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  • Hitch Recommendations

    Hi everyone. I'm new here. I scanned the threads (like the Beatles said, "here, there and everywhere") but still couldn't get to the answer I'm looking for.

    I'm picking up a Momentum 30G Toy Hauler (34') in a couple weeks and need a hitch. I thought choosing and buying a trailer was confusing, but that was just the warm up. I think I've got the weight distribution and sway basics down, but I'm still not sure how to dial in the particular model I need. Plus, there are several brands, and the reviews and prices are all over the place. Brands matter to me (thus, the GD).

    I have a 2021 RAM 2500 HD with the Cummins diesel and tow package. The GCWR on the truck is ~19,000, and the trailer GVWR is 12,000. I'm not concerned with towing capacity. From what I'm seeing, Curt, BlueOx and Equal-i-izer are the preferred brands to consider. I've also seen Hensley and ProPride mentioned, apparently on the very high end.

    The recommendations on etrailer for my truck (they didn't ask about the trailer) are:
    • Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
    • Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 15K GTW, 1.5K TW
    • Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

    Trunnion? Clamp On? Underslung? 4-point versus 7-point? One recommended with no points? I'll keep reading, learning, etc., but.... HELP!!!

    I'm not concerned about the cost as much as I am about the quality, reliability and safety. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
    Jeff
    2021 Momentum 30G
    2021 RAM 2500 6.7L Diesel HD

  • #2
    The GVWR on my 2400BH is 7495 lbs. I use the Blue Ox Standard Hitch Head w/ Clamp-On Rotating Latches and 750 lb bars (Amazon purchase). This is the second trailer using this hitch and I have no complaints.

    Likes:
    - installation is straightforward
    - operation is quiet
    - no greasy bar ends to deal with when stored. (Too much grease in the hitch head fittings can be a tad messy, though.)
    - hitch is robust
    - nothing requires removal when backing-up
    - Blue Ox customer service... I had an issue with a bent wd bar. I sent pictures to BO and they sent a replacement set of bars next day, no questions.

    Dislikes:
    - not a big deal, but the hitch is heavy
    - torquing the chains in the rotating latches requires a firm grip and your shins well out of the way. Others far smarter than I have purchased the Lippert Straptek device for this reason.
    Mike & Sonya
    2017 Silverado 1500, 5.3, Tow Pkg, RAS
    Blue Ox SwayPro
    2021 2400BH (DeBunked)

    Comment


    • #3
      JH2112 We have used the Blue Ox Sway Pro with 1,500 lb. bars for our 2600RB. I did add the Strap-Tek system to it this year and could not be happier, the original cam over type system with chains was tricky and did not allow for a lot of fine tuning for various conditions. The bars are a little oversized but feel it allows for a wider range of adjustments and loading, the ride is good except when really tightened down for wind. Very little if any truck suck on the highway. To me the weight of the hitch is fine and it seems to be robust, no problems with it in 5 years and about 30,000 miles.

      Dave
      flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

      Comment


      • #4
        Awesome, +2 for BlueOx, which I was leaning toward already. Thanks a bunch!
        Jeff
        2021 Momentum 30G
        2021 RAM 2500 6.7L Diesel HD

        Comment


        • #5
          I ran a Blue Ox on the TT when we had it. Extremely light unit, kept the sway under control when traveling in West Texas and North Texas. Pulled trailer from Houston to South Dakota and back with no issues.

          Yes it's a PITA to hook and unhook until you figure out the combination. For me, it was when just before the ball would contact the top of the trailer socket, I would pull the rear of the truck up to the trailer. Yes it's easier if you lift the rear of the truck with the trailer jack, but it's extremely easy to overload the trailer jack doing this.

          Unhooking was more of a challenge, but I figured out how to use my foot to judge chain tension and release just before it started lifting the rear of the truck.

          If I go back to a TT, I would have no issues with the Blue Ox but would upgrade to the strap tech.

          I did note that backing was hindered a little with the WD / Sway engaged, but was manageable.
          Joseph
          Tow
          Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
          Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
          South of Houston Texas

          Comment


          • #6
            Be careful about the underslung when you order. This is, as far as I can tell, a different type of coupler than most travel trailers I’ve seen including mine. The coupler is welded to the bottom of the tongue a-frame.

            On a side note are there any reservations regarding purchasing new vs used hitches - specifically blue ox in this case.

            Thanks!
            Shaun
            Last edited by Dingo68; 06-05-2021, 12:21 AM.
            2020 GMC 2500HD Denali (6.6L Gas)
            2019 Reflection 312BHTS
            soon: Equalizer WDH

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by JH2112 View Post
              [*]Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 15K GTW, 1.5K TW
              If you go with the Blue Ox, consider StrapTeks. They transform the Blue Ox into a usable system (at least they did for me). https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...st-impressions
              Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

              2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

              Comment


              • #8
                JH2112 I will second Howards suggestion on the strap-tek system, his experience with them convinced me to give them a go. I purchased mine this year and have used them our last two trips and really like the ability to adjust on the fly without messing with the jack etc. They are a good investment IMHO. A long wrench with a 1-1/8 socket, or in my case a piece of pipe for an extension and it becomes a breeze to adjust for load, weather and road conditions. Hitching up and unhitching is very easy now and they got rid of what little hitch noise was present.

                Dave
                flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

                Comment


                • #9
                  I have the 14K Equal-i-zer and I think it is swell overall. Some dislikes are, it's heavy and you have to torque the shank bolts to 320 ft-lbs, when ever you add or remove washers. Adjustments are made by adding/removing washers or raising/lowering the L-brackets. The L-brackets are easy to change the position of.

                  So... if I were in the market for a new WD hitch, I would sure look hard at the Weigh Safe True Tow. https://www.weigh-safe.com/true-tow-...ibution-hitch/

                  It's expensive, but I like the modular design that keeps the weight of the parts low and the ability to adjust the WD with a wrench.

                  Bob

                  Bob & Lynne

                  2020 Imagine 2970RL
                  2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD 4x4 Duramax

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Great info here, thank you. Since I posted this, I've been considering going for the ProPride, which costs a fortune and weighs a ton, but people rave about it.

                    RJAPCOK - the weigh-safe looks interesting. I'll take a closer look at that.

                    Dingo68 - I'm not opposed to a new-ish used one.
                    Jeff
                    2021 Momentum 30G
                    2021 RAM 2500 6.7L Diesel HD

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      JH2112 I have the little brother 21G with the Equal-i-zer 12K hitch. After about 4500 miles It's worked just fine for us. I am very curious about the weigh-safe. That's one I would consider as well.


                      We do not have a toy in the back so the tongue weight is typically 1200-1250#. If you don't have a toy in the back, tongue weight will probably be around 1500#. Make sure your hitch will work with that when you don't have the toy.
                      Allen

                      2021 Momentum 21G

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Thanks again for all the great feedback. I read up on the Weigh Safe a bit more and decided to go that route. Here's a tip for anyone thinking of ordering one: if you subscribe to their newsletter first, you'll get a code for 10% off. Saved me $100. I did find a place with them in stock to ship same day (versus probably waiting more than a week from the factory), but the dealer wouldn't match the discount.
                        Jeff
                        2021 Momentum 30G
                        2021 RAM 2500 6.7L Diesel HD

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by JH2112 View Post
                          Thanks again for all the great feedback. I read up on the Weigh Safe a bit more and decided to go that route. Here's a tip for anyone thinking of ordering one: if you subscribe to their newsletter first, you'll get a code for 10% off. Saved me $100. I did find a place with them in stock to ship same day (versus probably waiting more than a week from the factory), but the dealer wouldn't match the discount.
                          Please post a follow-up with your experience, lessons-learned, etc. The Weigh Safe does look like a nice setup--really like the idea of the built-in scale.
                          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                          2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Brief Update: the WS was ordered on 6/8, order completed on 6/16, hitch (four boxes) arrived on 6/24. WS estimated about two weeks and it took about two weeks.

                            Wondering what the opinions are on assembling and installing it myself. I won't be able to get it to a shop on Saturday, so it will be sitting there. Waiting.
                            Jeff
                            2021 Momentum 30G
                            2021 RAM 2500 6.7L Diesel HD

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by JH2112 View Post
                              Brief Update: the WS was ordered on 6/8, order completed on 6/16, hitch (four boxes) arrived on 6/24. WS estimated about two weeks and it took about two weeks.

                              Wondering what the opinions are on assembling and installing it myself. I won't be able to get it to a shop on Saturday, so it will be sitting there. Waiting.
                              If you have the proper tools then you should be able to assemble this yourself. You will probably need a torque wrench of some size and this should be pretty simple. If you would have any questions I am sure that the manufacture will help. Even if you have the dealer assemble this I would want to verify that all is well , just for my own piece of mind.

                              Brian
                              Brian & Michelle
                              2018 Reflection 29RS
                              2022 Chevy 3500HD

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