I have a 2011 Keystone 323BHS (36ft total length) with a Dry hitch weight of 860lbs and a dry shipping weight of 8630lbs. My TV is a GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD. We are are currently using EAZ-Lift WD bars wtih 2 friction sway bars.
WE are looking at upgrading to a FW for several reasons, but one of the main reasons is towing. This TT seems heavy to tow from a bumper hitch. When I hit bridges and dips in the road I rock back and forth several times before the rig settles back down. There is some sway, but not enough to have me overly worried. It kinda feels like the TT is driving my TV.
My question is, is all this normal for pulling a big TT? Or if I upgraded to a nicer hitch (equalizer or Reese Dual cam)would this make my problems lessen or even go away?
I have only had this TT out 7 times and don't enjoy the towing experience at all. I'm feeling out all of my options before I take the hit in the shorts on trade in.
I have almost same set up and have been towing it for six years. I have pulled from Arkansas to Wisconsin (several times), Rocky Mtns, Grand Canyon, Florida with no problems. I have been pulling our 32ft Jayco since my 2005 GMC was brand new and it now has 94k miles on it.
I have considered a different hitch set up, but really have not found the need. If anything, I would suggest that for you, maybe a Hensley setup.
I have heard that 5ers pull better, but if you like your current trailer, hate to see you give that up.
You will become more comfortable the more you tow. The most important thing is drive a speed YOU are comfortable with. So what if everyone around you is going 70? If you are comfortable at 60, drive 60. You will make it there in one piece, and improve your gas mileage by 20%.
Rick & Joan
Rogers, Arkansas
2005 Jayco Eagle 322FKS TT
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2 First Gen Camaros
Maybe, a different hitch is what's needed. The folks using the new Andersen hitch, are saying good things about it. It supposedly takes out a lot of bounce and has built in sway control. I bought one, but, haven't used it yet.
M GO BLUE wrote: A better hitch does not take the place of an inadequate TV...upgrade the truck
At first glance I would agree and be careful on solving your issues with a 5er since to get the same or close to space will really put you over the limit of your TV.
IMO any trailer over about 31' should be towed by a truck with a 150 to 170in wheel base which is basically a super or crew cab and you have to have the proper payload.
I pull a "heavy" 6 tons of box trailer of about the same length with almost the same truck and don't have those issues or feel uncomfortable. What kind of speeds are you driving? We keep it around 60 to 62 mph for best fuel mileage.
davisenvy wrote: My question is, is all this normal for pulling a big TT? Or if I upgraded to a nicer hitch (equalizer or Reese Dual cam)would this make my problems lessen or even go away?
I have only had this TT out 7 times and don't enjoy the towing experience at all. I'm feeling out all of my options before I take the hit in the shorts on trade in.
What is the rating for your WDH?
What is the rating for the TV's receiver?
Have you weighed the loaded trailer and measured the loaded tongue weight?
I had the same problem as you when I had a 33' BH TT and an 08 2500HD with the Reese dual cam sway control set up. No matter how I adjusted the hitch, towing at highway speeds was a nightmare.
I ended up buying a 35' 12k 5'er and it towed wonderfully. Night and Day. The problem then was I weighed the rig loaded and was at the max for the 2500HD. I ended up buying a 1 ton and all is well now. Btw, we love our 5er and I love the truck. If you do upgrade truck and go with gas, get the 4:10 axle.
Steve
Steve Rinker
Rochester, NY
2013 Keystone Sydney 340FBH 5'er
2012 Silverado 3500HD, SRW,LTZ,4x4, Z71, Crew, 6.0 Gasser, 4:10 Gears, Standard bed
"These days, I have problems in areas that I used to not have areas", so life is good.
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