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Old 04-10-2018, 02:47 PM   #1
jack65
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Weight distributing Sway bars & hitch for my trailer and truck?

I have a 20' 6,000 lb 18RS Outback trailer with a 2014 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 5.7L V8 Hemi 400+ HP & TQ to pull it with (it has many upgrades).

My question which is a good weight distributing Sway bars & hitch to get? I don't want overkill as I've spent a quite a bit getting the trailer AND truck the past two weeks! I'm looking at this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._rd_i=15737521
It is rated for 10,000 lbs.

Also, can I install this myself or should I have a shop do it?
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Old 04-10-2018, 02:57 PM   #2
busterbrown
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I'd recommend spending a little more $$ on a higher end hitch like an Equalizer 4pt WDH. The 2pt friction E2 friction hitch may not provide enough sway control for your 6K trailer as you're towing with a 1/2 ton truck. HP and Torque mean nothing in regards to sway. For the money, this is about the best hitch you can buy, until you get into the Proprides and Hensleys.
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Old 04-10-2018, 03:04 PM   #3
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Second busterbrown's recommendation. Spend the extra money now and you will be happy with the added features of the E4.
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Old 04-10-2018, 03:18 PM   #4
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With 6000 lbs. behind you and a 1500 you will want a good WDH/sway control. I think you need to get a 4 point system and I would recommend the Equalizer. I've used others but the Equalizer is a much better system than the ones I've had. It may cost a bit more (not that much) but the weight distribution and sway control areas of towing are not the place to try to skimp.
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Old 04-10-2018, 03:38 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66joej View Post
Second busterbrown's recommendation. Spend the extra money now and you will be happy with the added features of the E4.
Saw your sig, I'm pretty sure that what you have (Equal-i-zer 10K hitch) is what the RV place I got our trailer from was trying to sell me yesterday. It was this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-9.../dp/B004TR8F5C
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Old 04-10-2018, 03:46 PM   #6
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Educate me, what is the difference between a 2-point & 4-point system. I'm new to this trailer pulling business as I was pulling a popup trailer the past two years and tent camping for 55+ years before that.
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Old 04-10-2018, 04:30 PM   #7
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Jack- The 2 point hitch in your link only provides friction at the point where the bars touch the "L" brackets on the trailer. The spots in the hitch rotate freely in that style; in fact the guide will probably tell you to lubricate those spots.

In a 4 point hitch the connecting spots on the hitch also act as friction hinges, so both the contact point on the "L" brackets and the connecting points on the hitch act as friction points to fight sway.
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...EQ37100ET.html

check out the pictures in that one where the bars connect... Those provide 2 more points of resistance. Edit: This is the same hitch you also posted above.

I had an Equalizer with my old rig and it was a good hitch system. I also recommend it.
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Old 04-10-2018, 04:36 PM   #8
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Hi Jack,
I use the ANDERSON hitch works great no sway and very quite.

https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3350.../dp/B006X21B0M
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Old 04-10-2018, 04:46 PM   #9
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Just purchased a Reese friction stabilizing and sway in 1,spent 650.00 for it,did not want to spend that much,but after much consideration I decided it was worth it.i had the shop install it as there is a lot of measurement involved.
The one your looking at camping world recomenned,but went with the reese.
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Old 04-10-2018, 05:50 PM   #10
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They have all given you sound advise because I have towed with both the 10k e2 and the 10k e4. There is no comparison and the e4 is worth the money it cost me. I am sure there are other hitches that work well but I didn`t want to drill holes in a new trailer frame. They are not hard to set up.
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Old 04-10-2018, 06:33 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackitup View Post
Hi Jack,
I use the ANDERSON hitch works great no sway and very quite.

https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3350.../dp/B006X21B0M


Second this. The Anderson works great. Easy to setup and easy to adjust. Plus light Pearce’s no hurting your back hooking up. Also if you are on un level ground much easier to hitch and un hitch.
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Old 04-12-2018, 09:05 AM   #12
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That's not a heavy trailer by any means. I use the exact same e2 on my trailer and it pulls it like it's on rails. I have 0 sway issues. It's a great system without emptying your wallet.
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Old 04-12-2018, 11:35 AM   #13
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another vote for the e4 easy to setup and takedown and the best part I enjoy my drive as I know everything is staying where it should.
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Old 04-12-2018, 01:31 PM   #14
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Also don't get the 10k rated bars. Get the 6k rated bars. Too stiff of spring bars will make your truck ride rough. The 10k bars are rated up to 1k of tongue weight. The 6k bars are rated for 600 tongue weight. Yes, I have both sets and my trailer is 7k gvw and actual weight is 5746 and the 6k bars feel the best.
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Old 04-12-2018, 05:10 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cabldawg View Post
That's not a heavy trailer by any means. I use the exact same e2 on my trailer and it pulls it like it's on rails. I have 0 sway issues. It's a great system without emptying your wallet.
You talking about this one?
Fastway 94-00-1000 e2 Series 2-Point Sway Hitch - 10000 lbs. Capacity
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._rd_i=15737521

I know my trailer is on the light end as far as trailers go.
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Old 04-12-2018, 05:37 PM   #16
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...521&th=1&psc=1
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Old 04-12-2018, 05:38 PM   #17
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Sorry that didn't post what I wanted. In the options select 6k round bar without ball.
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Old 05-18-2018, 06:13 PM   #18
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No one really answered my second question in my first post.
Can a WDH/sway control system be installed myself or do I have to have a shop do it.

I've been busy renovating my house and haven't got the WDH/sway control system yet.
The RV shop where I got the trailer says there is a 4 week waiting period, so I may have to look elsewhere to have it installed if I can't do it.
I'm going to review the posts in this thread and order me a WDH/sway control system next week, so any more advice would be appreciated.
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Old 05-18-2018, 06:20 PM   #19
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Yes you can do it yourself. as long as you torque to specifications. Get the Blue ox. by far the best, you do not have to disassemble to back up trailer. I got the 1500 (15000Lb) on amazon.ca for 615 canadian. I watched it for 4 months. Check youtube for install videos
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Old 05-18-2018, 06:26 PM   #20
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To upgrade or downgrade the hitch you just replace the bars. My trailer is 6k lbs as well, but is 30'
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