purpose of the hitch attachment

[oldcar29]

I have a 1969 27' Overlander that came with a hitch attachment the owner called tortion stablizer I think.
Its heavy and has connections that go from the pivot back about 3 feet on each side. What is this for??
I have towed the trailer several hundred miles now and havent used this attachment.
It seems to tow fine.
Am I missing something here???
Thanks

[HowieE]

Depending on the weight and length of the trailer and the type of tow vehicle it is a good idea to use a weight distributing hitch. This type of hitch transfers some of the tongue weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle and some to the trailer axles. The reason to do this is to reduce potential swaying of the trailer.

I will not attempt to enplane in detail detail the method of adjusting but rather advise you to do a search on Weight distributing hitch, read through those and then come back with questions. Let me add do not go to a dealer for advise on this adjustment because I have never found a dealer that has any idea of how to set a WDH up correctly.

[moosetags]

We would need to see a picture of the unit to tell for sure. It sounds like weight distribution and/or sway control hitch system of some type.

Yes, you do need this properly installed and set up. The fact that you have towed without it and have had no problems is just luck on your part.

Brian

[overlander64]

Greetings oldcar29!

Originally Posted by oldcar29

I have a 1969 27' Overlander that came with a hitch attachment the owner called tortion stablizer I think.
Its heavy and has connections that go from the pivot back about 3 feet on each side. What is this for??
I have towed the trailer several hundred miles now and havent used this attachment.
It seems to tow fine.
Am I missing something here???
Thanks

It sounds like what you are describing may be twin friction sway control devices. While not a common practice, friction sway controls can be used in pairs. They also might be the bracket mounted Reese Dual Cams.

A friction sway control device is pictured below:




The older bracket type Reese Dual Cam Sway Controls are pictured below:



Good luck with the identification of your hitch components.

Kevin