First Trailer, need help choosing hitch

[bfrank76]

Hi,
Finally got a truck and trailer. Have a 22 F150 2.7L #1630 payload, #7600 tow capacity. Towing an ameri lite ~3,800lbs 22ft.

The owner gave this curt away control device (see attachment). But not sure what hitch ball to get that has that extra 1inch ball. I saw one on etrailer that came with a rocker for $106 that seemed expensive, then one on Amazon from EAZ. Looks like both I would need to attach a 1 inch ball too. Is that doable on my end? Or do I need to take it in for install.

My truck seemed to tow it fine, there was a little rocking feeling forward and back like rig was pushing then pulling very lightly my 2nd trip out with it wasn’t sure if it was bad colorado roads or not, but thinking this sway control device may be needed.

Any and all input appreciated!

[ttavasc]

I would take a look at the Andersen No-Sway weight distribution hitch. It is very lightweight, quiet, and easy to set up. The built-in sway control is exceptional and no need to unhook anything when backing up. Our previous trailer was a Jayco 195RB about the same weight as your Amerilite and this hitch worked perfect with it.

[Ray,IN]

That is only a sway control unit, which IMO is un-needed. I would lay that aside for now.
Trailer sway is when the trailer is traveling faster than the tow vehicle(sounds crazy but it's true)

The old tried and true sway control method is; when trailer sway is first detected, maintain a steady speed while gently applying the manual trailer brake lever until no sway is felt.

I assume you have a WDH =weight distributing hitch; if so, this is the best and most complete guide to how properly set-up a WDH I've ever read.
When you have accomplished that procedure, tow your trailer again and observe results.

[vanman250]

I have been towing for 40 years and have had all different trailers and hitches and the best I ever used was the Equal-i-zer brand hitch. I towed all over the country in all sorts of weather and you didn’t even know the trailer was attached. I was traveling with people that had other hitch’s we had to stop because the cross winds were tossing their trailers everywhere and mine was not effected at all.

[BPTS]

Take a very hard look at the E2 Trunnion system- Weight distribution and sway control in one unit. I use one on a 24' Outdoors RV which is a heavy unit with anything from a 2019 F250 to a 2022 F350.
Affordable, easy to set up and use and tows like a dream.

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch


And use the manufacturers set up instructions rather than a generic set up guide.

[mokurt]

Originally Posted by BPTS

Take a very hard look at the E2 Trunnion system- Weight distribution and sway control in one unit. I use one on a 24' Outdoors RV which is a heavy unit with anything from a 2019 F250 to a 2022 F350.
Affordable, easy to set up and use and tows like a dream.

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch


And use the manufacturers set up instructions rather than a generic set up guide.

This is what I have for our 30Ft. trailer.
No complaints.

[scrapperjohn]

Another vote for the Andersen WDH.
Built in sway control by design.
No spring bars to deal with.
Only weighs 35 lbs complete.
Works great on my 6,000 trailer.

[db4570]

As mentioned, you need a weight-distributing hitch. The friction sway bars are a nice accessory.

It doesn't matter which brand you buy. (With the exception of Hensley/ProPride, which is another subject.) They all do the same thing. Some have features that are supposed to be revolutionary or advantageous, but are mostly nonsense. I'd buy the cheapest one out there. I have an Eaz-Lift which is cheap and simple and proven.

The most important thing you should do is get the weight distributed in the trailer correctly. A minimum of 10% up to 15% of the trailer weight as tongue weight. This will make the biggest difference in how it tows.

People do love their Andersons and Equalizers and Blue Oxen. Nothing wrong with either of them, but nothing magical, either, IMO.

[CharlesinGA]

I had an Equalizer with the first trailer I had. Hated it, difficult to set up, bars are STUPID heavy. It put a lot of stress on the truck and trailer tongue that I didn't care for. 1000 lb bars never showed any evidence of flex (solid one inch square steel bars) and if you got the wrong tongue weight range, bars are NOT interchangeable and you have to buy a whole new hitch.

Second trailer, same basic tongue weight as the first, I bought a Blue Ox Sway Pro, 1000 lb bars, much lighter and springy, easy to set up, does its job well. (and no, I no longer twist chains, you should not do that. I shortened them with properly rated H links, and later welded on new chain attachments and adjusted the chains to the proper length.)

Charles

[zrock2010]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

I had an Equalizer with the first trailer I had. Hated it, difficult to set up, bars are STUPID heavy. It put a lot of stress on the truck and trailer tongue that I didn't care for. 1000 lb bars never showed any evidence of flex (solid one inch square steel bars) and if you got the wrong tongue weight range, bars are NOT interchangeable and you have to buy a whole new hitch.

Second trailer, same basic tongue weight as the first, I bought a Blue Ox Sway Pro, 1000 lb bars, much lighter and springy, easy to set up, does its job well. (and no, I no longer twist chains, you should not do that. I shortened them with properly rated H links, and later welded on new chain attachments and adjusted the chains to the proper length.)

Charles

Both equalizer hitches but the same amount of torque / stress on the hitch and truck that is their design to transfer weight. I looked at the blue ox and it just had way to many moving parts for my liking so i went with a strait bar system. Super easy to set up and takes less than a min to hook up.. No regrets on the purchase..