We are thinking about going to a TT early next year after selling our Class C last year. I had a TT about 7-8 years ago and remember the old sway, porposing and jerky forward and back movements. We did not travel to far at that time and now we are older and less tolerable.
I had an equalizer hitch at the time and know I will need another if we go this route. I will be towing a 7000# gross trailer weight with a 2008 GMC 1500 5.3 V-8 with a tow package and a 3.73 rear end. Should handle it OK but any recommendations on any towing hardware that will make a cross country trip more enjoyable would be appreciated. I have been thinking about a Hensley or ProPride 3 hitch. Expensive I know, but safety & comfort is paramount. Any input will be grately appreciated.
Thanks
Sounds like you never properly set up your Equalizer hitch on your last TT. Note dealers CAN'T do it, or maybe will not, as to do it properly takes several trips to the scales with a fully loaded TT.
We never have sway, porpoising is very rare, usually only going over RR tracks, and never had jerky forward/back EXCEPT before we threw away the Voyager brake controller and put in a Prodigy.
One thing, I've read that GMC has no idea how to make receivers, so many folks have replaced stock GMS receiver.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
I tow a Puma 25RS with a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 5.3, V8. It has the tow pkg. etc. The Puma came with a Pro Series WDH with SC. I have been adjusting it, trying to get it where I want it. When I first towed I had some of the porpoising effect on it. I am still tweaking it some. Even though I have the built in sway control, I also added a friction sway bar on it. I had the bar and ball from a previous setup when I had a PUP. I know that I really need to take it over to the scales and see what I really have.
Another Dual Cam user here, and love it (once it's set up properly). Unfortunately, the characteristics you describe are not uncommon to "1/2 ton towing" as read here. I'm towing 8000 lbs with my 150 HD and it does exhibit porpoising from time to time. If it's a bad road or I see a bump coming, I just ease the manual controller lever to smooth it out. If it's constant, that's another story. That sounds like set up. I suspect I have more payload than the average 1/2 ton (2200 lbs) but the spring rates on these trucks are not terribly stiff, so some movement is to be expected. Not so much with sway, though. Mine is very stable side to side and a good hitch will do wonders on that count. Good luck with your decision. Let us know how you make out. There are some very knowledgable folks on this board.
"It`s not important that you know all the answers, it`s only important to know where to get all the answers" Arone Kleamyck
"...An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
Sunset Creek 298 BH
usmc616 wrote: I use a Reese dual cam set up and am very happy. I used to use a friction type and hated the tow experience.
Ahhh.. the last time I looked, the Reese dual cam is a friction type. Not sure what you are referring to here.
Also, I think when the OP mentioned he had an equalizer hitch on his previous trailer, he was talking about a weight distribution hitch not and Equal-i-zer hitch.
OP... with your 1/2 ton and a 7000 lb trailer, you'd be much better off with a Hensley or Pro Pride. Spend the bucks for the best... no worry, no white knuckles, no anxiety attacks.
Ron
Ron & Sandie
'08 Safari Simba SBD35 CAT C7
Toad: 2011 GMC Terrain SLT2
Tow Bar: Sterling AT
Toad Brakes: Unified U.S. Gear
TPMS: Pressure Pro
Member of: GS, FMCA, Safari Intl, CAT
I had the friction sway, upgraded to Reese Dual cam sway, a huge difference. No porpoising tow with a Chevy 2500HD, love my current set up, although a larger camper is in the future.
Read up on the Hensley and pro pride. What you read is true , anyone who has one
Loves them. You can always send it back for a full refund if you don't like it.
Thanks to all for the input.
Yes,I had a friction bar, maybe two, and the hitch with the L shaped bars, chains and a pipe to flip the chain hook devices- load distribution I think. As you can see, I don't remember for sure, but I know I will need to get it weighed after properly loaded. I did not do that with the last one I owned.
I assume to go to a truck scale and disconnect to get an accurate tongue weight.
Been RVing for 12-14 years. Our first was a 5er with a 1996 1 T Ford crew cab diesel. Loved that thing to tow with--hated to tour with it! We will probably be going back to towing a TT after this year. Am trying to plan ahead, research used TTs and towing aparatus.
Thanks again. I will probably be back with more questions and will stay "tuned" here.
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