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Old 09-26-2017, 02:01 PM   #1
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Equalizer hitch really needed on a F-250 Superduty?

Do we realize benefit from our Equalizer setup on a F-250 TV? Have never towed our 26U without it but wonder if we really need it? Of course the dealer sold it as if we needed it

Thoughts?

Darrell
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Old 09-26-2017, 02:14 PM   #2
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I'd vote yes.
You don't need an extra 1000# on the rear hitch.
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Old 09-26-2017, 02:41 PM   #3
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You might want to read this when you have time.

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/exp...-trailer-size/
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Old 09-26-2017, 03:15 PM   #4
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Hi

Simple answer: You need some sort of anti-sway / WD hitch. It does not have to be a specific brand. Some are better than others, do your research.

More complicated answer: Indeed, by the numbers, you could tow with a F-250 without exceeding a weight limit. There's more to it that that. The anti-sway built into the truck does work. By it's self it's not adequate. The WD gets more weight onto the front axle. That helps the ride and improves control.

Have I towed the 30' Classic without WD / anti-sway engaged? Yup, been there done that. I'm still here to talk about it. It's the "Uncle Bob Recommended" approach for maneuvering in and out of a campsite. Running down the interstate at who knows what speeds with the trailer loaded who knows how .... not so much. I'm crazy, but not *that* crazy

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Old 09-26-2017, 04:34 PM   #5
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Yes you need it. Distribution of trailer weight is what it's all about not just looking level as you head down the Interstate!
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Old 09-26-2017, 04:39 PM   #6
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A lot smoother ride with less bounce and porpoising. But would tow OK without it too.
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Old 09-26-2017, 04:51 PM   #7
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We tow our 2015 25FB with our Silverado Duramax 3500. We always use a weight distribution/anti sway hitch. We wouldn't be without it.

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Old 09-27-2017, 09:27 AM   #8
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Not so much for weight distribution as sway control.
Yes.
Needed.
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Old 09-27-2017, 09:46 AM   #9
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YES,
Agree with others. Have you ever seen a trailer on it’s side with the tow vehicle upright? I have. Mine. Sway is the issue, not the TV. I had an Equal-i-zer hitch properly set up also. Cannot endorse any brand but I will use a Hensley or ProPride next time.
Dave
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Old 09-27-2017, 09:50 AM   #10
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Don't Even Think About It

For your protection and others as well, don't take shortcuts on sway control. Doesn't matter which brand as long as you are going with one of the market leaders. Anecdotally, we've had zero issues with our Equalizer and for us, we decided it was the best bang for the buck.
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Old 09-27-2017, 10:00 AM   #11
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I'm only one year into my Airstream adventure so I defer to the wisdom of those more experienced. I will offer my opinion and it is this, as one who's TV is a 2005 F250 diesel towing a 2017 28' Serenity International, I would not go down the road without a WD/Anti-sway hitch. I happen to have an Equal-i-zer hitch, mostly because that is what my dealer recommended. I have had great results - no sway, no movement from large trucks or buses blowing by me at 80 mph (I'm at 60) and most recently no movement in 20-25 mph cross winds. The WD also has been helpful to balance my axle loading (check it on a CAT scale) which makes my towing a lot more enjoyable. I do remove the bars when moving in and out of a camp site or my curved driveway. This is entirely due to the fact that many times when I have the AS level my TV is not which puts more pressure on one set of bars making it difficult to remove them. You can level the truck if you want to leave them on but that is extra hassle that is not needed IMHO if you remove the bars before hand.
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Old 09-27-2017, 10:13 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarrellT View Post
Do we realize benefit from our Equalizer setup on a F-250 TV? Have never towed our 26U without it but wonder if we really need it? Of course the dealer sold it as if we needed it

Thoughts?

Darrell
Last December we upgraded from an F-150 to a F-250 Diesel. Initially I experimented with towing a 30' International and later our new 30' Classic with and without WD. As has been sated by others you do need the WD period. In my situation it distributed 450 lbs to the trailer axle and the front axle of the truck making for a very stable drive. Without WD I had to raise the hitch ball to get the trailer to ride level and I didn't have much road feel from the steer axle. Which gave me concern about being able to correct for any sway issues.
With your trailer being lighter it may be doable however since you do have the hitch you might as well put it to good use for an extra margin of safety. What are you saving, ten minutes at most.
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Old 09-27-2017, 10:37 AM   #13
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Yes...insurance

You may consider it insurance; don't need it till you need it! In an earlier post from one of our commercial experts, Andy at CanamRV, I believe, best answer was given (with my interpretation): Think of it like airbags and seat belts in your car...seatbelt may work fine, but when you need the airbag in a sudden crash, you'll be glad you had it also to help.

Like Uncle Bob, I suspect many of us have pulled our AS's with our TV's and no WDH for short segments with no issues around campgrounds, or down the road to dump. I would not take my rig on the highway, however, without the WDH on my F250. Why take a chance with your investment or your lives?
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Old 09-27-2017, 11:19 AM   #14
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If you have an AS and hang out on this board then absolutely, positively you need wd and sway control or you will surely die and your children be tossed away like leaves on a stormy sea.
If you are one of the millions of people who have SOBs, cargo, van, equipment or utility trailers and tow them billions of miles a year then you don't need those expensive add ons.
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Old 09-27-2017, 11:35 AM   #15
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I drop on the ball and go. My 2017 F250 crew cab long bed is almost as long as my 27FB so the tail doesn’t wag the dog. I also drive 62 mph.
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Old 09-27-2017, 01:00 PM   #16
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Count me in the "balls only" group, no special hitch, just a ball. But I am also in the "I tow everything under the sun on a daily basis" - so my opinion doesn't matter on this "the world will end without a WD/hitch with ultra sway control" forum...

I can honestly say that a week doesn't go by where I am not towing a trailer of some type somewhere. I haven't used a WD/Sway hitch since my 1st trailer when I believed the salesman's BS about them. I consider it like training wheels on a bicycle, once you take them off you'll feel so much better.
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Old 09-27-2017, 01:05 PM   #17
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Measure the distance from the ground to the top of wheel well opening on the front wheels. Load the trailer without Weight Distribution on and measure the distance at the front wheel again. If there is more distance from the ground to the wheel well opening then you are driving with the front tires in less contact with the road than without the trailer. If feel this is not a problem that you do not need Weight Distribution. Weight Distribution puts more weight on the front wheels and that gives you more control when driving. I learned this from reading the user's manual with my new truck.
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Old 09-27-2017, 01:13 PM   #18
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Do I sense a bit of machismo here.....balls only crowd.?
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Old 09-27-2017, 02:40 PM   #19
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I use a WD hitch with a Dodge 2500 and a 25' Airstream that weighs 6300 lbs. I guess I just do not see the point of going without it? I get the front axle almost back to the unhitched weight. Rig runs level. Takes 5 min or less to hook up the WD bars. I think my truck hitch receiver is rated for 500 lbs with out the WD and 1000 lbs with the WD hitch.

Tell me again, what is the advantage of not using a WD hitch?
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Old 09-27-2017, 03:31 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill M. View Post
Tell me again, what is the advantage of not using a WD hitch?
1) less weight
2) less complexity
3) same safety margin if you drive intelligently
4) easier to hook/unhook
5) less money wasted
6) less stress on your trailer hitch mounting
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