SNAP! Scra-a-a-a-ape

[Frederick L. Simson]

I use a very light Weight Distributing Hitch to tow my Fiber Stream with my Honda Odyssey. It is a trunnion type, with 2 spring arms marked 350 Lbs. It came with the trailer, and Honda requires WDH for towing what my trailer weighs.




As I was entering the driveway for the parking lot at work (where I store the trailer) I cross a deep curb cut.
I hear the noise in the title, and immediately stop the rig and get out to investigate. What I find is that one of the Spring Arms has broken, and the end was dragging on the ground. Since I am almost at my storage spot, I remove that arm and put the trailer away.

Here is the broken arm:




It may be as old as the trailer. I remember only seeing HUGE spring arms available in RV stores. The Fiber Stream's frame is very light (1" x 2" channel) and these arms are sized to match. Where might I find replacements that small???

[Roger C H]

I use a very light Weight Distributing Hitch to tow my Fiber Stream with my Honda Odyssey. It is a trunnion type, with 2 spring arms marked 350 Lbs. It came with the trailer, and Honda requires WDH for towing what my trailer weighs.
As I was entering the driveway for the parking lot at work (where I store the trailer) I cross a deep curb cut.
I hear the noise in the title, and immediately stop the rig and get out to investigate. [b]What I find is that one of the Spring Arms has broken, and the end was dragging on the ground. Since I am almost at my storage spot, I remove that arm and put the trailer away.

It may be as old as the trailer. I remember only seeing HUGE spring arms available in RV stores. The Fiber Stream's frame is very light (1" x 2" channel) and these arms are sized to match. Where might I find replacements that small???

Fred,

Just yahoo "weight distributing hitches". I did and found this:

http://www.adventurerv.net/towing-weight-d...y-c-27_107.html

These guys have several light weight systems.

Probably should buy whole new system. Even if you could find a replacement arm, the other arm is probably ready to go, too.

These guys have a selection, too and seem to be cheaper:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-WD~66074.htm

Since the one you have broke, maybe you need a heavier duty system.

[BobB]

Hi Fred,

I see you included a pair of beetle-crushers for scale ;-) Roger's advice seems good. I'd stick with some kind of WDH for towing with the Odyssey, mostly because it's FWD. If the trailer frame is a concern, it shouldn't cost much to have it reinforced where tongue and trailer meet.

[Bill K]

I may be wrong, but your chain for the arm in the picture is coming down at an angle.
I believe they should be straight when the car and trailer are in a straight line.
This may not have had anything to do with it breaking , but it could put extra strain on the arm in a hard left turn.

Just my two cents

Bill K


"Here is the broken arm:"

[Bill MacDermod]

Frederick, if you find yourself having to go for a new one you may want to try the same single arm thats being used on the rig in the same picture you posted. We tow with an Odessey as well and we use the single arm and it seems to work very well. They have to be mounted from about 17" to 28" from the ball and it looks like you could satisfy that. Good Luck

[Frederick L. Simson]

I visited my local RV shop, and they confirmed that my spring arms are antiques that are no longer available.
The rig in the background of my 1st photo is Gina D's 17' Burro + Jeep Liberty combo, and she has a single arm WDH.

I am concerned about how low (close to the pavement) it hangs.

Roger, your link shows a new "Mini" 2-arm trunnion system rated for 350 Lbs. that I like. It is chain-less, and does not hang below the trailer tongue.

One feature I've not seen before is you have to order it in your ball size, because the ball is cast together with the "stinger" in one piece.

[Russ & Marian McLean]

Good morning Frederick,

That Reese hitch looks good on paper. I recently bought an Equal-i-zer hitch, based on recommendations from this site. I am real happy with it, BUT, I think it would tear-up your 1" x 2" trailer frame.

I read the installation instructions on the link you provided. It mentioned that a spacer is required for frames smaller than 2".

"IF USING WITH A FRAME OTHER THAN 4" (SHOWN DASHED), A SPACER MUST BE USED."

1" x 2" box tube should work.

No matter what hitch you select, consider using a length of 1" x 2" box tube to reinforce the existing frame. Run it under the existing frame from under the trailer hitch to under the body. This should share the bending and twisting forces from the sway mechanism. Fabricate clamps or U-bolts to hold it in place.

Russ

[james kent]

Could not a good welding shop not make a couple of new arms?

[Roy in TO]

Similar to the link Roger provided,

Instructions for a slight different model in the same family.
http://www.reeseprod.com/fitguides/pdf/N66024.pdf

Somewhere I've seen one similar meant for a pop-up that has pads built in for sway control. I'll post if I find a make / model. I'm thinking it might be out of production.