equal-l-izer

[Lummisailor]

Is there any body using the equal l izer sway and equalizer device brand on there tow rig. I am towing our R25 9600lbs with our 2012 Ram 2500 Hemi with 6 speed auto and am considering getting one before we tow from Lummi Island Wa. to San Pedro Ca. :?:

 

[knotflying]

Don't fix it if it works. With the proper tongue weight you should not have any sway. I have been on this site for over 7 years and cannot recall any issues with sway. I have a couple of friends with the same truck you have and they have never complained about sway either. Take your rig out for a ride and try it out. Sway is usually caused by improper tongue weight. Tongue weight should be around 10% of the boat and trailer weight combined. Make sure that is within range and you should be fine. When the boat and trailer are attached to the truck the trailer should look fairly even along the ground as should the truck. A large dip or rise at the hitch will indicate improper loading. Sway bars do have their limitations when backing up and depending on brakes (surge) should not be used.

 

[BB marine]

I use them. I have a HD2500 Chevy which doesn't require them for the rating on my hitch but I still use them and there is a difference with out them. I use Reese SC distribution bars rated for 12000lbs. SC model is designed for surge brakes and is also designed for full back up capability. The system utilizes brake pads on the brackets. The bars lay on the brackets to support the bars and level the rig, they also help with sway. I have a well balanced custom built tri-axel trailer so the bars are an option , but I use that option. Most of the sway that I get without the bars is from trucks passing or wind. The bars do control this. The other advantage to the bars is steerage on wet roads. The bars distribute more weight to the steering Axel this helps reduce hydroplaning on the front tires. Think about 1000lbs on the ball put some equipment in the bed of the truck where is most of the weight in the truck ? Back Axel ! The steering Axel is running light. It is amazing when using the bars how they shift that weight to the front of the vehicle. When properly set up it feels like the truck and trailer are traveling down the road as one. Most campers come with distribution bars. Most boat trailers are not designed for them so no one uses them. A lot of pickup trucks with factory hitch's actually require them to be used for maximum tow rating. Aluminum trailer manufacturers say don't use them it will void the warranty. That concerns me if the safety factor is that close in the construction of that trailer I don't think I want to own that trailer. I changed the mounting bracket some to strengthen the attachment to my trailer. Here are a few pictures.

This is a picture with the trailer attached to my Tahoe. The Tahoe is to small to tow it but with the bars the rig sat level.

Truck sits level.

 

[Lummisailor]

Thanks Knotflying and BB Marine for the response. I am moving the boat forward on trailer to get my tongue weight to 1000 lbs and will road test before the trip to San Pedro (Los angles Harbor). Merry Christmas to you and all the Tug Nuts Synergy on Lummi Island

 

[S. Todd]

I find most experts say tongue weight should be 7% to 10% of the weight of the trailer. 7% is generally the rule for heavier trailers (25s and up) and 10% for the lighter ones (think R21). I tow our 2015 R25SC with a F250 and the tongue weight is right at 640 lbs (lots closer to 7% than 10%) and I have no sway issues. If I was going to put 10% of the weight on the ball I would strongly suggest BB marine has the right idea that equalizer bars would be needed to keep some weight on the steering axle.

 

[knotflying]

Just to clarify, I was referring to sway bars, not weight distribution hitches.