torsion bar load levelers?

[billiards]

i guess thats what they are called....on my f 250 4x4, i finally have concluded that the safari 25 ft. pulls and handles better w/out the torsion bar hitch.....anyone else find that to be the case?

[purman]

If that is the case you don't have them installed right.....

[overlander64]

I agree with Jason. In all probability, you may be experiencing problems related to one of the following:

• Hitch Height -- with a 3/4-Ton 4X 4 this is often a problem. In many instances, a special deep-drop drawbar is required to get the hitch height low enough to function properly. Airstreams handle best when they are close to being absolutely level when hitched.
• Cam Adjustment -- with a Reese Dual Cam (if your hitch is so equipped) the adjustment of the mechanism mounted on the coach is critical to having a good towing experience -- when the coach and tow vehicle are in a straight-line, the cams must be well-seated in the cams.
• Weight Distribution Bar Rating -- with a 3/4-ton 4 x 4, you likely need weight distribution bars with no more than a 600 pound rating.
• Balancing Load in Coach -- often, stability issues may be related to having too much weight behind the axles. In my vintage coaches, the handling is always improved when traveling with a full (or nearly full) fresh water tanks -- in those days, the coaches were designed with this weight anticipated in the balancing and hitch weight calculations.

Goog luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by billiards

i guess thats what they are called....on my f 250 4x4, i finally have concluded that the safari 25 ft. pulls and handles better w/out the torsion bar hitch.....anyone else find that to be the case?

Were you also using sway bars? In your case that is more important.

The F250 has pretty stiff suspension. So if the rear end only squats 2" or less you won't notice much difference in handling. What happens to the TV when a load is put on the hitch is the back goes down and the front goes up. If this results in a significant change it will adversely affect handling and towing. The WD hitch takes the weight off the rear axle of the TV and puts it on the trailer axles and the front axle of the TV also raising the rear and dropping the front of the TV restoring the proper geometry and handling. This difference may not be noticed until you find yourself in an emergency situation which will magnify any handling problems and could have some consequences.

[Airperson]

Overlander,I have a used hitch how do you find the Weight Distribution Bar Rating
Airperson

[overlander64]

Greetings Airperson!

Originally Posted by Airperson

Overlander,I have a used hitch how do you find the Weight Distribution Bar Rating
Airperson

Some time back, Andy from Inland RV posted the following method for determining spring bar ratings:

Measure at the top of the square bar as it enters the "trunnion."
1 inch = 550 pounds.
1 1/8 inch = 750 pounds.
1 1/4 inch = 1000 pounds.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Catsalesman]

I have a 25 safari, pulling it with a 08 2500 HD 4x4 duramax and I can tell you the dist hitch makes a world of difference in the handling of the trailer. Once I got mine adjusted correctly it was like the trailer is not even back there. It tows better than any RV I have ever had.