Equal-i-zer 400/4000 on Bambi 16

[norcal bass]

Another question for you experts out there:

What are your thoughts on using the lightest Equal-i-zer ... the 400/4000 for my setup?

2011 full sized Toyota Tundra
2014 16 Bambi (3,500 GVWR, 350 lb tongue weight)

Idea here based on other responses I've received is to not overstress the trailer with the heavier, stiff 600 Equalizer. Also, since minimal to no WD is needed on my particular TV/AS combo, I am just looking for the Equalizer's added sway control help.

I called Equal-i-zer and they said the 400 is fine, but thought the 600 might give more breathing room. Thoughts?

Thanks.

[RUMSHIP]

With your truck 400 will be good. You could use the 600 if your towing with a lighter vehicle.

[mojo]

You could get by with just a friction sway bar unless you are carrying a lot of stuff in trailer or truck.

[RUMSHIP]

Yes but using the bars will help stabilize the rig going down the road. It helps make the two vehicles one. It helps take the bounce out on bumpy roads.

[LFC]

That set up sounds perfect.

[Sro]

I have a similar question: 16' bambi with a short wheelbase Land Rover Defender 90. Should I go with the equalizer 600, given the short wheelbase? I'd like to use the 400 if I can get away with it.

Also, I'll frequently want to take the bambi up dirt roads for light off-roading. In those situations I'll need actuation in the joint. Is the equalizer easy to disconnect? What about the reese trunnion bar w/ dual cams and the propride 3P? I've heard good things about the later two. I'm considering both (even though the 3P seems ridiculously expense) but I want to make sure they're easy to disconnect on the road if needed.

[RUMSHIP]

Rease would disconnect the easiest of the 3.

[gmw photos]

Another option would be the BlueOx Swaypro. Bars can be spec'd as light as 350 pounds. Very easy to connect and disconnect.
I would weigh the trailer to find out what the tongue weight really is, if it were mine.

Edit: As an example, 3500 times a typical 13% tongue weight is 455 pounds.

[Antique Pedaler]

I use the 400 on the Bambi and adjust it so there is barely any lift really only providing sway control. I use a 600 on the 25' FC. Sounds too light? The TV
is a Dmax.

[Sro]

Okay, so it sounds like I should use a 400-600lb sway control for my TV (Land Rover Defender 90). Any guidance on if I should go for 400 or 600 given how light the 16' Bambi is (3500 lbs loaded)?

Also, I'm thinking that I won't get weight distribution because with that setup it doesn't seem like I really need it. Is that correct? If that's the case I might get something simple like a sway control bar: Camco 57521 RV Olympian Adjustable Sway Bar Control : Amazon.com : Automotive

[norcal bass]

Sro -

I think the 400 is probably good for you if you go with the Equal-i-zer. Not sure the towing capacity / tongue capacity on the Defender, but that is a pretty beefy offroad vehicle with probably relatively stiff suspension. If you are looking for a little more give, then the 400 probably is best. If you really don't want any WD capability, then a sway only option would be good. No WD would potentially give you a little more ground clearance although towing an airstream offroad isn't exactly the ideal setup for ground clearance ... I guess you can always raise the trailer too ... saw a few posts on that.

Like you probably saw, I am running the 400 equal-i-zer on my 16 with a full sized Toyota Tundra. So far, so good. Light bars, doesn't ride stiff, & easy to hitch up and go.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Sro

I have a similar question: 16' bambi with a short wheelbase Land Rover Defender 90. Should I go with the equalizer 600, given the short wheelbase? I'd like to use the 400 if I can get away with it.

Think of the physics... The shorter the wheelbase the easier it is to transfer weight to the front axles.