Newbie question

[rebel beck]

Okay some day these questions are going to stop. Last night we read alot 2 hours worth of subjects on here about sway and brake control. As you can see from my other post we research and research and ask many questions and more questions. We are looking into the Reese dual cam anti sway system and weight distibuting system can you buy this unit all together sway and weight like a set or do you buy it all seperate? Our hitch on the truck has the reciever already on it does it work or do we add something else?
On the brake box system prodigy seems like what most folks use, ebay has many on at this time are there differant styles we should look at or just one model for the prodigy.
Any help on these subjects would be greatly appreciated. We still have not found the perfect trailor at this time but we are staying with the 25 to 30ft area 70's models.

Becky

[overlander64]

Greetings Becky!

Welcome to the Folrums!

Originally Posted by rebel beck

Okay some day these questions are going to stop. Last night we read alot 2 hours worth of subjects on here about sway and brake control. As you can see from my other post we research and research and ask many questions and more questions. We are looking into the Reese dual cam anti sway system and weight distibuting system can you buy this unit all together sway and weight like a set or do you buy it all seperate? Our hitch on the truck has the reciever already on it does it work or do we add something else?

The Reese Strait-Line hitch is the name for the package that includes the hitch head (ball mount), weight distribution bars (spring bars), and Dual Cam Assembly. You can find the information about the Strait-Line Hitch at:
http://http://www.reeseproducts.com/..._dualcam.shtml

(You may need to scroll down the page to find the Strait-Line Hitch.) When looking at the listings for the Strait-Line hitches, you will note a number designation following the word "Line" in the description -- this number identifies the hitch weight that the particular system is designed to handle. If your tow vehicle is a 3/4-ton or larger turck-based vehicle or other firmly sprung vehicle, you don't want the capacity of the weight distribution bars to be much in excess of your coach's actual hitch weight or the Dual Cam system may not be as effective as it should be (I know this from personal experience as my initial setup on the Overlander had 1,000 pound bars for my very stiffly sprung K1500 pickup there was a tremendous improvement when I took the rig to a technician familiar with both Airstreams and the Dual Cam System where the rig was fitted with 750 pound weight distribution bars that were far closer to the actual hitch weight of my rig (runs between 725 and 775 depending on amount of fresh water and LP gas on-board).

The various parts of the Dual Cam system can also be purchased separately should you happen to buy a previously owned rig that has parts of the hitch already installed. Since I already owned the Strait-Line hitch for the Overlander, all I had to purchase when I added the Minuet to my collection was a pair of Dual Cam assemblies for the Minuet's A-frame and a set of the lightest weight weight distribution bars for the system). You may even find that the Vintage coach of your dreams may include all or part of the hitch system -- while I know of several who have encountered this situation, I had to purchase the hitch systems for both of my coaches.

If the receiver on your truck is the sandard 2" square receiver and has sufficient weight-carrying capacity for the tongue and gross weight of the coach that you select, the Reese Strait-Line hitch will slide right into the receiver. Other than the brake controller, all that you are likely to need in addition for a basic set-up is the Bargman trailer connector electrical and possibly an auxilliary transmission oil cooler (this often depends upon the level of trailer towing equipment originally ordered on the truck -- I didn't need to add one on my GMC K2500 Suburban, but needed one on my K1500 Z71 pickup).

I am not particularly familiar with the Tekonsha Prodigy controllers as I have a long-time preference for the Hayes-Lemmerz brake controllers with the hand-held remote control, but I do know that the Prodigy is among the top three brands/models of controllers preferred by most Airstreamers.

Good luck with your research and search!

Kevin

[azflycaster]

I think you are going to find that most of the people selling trailers will include the hitch with the unit. That is what I found when I was looking. My trailer came with a good WD hitch that was rated for the tonge weight of the trailer. It did not have the sway feature, but I can add that if I want.

I selected the prodigy unit for my brake controller for two reasons.
1. It was highly recomended by forum members.
2. Tekonsha makes a cable that pluged directly into a plug in my truck. The other top brands do not offer that option for my Tundra.

I am very satisfied with my selection.

[igor]

Becky,
I too use the Reese system, it also has the sway control system which I rarely use. Mine has been a collection of used parts, pieces from previous trailers etc. I personally use the old kelsey hayes hydraulic controlled brake controller, please note this will only work on tow vehicles without ABS.

I have always used this style of brake controller and like them due to they are actuated by the brake pressure in your tow vehicle......the harder you mash the pedal the more trailer brakes you get.....very progressive. But, for most folks this is not possible due to the brake systems in newer tow rigs.

Les Brush