Community Forums

geostorm · 02-02-2016, 07:31 AM

Hello all,
It was highly suggested that I purchase one of these for my trailer travels. I have been looking and it is very confusing on what to purchase ??? You can see my trailer and vehicle. We do our walk thru Saturday and may take it with us as well. So many choices/types I do want one that we can back up with. Friction or not ? They sure do seem to vary in price greatly,do I need to spend alot to get peace of mind. I am looking guidance is Ebay Ok ?

elundquist · 02-02-2016, 07:51 AM

Based on my research I have found it basically falls into four groups:

Highend: Hensley Arrow or its competitor (I can't recall the name)

Above Avg: Blue Ox, Reese Strait Line, Reese Pro

Avg: Equalizer

Don't Buy: ?

I have decided on the Blue Ox for now as the pluses for the Arrow type systems are not worth the extra cost for me. Plus they have a few big down sides for me, such as ground clearance & weight.

Now depending on who you talk to a particular hitch will be rated Above Avg or Avg. Really seam to depended on what product they have used or sell. One brand will make a change and move from Avg to Above Avg until it no longer new.

It seams like the Hensley Arrow and competitor is always regarded as top of the line. Blue Ox for the most part seams to fall in the Above Avg.

I don't remember the names of the don't buy, but they are generally not from the larger brands and in the lower price points.

As for as eBay: don't buy used as damage will be near impossible to see. I have not seen cheaper prices for new hitches on eBay. Look at the typical on RV/ trailer stores then shop Amazon.

Good luck

geostorm · 02-02-2016, 09:01 AM

Thanks ! I definatley would not buy used !

Superslif · 02-04-2016, 06:31 PM

I went with the Reese HP WD system with the square trunnion bars. I also upgraded to the "forged" shank (part that slides into your vehicles receiver hitch) rather than the cheaper "cast" shank. 4 years ago it was about $450 delivered for everything including shank and ball. It was this one here. Reese HP trunnion bars WD 800 lbs. The shank will cost ya about $125 for the cast and $170 for a forged one more.

The spring bars that are round, are the cheaper style, the square ones are called trunnion bars.

You can get the basic WD set-up (round bars and a cast shank for $350).

One reason I went with a forged shank, a buddy showed me his "cast" shank that broke right in half pulling out of a gas station dip. Ya, 2" thick cast material just snapped in half.

Before I had my truck I pulled another RV trailer a foot shorter with my 4Runner SUV (V-8) with just the friction sway control....It helped a little with sway, but not much with the bouncy bouncy and leveling out the load going down the road. You feel so much more in control with a WD system. When I got the new 26' Aerolite a WD was the only way to go. Even pulling this Rv with the 4Runner, I noticed right away how level the ride was. Here picture The only reason I bought a new truck was that the 4Runner was 9 years old and we were going to AK. this summer.

Retusps · 02-04-2016, 08:55 PM

I went with the Husky Centerline. We drove 650 miles to get it and had no problems pulling it home. Heavy cross winds but only minimal sway. Very easy to handle.