weight distributing hitches

jack simons · 10-20-2003, 10:38 PM

I have a 26ft 1974 Argosy. I am a nubee. Am thinking about a weight distributing hitch. Is it necessary? I would like some imput from you all.

Fun-Lovin · 10-20-2003, 10:42 PM

What are you towing it with?

**Stefrobrts** · 10-20-2003, 10:56 PM

We use a weight distributing hitch on our 17 ft trailer, which is under #3000 loaded. Even though it may seem like overkill, once we got it adjusted right we really liked the ride it gave us. It made the trailer feel much more solid and connected. We're also newbies (just started earlier this summer when we got our trailer), so we wanted everything to be as easy and safe as possible right from the get-go.

Fun-Lovin · 10-20-2003, 11:22 PM

Intresting thing about the single axle trailes, they can have a tendency to sway. This is expecially evident when your passed by a semi. Weight distro systems will help calm the sway but anti sway systems work better. If your towing with a lightweight vehicle then the weight distro system will help it carry the load better.

Tin Hut · 10-21-2003, 06:59 AM

I'd suggest a WD hitch system with that size trailer. While you're at it might as well put on anti sway bars. Reese has two anti sway dual cam hookups that are moderately priced.

overlander64 · 10-21-2003, 07:53 AM

Greetings Jack!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Argosy ownership. I would recommend the Reese Straight Line hitch that includes the Dual Cam Sway Control system. I have used this system with my '64 Overlander since 1996, and with my '78 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre since it was purchased in 2002.

I use this system regardless of whether my tow vehicle is the '99 Suburban with 10,000 pound trailer towing package or the '75 Cadillac with the 6,000 pound trailer towing package. The Overlander weighs in at or very near 6,000 pounds when it is fully loaded for a long vacation (would likely approximate your Argosy 26' in loaded weight) while the Minuet weighs in at just a bit over 3,000 pounds.

I have found this system to be quite effective in my travels that have included nearly all of the states West of the Mississippi River. For best performance of the system, however, setup according to the manufacturer's directions is crucial.

Good luck with your decision!

Kevin

Leipper · 10-21-2003, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Intresting thing about the single axle trailes, they can have a tendency to sway.

- first I have heard this opinion. - doesn't match my experience, though. also can't see any theoretical reason why one axle would be more likely to sway than two in a trailer.

Load leveling spring bars become a good idea when a combination of tongue weight and ball to rear axle distance add to significantly alter the front to rear axle load ratio in the tow vehicle.

For a new installation needing load leveling, I'd suggest looking at the Equal-i-zer hitch at about $400 as it includes sway control and handles about the same as the dual cam. The DC may be a better choice as an add on to improve handling of a typical Reese or Eaz Lift spring bar system.

Whatever way you go, be sure to use components rated for the loads - not too big nor too small.

Dwight · 10-21-2003, 01:23 PM

Just some more input. One of Unit's member's has a Ford Sport-Trac and a new Bambi. They have a Hensley setup and are very pleased.

linc54 · 10-21-2003, 05:40 PM

I tow a 34' classic limited with an 03 Excursion 6.0 l diesel. Previously I towed it with a 2000 Yukon. The secret to totally eliminating the sway is the Hensley hitch. Its EXPENSIVE, but it WORKS! I'm not affiliated in any way with Hensley - just a satisfied customer.

airstreamer01 · 10-21-2003, 06:03 PM

My cousin has a 74 Overlander he doesn't use a weight distributing or sway control. He has pulled alot of miles with out any complaint! He drives too fast but never has a complaint. I have a 30' Classic (widebody) Drove to Vermont this summer had terrible time with sway could not get home fast enough to get a Hensley. I think some of the difference is in the wide body & weight.
Jeff

85MH325 · 10-21-2003, 06:55 PM

It has been my experience that although a number of factors influence sway, the tire configuration/psi/sidewall flex on the tow vehicle seems to be one of the biggest factors.

Towing my '61 Bambi behind my AWD Astro without sway control was an absolute disaster; a white knuckle ride the whole way. Towing a '78 Minuet with the same Astro WITH a Reese Dual-Cam was an entirely different experience. I had cheap two-ply radial tires on the Astro, and it tended to wiggle around without anything attached. It felt more solid with the Minuet and the Reese than driving the Astro by itself.

Towing my 34' with my Excursion with the tires aired to 50-55psi WITH a Reese Dual-Cam sway control is no fun at all; it feels every truck that goes by. However, if I air the tires up to 70psi in the Excursion, it feels rock-solid with no sway and I don't even know I'm being passed by a truck. The difference is pretty interesting.

And of course, I wrote in another thread about the difference in using an extended-length drop bar versus using the Reese Hi-performance drop bar. Again, a whole world of difference.

Roger

qqq · 10-22-2003, 01:10 AM

No device on my safari & Silverado , no problemo, tows perfect under any circumstances

Hart