It's Time to Buy That Hitch

[Ag'71]

Hi, I'm new to the forums and to Airstream. I've got a 1971 Overlander and a 2007 Suburban. The TV is a 5.3L Vortec V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode. It's got premium smooth ride suspension, autotrac transfer case, 17" wheels and a 3.73 rear axle ratio. The GVW rating is 7400 lbs. The AS weight is 4600 lbs.
Ok, so now I need a hitch. I want to be safe with weight distribution and sway control but I don't what to spend $1000. What are your recommendations?
Thanks from the newbie!!

[68 TWind]

I would look at two. Reese strait line dual cam and the Equalizer brand. Don't think you could go wrong with either. Many, many posts as two the merits of each. Both are proven by time.

[tphan]

If you are looking to get something inexpensive yet capable, try looking on Ebay. You may see some new ones from manufacturers like Curt or Reese for a few hundred $, or less. Before you buy one, from wherever, read some of the hitch threads here so you have an understanding of some of the things to look for in a new hitch, one of them being the weight rating of the flex bars. Read first, then shop! -tim

[Lumatic]

I have an old Reese WD hitch with 2 sets of bars I used it with my F250, my Suburban, my Sovereign and my Tradewind before I got my new hitch. It is generally a good hitch but missing the tongue brackets for the chains and few minor pieces. It has a welded head set for the level of the Burb and F250. You could have the whole thing for $100. You pay the shipping.

[memgrove2000]

I suggest you call around the area to the hitch shops and ask them if they have any used setups. Here they take trade ins when they can re sell them. They will also be able to tell you ones to stay away from. Be sure to tell them you are looking for used from the start and you will get better results.

[69AirDream]

Just wondering what you ended up with for your '71 Overlander's hitch. We're newbies too. Have an '07 Expedition for TV and need to put a hitch on it. We have a '69 Overlander and live in Springfield, MO. Itching to get it ready for the road and make the maiden voyage!

[BillTex]

Equalizer $399 shipped to your door from rvwholesalers.com

Bill

[69AirDream]

Thanks for the info, Bill. I noticed a couple of different Equalizers on their website. Is it the one that is now $459?

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by 69AirDream

Thanks for the info, Bill. I noticed a couple of different Equalizers on their website. Is it the one that is now $459?

Yes...wow! They finally went up in price! They had been at $399 for a long time...
Still the best price out there AFAIK.

Get the hitch ball from them also...it is a somewhat tricky shank to find other places.
When you put the ball on, peen the last thread pitch or put a weld bead on it...it will never come loose...

Bill

[69AirDream]

Thank you for the tips on the hitch ball. As I said, we're really green to all of this and your advise is much appreciated.

[69AirDream]

One more question that I'd like to run by you, please. There is a 1000/10000 and a 1200/12000 Equilizer available. The dry weight on the TT is 4525, the hitch wt is 490. The Expedition will pull 9100 lb. We don't anticipate pulling the TT with the fresh water or black water tanks filled. But, it could happen sometime, I suppose. In your opinion which of the two hitches would be best to purchase?

P.S. I found them for less money online at Dyer's RV.

[BillTex]

There are bars rated lighter than that, if you don't anticipate towing anything larger, I would go with the lighter rated bars.
I have towed from a 21' to a 28'er with the 1000# bars and never had a problem. Ever.
You can adjust the preload to what you need for your load and vehicle suspension as long as you don't exceed the rating for the bars.
There was a recent post by someone who tried to use bars to light for the load with a Reese hitch...one of the bars fractured.