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ljmiii · 09-27-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

I am pondering how to approach rigging up the new (to me) F250. The new rig doesnt have so much as a reciever at this point so it is start from scratch there....And I am not thinking about going the Hensely route- to much money for not enough gain.

You might consider a PullRite - cheaper than a Hensely but more than a Equal-i-izer or Reese.

Boondocker · 09-27-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljmiii

You might consider a PullRite - cheaper than a Hensely but more than a Equal-i-izer or Reese.

Looks neat, but the website shows a price of about $3,000.

overlander63 · 09-27-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

leaf springs...

your 250 has leafs front and rear right?

F250 through 1997 has Leaf rear and coil front springs.

BillTex · 09-27-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Looks neat, but the website shows a price of about $3,000.

umm...you have an F-250!
You surely don't require such an elaborate hitch...

These expensive contraptions might be a great solution for those pulling with lesser TV's.

You are no longer in this category.

Bill

Boondocker · 09-27-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillTex

umm...you have an F-250!
You surely don't require such an elaborate hitch...

These expensive contraptions might be a great solution for those pulling with lesser TV's.

You are no longer in this category.

Bill

I think you are correct about that, I was responding to a suggestion to look at that type of hitch.

Mikethefixit · 09-27-2007, 05:26 PM

On the controller issue its simple Remove the fuse panel,the plug for the controler harness is on the right.the wires from the harness are color coded to the controler.Red to red,blue to blue ect Its that simple .Finding the harness plug is the hardest.Its basiclly plug and play.
ITs easy dont waste your money Hitch places wont tell you Ford is plug and play ,they want to make that easy money.We dont have a trailer yet (still lookin)but we are gettin the small stuff out of the way first.
Best of Luck to U
Roger

Boondocker · 09-30-2007, 11:10 PM

My current set up has a friction sway bar. With the F150, this system seemed to be fine. As part of my hitch review for the new truck, I am wondering if anyone knows of data showing how the dual cam systems compare. I am not opposed to switching to a dual cam system, but I want to make sure it is a genuine improvement (or on the flip side not a poorer solution) over what I am using.

Boondocker · 09-30-2007, 11:39 PM

I am also wondering if the bend at the end of the weight distribution bars make difference. The ones I have are straight bars.

nohillgrish · 10-01-2007, 05:37 AM

Rodney,
At the time I purchased my '87 Excella, I was determined that a Hensley Hitch was for me. However, the unit came with a dual cam system so I decided to try it for a while. I've used it about 3 years now and have been very pleased. I'm not saying a Hensley might not be somewhere in my future, but I certainly feel no pressure (performance wise) to make the change.

Boondocker · 10-01-2007, 08:59 AM

Hi Stray,

Like I have mentioned previously, if not here then in other threads, I have no plans to go to a Hensley at this time. What I am really looking to do is to optimize the weight distribution set up I have for the best possible performance.

thecatsandi · 10-01-2007, 09:51 AM

The dual cam works well for my 31. once setup correctly.

thecatsandi · 10-01-2007, 09:52 AM

Hensley? I thought you were not a millionaire?

Boondocker · 10-01-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Hensley? I thought you were not a millionaire?

I'm not, and I'm not looking at a Hensley. What I am trying to determine is if there is a functional difference between the friction bar I am currently using and the dual cam friction controls that are available on the newer Reese weight distribution hitches.

hence:

Quote:

Like I have mentioned previously, if not here then in other threads, I have no plans to go to a Hensley at this time. What I am really looking to do is to optimize the weight distribution set up I have for the best possible performance.

Frankly, the system I have worked excellent on the last truck, this is just a review of things to make sure I have it right.

thecatsandi · 10-01-2007, 05:14 PM

What was explained to me is the size size of thetraielr is the deterniming factor. For the larger trailer the dual cam, for the smaller the friction. I think 24-25 is the cut over.

Boondocker · 10-08-2007, 07:47 PM

I'm having trouble finding a receiver hitch that will work with the drop bumper on the tow vehicle. Were these previously available and just not carried anymore? I was also wondering what the argument against having an adapter of some sort custom made at the welders would be.

I hate to get rid of the current bumper because a) I like it, b) it would be expensive, and c) it looks like it would stop a train.

btw: the bumper is rated 1000 for tongue weight and 10000 for tow.

thecatsandi · 10-09-2007, 10:14 AM

pictures? I am not sure exactly what you are talking about.

Bob Thompson · 10-09-2007, 10:44 AM

Hi Rodney, I've used both the Equal-L-Izer and a Husky Bent Bar WD system and can't tell much difference in the way the trailer pulls. Because the Equal-i-Zer has stiffer bars, the ride is a bit stiffer, perhaps feeling a bit more secure, but the creaking, popping, and groaning those bars make when turning is unnerving! Frankly, I don't see what all the fuss is about with the Equal-i-zer. I coat the ends with parafin wax to reduce the noise, but it doen't last long, and the noise returns. If I had to do it over, I'd likely stay with the Husky I had or switch to a Reese Dual Cam.

SilverToy · 10-09-2007, 11:07 AM

Bob -

What kind of driving do you do - running the roads in the Alps?

Seriously, for most of the driving I do, 97% striaght line, with small deviations, the occational turn into a gas station, park at the campground, enjoy....

For this, the Equal-i-zer is the PERFECT hitch set-up. NO adjustment (Road conditions, weather) or removal required ( backing and other). I hook it up and go. Get to where I am and park the rig, period. Set it, check it at stops and that's it.

Yes, it CAN get noisy. That for me is actually a good thing - this AirStream tows SO well, that I really do sometimes forget that it is back there - A good pop or GROAN from the hitch, is an excellent reminder at the top of the expressway ramp, that I need to think ahead for gas station entry and ease of exit. At my age, reminders are good.

All for a VERY reasonable price. Hitch can be up & down graded to be appropriate for each size, type of trailer.

Safety, cost, ease of use, adjustability, Oh and.... safety!!!

Equal-I-zer system - WD and sway control in a reasonable package that is basically set-it and forget it. Works for the way I use my unit. Now if I was goin' to the Alps....

Axel
SilverToy

Melody Ranch · 10-09-2007, 11:17 AM

I still can't figure out the rig you have. I thought ALL F-250's came with a reciever hitch installed. If the previous owner could afford it...the bumper on there is a "Ranch Hand." Their drop center "Cowboy" bumpers were made for a bolt on 2 in inch reciever if it was not ordered with the hitch hole already cut in the center. Look at the trucks in the Lawton area. Also hit the wrecking yards in Lawton and Wichital Falls. Those guys know what you need....and have instantaneous connections to others in the area. Lets get you fixed up. The PPL web site has some good pics of all this stuff.

Bob Thompson · 10-09-2007, 04:43 PM

Axel, yeah at times it seems like the Alps. Our last trip we spent time around Ruidoso, then Sedona and Flagstaff, then in the Sierras just east of LA. Travelled most of the Angeles Crest Highway with it's twisty turny "snakeback" layout. We had the Equal-i-zer creaking, popping, and groaning real good! Seems like they could improve the design by supporting the bar ends on rollers, then using adjustable friction pads to dampen movement. That would eliminate the creaking, groaning and popping, while still providing sway control!