I have ever experienced, including heavy winds, heavy rain, narrow country highways and passing heavy traffic.

It's a really strange sensation actually - you feel the air from the 18 wheeler rushing by, but there's no movement in the rig itself. It just carries on, like on rails.

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

It's a really strange sensation actually - you feel the air from the 18 wheeler rushing by, but there's no movement in the rig itself. It just carries on, like on rails.

Mine does that too and it is not a PPP hitch. Been out here since last June in all kinds of weather traffic and road conditions. No sway. But, I have mine dialed in and the trailer is properly loaded.

[F450Harley]

Colonia sells Pro Pride too, so see if you can get a good bargain for one since you are yet to pick up ( if affordable) Your F150 will love the PP while swinging in and out on the GWB, I-95 or the Throgs Neck while going camping btw New England and NY. By the way, I'm not against equalizer hitch.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[moosetags]

We have always used a Hensley, and have been very satisfied with it. We have towed extensively (150,000+ miles) all over the United States. Since you are planning mostly local towing in the east, the Equalizer will probably fill the bill for you. The only other consideration is that you will be towing the heaviest new Airstream that there is (10,000 GVW) with a half ton truck. That may dictate taking a closer look at other hitch options.

Brian

[Bob662]

Neither Inland Andy nor Can Am Andy care for the Equalizer hitch, because of its (relatively) harsh ride and limited sway control, but many on this Forum have the equalizer and like it. So you puts up your money and takes your chances...

I thought Colonial was a fan of the Reece Dual Cam. I'm surprised they're suggesting the Equalizer.

[sheriff1]

I've had EZ-lift, Equalizer and Reese dual cam. The only one I DIDN'T like was the dual cam. Multiple tries by pros to adjust including much tinkering on my own never got rid of a constant hunting sensation. And that was with a F350 CC 4X4. I have never tried the others but if towing with a 1/2 ton I would step up.


Your opinion may differ...


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[jeff4506]

Doing fine with my new Equalizer.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

Personally I would never tow with anything but a Hensley. Yes, it is more expensive, but look at the cost of your trailer and vehicle combined. Then it becomes a drop in the ocean.

This is not to say that other hitches are not any good, just that the Hensley, and competing hitches of the same design, do the best possible job eliminating all sway, under any conditions I have ever experienced, including heavy winds, heavy rain, narrow country highways and passing heavy traffic.

It's a really strange sensation actually - you feel the air from the 18 wheeler rushing by, but there's no movement in the rig itself. It just carries on, like on rails.

What's your tongue weight like with the Hensley mounted, Andy? We start with a big TW and I don't think there's too much room to add any more weight, unless we ditch the spare wheel, which is always a possibility on a dual axle trailer.

[andreasduess]

I didn't connect to the tongue weight of the trailer, it comes in higher than I thought.

We run at about 750 to 800lbs fully loaded, but the triple axles are the lowest tongue weight (by percentage) of all Airstreams and we're hovering at the 10% mark.

[tjdonahoe]

I had a Hensley , with our new as we have a Reese cam, but we have a 3/4 ton dodge with a 6.7 and it does fine...