Should I replace my WD hitch?

[Mullers]

When we bought our (1981) Airstream it came with a WD/Sway hitch - Not sure on the model, but it's a Reece, and seems similar to their Strait-line WD hitch albeit probably an earlier model.

It works fine, and the rig rides level, and is stable at 70mph.


My initial mindset is its worked well for the trailer for the last few decades, it will probably be fine for the next few years?
But am I right?

Worrying a bit about the chains, are they susceptible to fatigue? should they be replaced regularly? as I imagine one snapping on the road would not be a good experience.

[overlander64]

Greetings Mullers!

Originally Posted by Mullers

When we bought our (1981) Airstream it came with a WD/Sway hitch - Not sure on the model, but it's a Reece, and seems similar to their Strait-line WD hitch albeit probably an earlier model.

It works fine, and the rig rides level, and is stable at 70mph.


My initial mindset is its worked well for the trailer for the last few decades, it will probably be fine for the next few years?
But am I right?

Worrying a bit about the chains, are they susceptible to fatigue? should they be replaced regularly? as I imagine one snapping on the road would not be a good experience.

I have been utilizing the same Reese Strait Line Hitch since 1980. Since I have had several tow vehicles during that time and three different trailers in that time from 18-feet to 26-feet, I have had to purchase several sets of weight distribution bars to reflect the needs of the tow vehicle/trailer combination. I replace the large U-Bolts on the Dual Cam Sway Control brackets whenever I paint the hitch which is typically every three to five years -- sometimes it takes a little searching to find a parts person who is familiar with ordering the parts from Reese. I have also replaced the chains on the "Stirrups" on the Dual Cams once about 10 years ago -- not really any indication of wear, but was doing a major refresh of the paint on the hitch at that time and wanted everything to appear new. The classic Dual Cam "Stirrups" will also work with the new weight distribution bars that have the downturned ends, the chains that ship with those bars aren't utilized when used with the classic Dual Cam setup. Personally, I don't see any reason to replace the entire hitch. It is possible to inspect all of the components and replace any that are wearing. Reese supports most if not all parts related to the classic Dual Cam setup, and any Reese hitch dealer should be able to source any repair parts needed.

The attached photo is of my 1980 version of the Reese Strait Line Hitch attached to my 1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre being towed by my 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.

[Mullers]

Thank you! I didn’t realize I could get replacement parts for my old hitch. That seems like a great solution! Will try to track down a useful Reese dealer near me

[Mullers]

Closing this thread out, I had recently switched to using the 6th link on the chain, to better level our rig. On my last trip I noticed, that the 7th link had what looked like a cut or a pinch in it. Not sure how best to explain it.
Either way I was terrified that it could break under load, to likely uncertain consequences when driving.

What I'm grateful for, is if I hadn't switched to using the 6th link, I probably wouldn't have noticed, as I checked -- it wasn't visible when hooking on the 5th link.

At the time I noticed, I was just a few miles from my nearest airstream dealer, so I brought it in to them, and as they had blue Ox, we switched to a Sway Pro with the 750lb bars.

So far so good there, and loving the quietness of it.