Equalizer hitch and sway bar.

[larry koenn]

Hello,

I have a buddy that just bought a new truck and rv trailer. It came with an equalizer hitch and sway bar but he doesn't want to use it because the dealer told him he couldn't back up with the equipment installed.

I just don't think this is correct..any truth to it?

thanks
Larry

[Bbasso]

If he has one of these: Equal-i-zer® Hitch - Product Info then backing up is no problem and nothing needs to be done to do so.
I have it and easy as could be with great towing.

[IWillRVToo]

The friction style devices need to be loosened before backing. They don't need to be removed.

[freebirdbus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry koenn Hello, I have a buddy that just bought a new truck and rv trailer. It came with an equalizer hitch and sway bar but he doesn't want to use it because the dealer told him he couldn't back up with the equipment installed. I just don't think this is correct..any truth to it? thanks Larry

Wow! And all this time I thought that I couldn't back up because I was just a poor driver.....
Some sway controls may need to have their tension reduced, but all that I have used allow backing the rig up without issue or complication.

[TXiceman]

If the hitch is properly installed and set up, you can back up with the hitch attached. I have seen poorly installed/set up hitches which can cause a problem backing up.

I suggest that your friend get the instructions on line for their hitch and read how to install and set it up.

How big is the trailer? You can safely use a friction type sway control up to about 25' or 26'. Beyond that I would use a hitch like a Reese Dual Cam with the integral sway control.

Ken

[larry koenn]

Ok, thanks for the info guys. I'll have to wait a couple of weeks to see what he has, but at least now I know what to do.

I know he has a chain type equalizer in that he said he is suppose to use the fourth length, but I don't know which sway type, probably the metal compression type.

thanks again
Larry

[BryanL]

re: "Wow! And all this time I thought that I couldn't back up because I was just a poor driver..... " -- you can be a bad driver and still back up but the problem is the same as going forward: you can't really tell where the rig will end up or what will happen.

Generally, the only time you need to worry about any hitch is when you get into tight situations with very sharp turns or significant bumps or ditches to worry about - going forwards or backwards.

You do need to keep in mind that trees will attack your rig if given the chance and a trailer often follows a different path than its tow vehicle so it can get intimate with curbs or other things close to the side of your path.