Community Forums

rideandslide · 05-31-2015, 05:31 AM

Considering one of the two, any opinions please !! Seems like the main complaint about the Equalizer is the noise it makes. Also any advantage in exceeding the weight rating you need for your trailer?

Thanks

TyCreek · 05-31-2015, 09:44 AM

The occasional bit of metal on metal noise during sharp turns is worth the simple direct contact lockup (sway control) that the equalizer provides. Just a little shot of silicon spray every so often quiets it right down. I've used several different chain type distribution hitches and none worked as nice and easy as the 3 different Equal-i-zer hitches I've replaced them with. Though, I've not used the sway pro, it is a chain coupled design.

The nearest comparable chain coupled distribution hitch I've used was one with a friction sway accessory attached. And IMO that was a pain to deal with and it too made noise.

On bar choices, there's a few hitch calculators to help guess. If my weights have me near the crossover point from one bar weight to the next, I typically pick the next higher bar rating. Too much bar rating, can make it tough to dial in the perfect ride.

They all distribute weight but some simply do not provide the same level of sway control.

rideandslide · 05-31-2015, 09:57 AM

Many Thanks , is it correct to lubricate those friction points ?

SmokeyWren · 05-31-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideandslide

...is it correct to lubricate those friction points ?

Sway control systems that rely on friction to control sway will not be as effective if you lube the friction points to reduce noise. The lube reduces noise, but it also reduces friction. That's why I use the Reese Strait-Line WD hitch which uses a dual cam design instead of friction to control sway.

The only problem with the chain-link based WD systems like the Strait-Line is you cannot fine tune the system to distribute only a tiny bit more or less weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle. One chain link difference is a huge difference in the amount of weight distributed. Systems that adjust with a screw or nut on bolt threads can easily be adjusted to provide only a small percent increase or decrease in weight distribution. That's why I continue to use my Strait-Line hitch on my cargo trailer, but I use the infinitely-adjustable ProPride hitch on my TT.

Of course my ProPride cost about three times as much as my Strait-Line, so I understand why so many RVers are reluctant to invest in a ProPride.

TyCreek · 05-31-2015, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideandslide

Many Thanks , is it correct to lubricate those friction points ?

Yes... it is "correct"! I just don't use their lube.

BadDogPSD · 06-01-2015, 08:33 AM

Both brands have their fans. I'm currently in the process of switching from a Equalizer to the Swaypro. The Equalizer works well, I just need a beefier hitch to handle my heavy tongue weight when towing our toy hauler without toys...

timetogo · 06-01-2015, 08:42 AM

My Sway Pro is clean, quiet, simple, and effective.

09 harley · 06-01-2015, 07:32 PM

It is NOT "correct" to lube the friction brackets. The company makes pads to put over the metal to cut down on the noise but there isn't enough noise to worry about. The system takes some time to break in and wear in and then the noise is greatly diminished.
Call the manufacturer to check what I have just said. I did and I just repeated what they said.
If your disk brakes squeak do you spray them with WD40? I hope not!
I agree that the Propride is the best hitch out there but the Equal-I-Zer is next in line. Stay away from units with chains or add on sway friction control arms.

jadtif · 06-02-2015, 05:25 AM

I am looking for the best hitch myself and have read all the reviews available on various sites. Many people comment on hitches that they have never used, not a very reliable review if someone has never had experience with something. I hear a lot about the ProPride and the Hensley and someone said they were made by the same guy. Not sure about that either. I would like to hear from people that own and use the Blue Ox system. I know they make a quality product for towing a toad because I have used one for years.
We are looking at a pull behind camper of 4,500 lbs dry with a 6,100 gross to pull behind my pickup. The proper hitch system is the one thing I want to get right the first time and do appreciate hearing from experienced people who tow.

rideandslide · 06-02-2015, 08:29 AM

Heck !!! Now i see another one in the running, this is getting harder than buying the new trailer !!!! CURT TruTrack Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Active Sway Control #17500.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O46ZO02/...b7d3ed8386a6_S

SmokeyWren · 06-02-2015, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadtif

I hear a lot about the ProPride and the Hensley and someone said they were made by the same guy. Not sure about that either.

The ProPride 3P and the Hensley Arrow were both designed by the same guy, Jim Hensley. Jim sold his share of the company that made the Arrow, then designed the ProPride to fix some of the complaints with the Arrow. Read all about it on the ProPride website:

The Jim Hensley Hitch Story | Hensley Arrow and ProPride 3P Inventor | ProPride, Inc.

What are extremely severe conditions? Highway speed on a curve in the wet road, bump in the middle of the curve, gusting crosswinds, meeting a high-speed 18-wheeler towing a van trailer in the middle of that curve. Combine those conditions and you have a TT upside down in the ditch if you don't have a ProPride hitch.

BTW, I use a ProPride 3P to tow my travel trailer. Wonderful hitch with absolutely no sway even under the most severe wind, road, and traffic conditions. I also have a Reese Strait-Line trunnion bar hitch that I now use to tow my cargo trailer. That one works great too, but I've never had it in severe conditions. So I'm not certain that the ProPride is worth three times the cost of the Strait-Line. But I'm glad I invested in the ProPride hitch.

twosocks · 06-02-2015, 10:23 AM

Quote from Equal-I-zer sway control hitch owners manual "The friction surfaces of the head and sockets should be kept clean and WELL LUBRICATED with a good quality lubricant. They should be lubricated before each trip"

Miller303KDS · 06-02-2015, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timetogo

My Sway Pro is clean, quiet, simple, and effective.

Agreed. I am on my third season with the Sway Pro and it is dirt simple to hook up and is very clean and quiet. I am pulling a 30' TT that weighs in around 8k and handles it very well. Little to no sway behind my Ram 2500. Good luck with your decision.