"Shocker" hitch?

[RobH41]

Anybody have any experience with the "Shocker" hitch ball mount? I've been in a conversation about it with a user that contends that it would replace an equalizer bar type hitch. I don't see how that would work, but thought I'd check with our community? Any comments?

http://shockerhitch.com/Receiver_Hitch.php

Thanks (I'm not planning on replacing my equalizer hitch with one!)

Rob

[wulfraat]

I don’t see any sway control or weight distribution incorperated into that hitch design. Looks like it’s designed for utility trailers that you tug around town for work at low speeds.

It’s basically the same as towing on the ball without WD or sway control. I wouldn’t do it even with my 2500.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

It's just a gimmick to reduce the "up and down" from the trailer. It does zero for WD. It also does zero for sway.

Bob

[DKB_SATX]

While I have no direct experience in this area, I know a couple of people who tow with AirSafe hitches. They provide that same up-and-down cushioning but allow the use of normal WD and sway control systems.

[Kevin245]

The Shocker hitch isn't a "gimmick" but it isn't designed to used with WD. The Air Safe unit provides pneumatic cushioning and has WD capability.

We picked up an Air Safe hitch a few years ago and it really eases the shock when towing over rough roads.

[wulfraat]

How does it transfer weight when the coupler can freely rotate around the ball? How is external leverage applied?

For all intensive purposes this looks to be a simple WC (weight carrying) hitch vs a WD (weight distribution) hitch.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by RobH41

Anybody have any experience with the "Shocker" hitch ball mount? I've been in a conversation about it with a user that contends that it would replace an equalizer bar type hitch....

It will not function as WD hitch as indicated in their website FAQ's http://shockerhitch.com/FAQs.php

[RobH41]

Yep...that's my take on it as well. I don't see any of the design physics that would allow it to replace and do the same function as a WD hitch system. I guess it would help some to help dampen vibration and jounce on really rough roads, but I see it more as a device looking for a buyer more than a any real necessary use for most trailer use.

[Dtrentr]

I use a shocker hitch with my F250 and 27fb. Works great for me.

[RobH41]

Originally Posted by Dtrentr

I use a shocker hitch with my F250 and 27fb. Works great for me.

So you don't use a WD hitch with your 27fb?

[Dtrentr]

Originally Posted by RobH41

So you don't use a WD hitch with your 27fb?

No I do not.

[Boog]

I just got back from a 1200 mile round trip (SC to FL) using my Shocker hitch and everything worked perfectly. Books and plastic utensils stayed exactly where I left them on the table, cushions never left the couch and there were no jolts and bouncing from the trailer to the truck or visa versa.
Here is what I posted about towing without a weight distributing hitch http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ml#post1926383 and here's proof that weight distribution can be done by effective loading of the tow vehicle: a 2001 2500HD Chevy regular cab long bed pulling a 2012 23D. Not everybody can get similar results because of their tow vehicle/trailer combo, but this set-up works well for me.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Boog

I just got back from a 1200 mile round trip (SC to FL) using my Shocker hitch and everything worked perfectly. Books and plastic utensils stayed exactly where I left them on the table, cushions never left the couch and there were no jolts and bouncing from the trailer to the truck or visa versa.

Impressive. How did you keep the trailer from going up and down over road imperfections? What tire pressure did you run? Did you take I-95 or I-75? I've done both and although I thought they were pretty good, every so often the trailer got a bounce from a road imperfection (often where repaired). Silverware stayed on the table?

[ROBERT CROSS]

The great thing about towing...... everyone can do it as their own way.

But my way is better.

Bob

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by Boog

I just got back from a 1200 mile round trip (SC to FL) using my Shocker hitch and everything worked perfectly. Books and plastic utensils stayed exactly where I left them on the table, cushions never left the couch and there were no jolts and bouncing from the trailer to the truck or visa versa.
Here is what I posted about towing without a weight distributing hitch http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ml#post1926383 and here's proof that weight distribution can be done by effective loading of the tow vehicle: a 2001 2500HD Chevy regular cab long bed pulling a 2012 23D. Not everybody can get similar results because of their tow vehicle/trailer combo, but this set-up works well for me.

Aside from weight distribution, how does this hitch do sway control?

[Boog]

The Shocker hitch doesn't have an active anti-sway component but it does keep everything smooth and stable. I do have a Hayes Sway Master electronic sway control unit on the trailer. I detected zero sway and barely a wiggle when big rigs passed me on the downhill.

[Boog]

The hitch didn’t amplify the bumps, it absorbed them. So, my truck would take a bump like it normally would without being hitched up and the trailer followed along taking the bump separately – not having the tongue and front end jolted by the truck hitting the bump first. The original tires on my trailer were 14” load range C, I changed them to 15” load range D inflated to 62 psi (max 65). My truck tires are load range E inflated to 75 psi rear and 55 psi front (max 80). I went I-95 and I-10, I-95 in SC was the worst, but it’s much improved from a few years ago. I have a 900lb teardrop trailer, a 1900lb 1956 Shasta and a 5000lb Airstream and I can use the same hitch on all three trailers and each one gets a soft ride because the air bag gets inflated according to the tongue weight. I like the setup.

[xrvr]

Silver ware on the table?

[AlinCal]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Silver ware on the table?

We always travel that way too.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Silver ware on the table?

I have enough problem keeping silverware on the table while I'm eating and parked.