Greetings Landrum!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Landrum
So I've got a dumb question. What exactly is the effect of lighter bars? Do heavy bars create a 'pinned' (or rigid ) connection between the AS and TV and allow less vertical movement?
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The heavier weight distribution bars make for a more rigid connection between tow vehicle and trailer. It might be thought of as the difference between gentle undulations (with lighter bars) or sharp, punishing tremors (with the heavier bars). It is these "tremors" that cause pillows and bedding to migrate to the floor as well as cabinet doors and drawers to pop open. In worse case scenarios, the damage can include front end separation and/or stress cracking around openings in the body shell over time.
Another issue that comes into play with Reese Strait-Line Hitches is that the Dual Cam Sway Control relies upon "adequate" tension being applied to the weight distribution bars. Where the bars are excessively rated, the pressure necessary to get the most benefit from the Dual Cam Sway Control makes the ride so stiff that vibration induced damage results. There are a number of threads here on the Forums discussing the sizing and adjustment of the Reese Strait-Line Hitch for Airstream and Argosy travel trailers.
Kevin
P.S.: My experience is with Vintage Airstream products where the frames were typically lighter as was the empty and maximum weights. I often think of the goal of providing my trailers with the ride that would have been provided by the typical tow vehicles when the trailers were new . . . the full-size family car that likely had boulevard-ride suspension that required extra-heave weight distribution bars to create a more solid level link between travel trailer and tow vehicle.