3-point vs 4-point Distribution Hitches

jpmatx · 07-22-2020, 08:47 AM

What are the cons to a 3-point hitch setup? I have a 4-point "ball & chain" on my '13 Sprinter 272BHS, but the Trekker 3-point friction hitch has been recommended for the '21 Passport 3400QD I'm looking to buy.

**flybouy** · 07-22-2020, 09:14 AM

Never heard of 3 point sway control. It would help if we knew what you were towing with.

**sourdough** · 07-22-2020, 09:24 AM

The "Trekker" is a Camco Eaz Lift Trekker. I've not owned one but it appears to be their effort at making a copy of the Equalizer....one of the most popular and successful wdh/sway controls out there.

After reading through the manual looks like they try to employ the same techniques as the Equalizer but with some "variations". I won't say cheaper because I don't have one in my hand but I will say the operation is less user friendly than the Equalizer. So in essence from what I see it operates like a 4 point hitch.

For the "ball and chain" type wdh with sway, I've not seen one that was very effective against sway. I have however used the wdh to the extent my rear tires would leave the ground on any bump so that part was effective.

Between the 2 I'd get the Camco but if I were buying new, I'd get the Equalizer.

jpmatx · 07-22-2020, 09:25 AM

A 3-point would be a Camco Trekker. It uses friction on the distribution bars rather than a separate anti-sway bar.

I’m towing with a GMC 2500 Diesel

**flybouy** · 07-22-2020, 10:11 AM

It's the 3 point that confused me. I didn't see that reference when I looked at it online. Maybe I missed that part?

jpmatx · 07-22-2020, 10:48 AM

That's probably my fault. I may be using the wrong term to differentiate between them.

Regardless, is the Equalizer (over the Trekker or ball & chaing) is the best of the lot?

**flybouy** · 07-22-2020, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpmatx

That's probably my fault. I may be using the wrong term to differentiate between them.

Regardless, is the Equalizer (over the Trekker or ball & chaing) is the best of the lot?

No problem. I like finding out about "new" stuff and though I missed something. What brand WDH do you have now and what are you towing with? A smaller vehicle will require a lot more sway control than a larger heavier one.

jpmatx · 07-22-2020, 11:35 AM

I currently have a Pro Series, towing with a GM 2500 Diesel.

**flybouy** · 07-22-2020, 11:52 AM

If that's a Reese Pro Series I don't think that has any sway control. You shouldn't have any issues towing with the 3/4 ton truck. I'd definitely go with a quality WDH with sway control. I use a Reese straight line hitch (was bought when I had previous trailer so probably 15 years old now). It still works great so I never replaced it. Lot's of folks use the 4 point sway control hitch that doesn't use the chains. I wouldn't consider the "add on" friction sway control bars, the flat bars that mount on a small ball on each end.

I'm sure folks will chime in with everything from using a cheap Harbor Freight hitch to a $2-$3K hitches.

jpmatx · 07-22-2020, 11:55 AM

I'm using a friction sway bar today as well. I does well for anti-sway, even in high winds in West Texas, but it's noisy and one more piece to fail (ask me how I know....)

**flybouy** · 07-22-2020, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpmatx

I'm using a friction sway bar today as well. I does well for anti-sway, even in high winds in West Texas, but it's noisy and one more piece to fail (ask me how I know....)

Our daughter had one on her popup and they forgot to remove it when they backed up. After some work with a a 10 lb maul I got the frame straightened out for her. She never used it again.

**sourdough** · 07-22-2020, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpmatx

I'm using a friction sway bar today as well. I does well for anti-sway, even in high winds in West Texas, but it's noisy and one more piece to fail (ask me how I know....)

I tried that type out for a few years in the beginning because I didn't know any better. Thought those pesky little "bars" helped...and I guess they did to a degree. I had 2 of them and I used them all over W TX, the panhandle, SE NM and central TX. I wasn't so lucky because they just had a hard time in the kinds of wind we see out there. Went to a 4 point and all the difference in the world. Like Marshall said, never used it again - don't even remember what I did with it but I know I didn't sell it......

NH_Bulldog · 07-22-2020, 02:32 PM

I use the Eaz-Lift Trekker with the 1,000 lb. bars and has been great. We are close to 10,000 miles in two years and all kinds of weather, roads, wind, etc. and have no complaints. As long as it is set-up correctly, it works as good as any other system I have used.

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