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08-07-2022, 05:30 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: Galveston
Posts: 2
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Towing issues with new Sprinter
We pulled our new 38’ Sprinter travel trailer on a weekend trip with a GMC 2500 diesel Duramax Sierra. First trip for this trailer and this truck pulling. There was a lot more sway than pulling a 5th wheel with the old 3/4 ton truck. I expected additional movement, but the trailer felt kind of squirrely. We were so uncomfortable with trucks passing on the interstate we got off and went back roads. We need to investigate the tow settings for the truck, there was a subtle but constant push-pull motion that made me think maybe the trailer braking was off, also made me motion sick, or some kind of traction control issue. (I’m not the truck owner/driver, just the one more nervous about pulling the trailer. Sorry if I don’t know all the details of the truck.) That aside, people have suggested that a sway control hitch would help the trailer ride more stably. Any thoughts on this, or suggestions for a specific hitch?
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08-07-2022, 05:36 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,353
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If your pulling a 38’ bumper pull trailer without any weight distribution AND sway control, your asking for a scary ride.
Lots of choices, but I always recommend the Equalizer E4 hitch. It has WD and sway.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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08-07-2022, 05:39 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
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Travel trailers are definitely move around more and yes a sway control WDH makes a big difference. I have a 2500 Duramax as well and have pulled similar sized trailers using the blue ox sway pro. It always feels a little different compared to a 5th wheel, but you get used to it quickly. Without a WDH and sway control, you’ll never get used to it, because it’s not consistent or predictable.
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08-07-2022, 05:42 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,695
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If you're pulling a 38' bumper pull on the back of a 3/4 ton truck without weight distribution and sway control you just introduced yourself to sway (and the motion sickness that comes with it) along with the loss of control caused by that type of hook up. It's dangerous. I too recommend the Equalizer weight distribution hitch with 4 point sway control (4 point is mandatory IMO on that large of a trailer). Until then prepare for motion sickness and hope like heck the trailer doesn't take the truck for a ride across the median.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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08-07-2022, 05:52 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,224
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Well not sure why one would go from 5th wheel to a TT, other than price or bad knees. Towing a 38’ TT without a WDH with sway control is asking for a white knuckle driving experience.
The other items is the TT should tow level or slightly nose down and have a minimum of 12% tongue weight.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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08-07-2022, 05:58 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 352
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I tow a 38' Outback TT with a 2021 F250 ( total length of the trailer with the rear cargo carrier down[emoji6] )...and a "cost effective" Curt WDH w/ sway control; actually setup for 2.
I wouldn't tow the trailer long distances without the WDH and at least 1 sway control.
That being said it sounds like you don't have enough weight distributed on the hitch/ ball.
You shouldn't get pushed around at all when serup correctly-IMO
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08-07-2022, 06:08 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Monroeville
Posts: 1,550
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Yep, just here to confirm what everyone else has said. You gotta have a WDH with a 4-pt sway control to tow a trailer that long, HD truck or not. That tail is definitely wagging the dog. Get a proper hitch, read the manual/watch some videos on adjusting it and I can almost guarantee your problems will disappear (short of there being an axle problem on the trailer).
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 29bh in Charocal
2019 Ram 2500 HD 4x4, CC, 6.4L
2011 Passport 2510RB (Sold)
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08-09-2022, 11:10 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: Galveston
Posts: 2
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Thank you all, very much appreciated!
Looking into these options now!
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