Equalizer/sway bar brands

[Russ Foster]

I had initiated a discussion some months ago regarding the use/non-use of this set up.....depending on your trailer and tow vehicle.

Any comments with respect to the BRAND that you are happy with....that incorporates built-in sway and is minimally invasive on the cowling of a 25 ft. Bigfoot.

My research shows me that EQUALIZER brand can be noisy: HENSLEY appears quite cumbersome.

I have used chain style with independent sway bar for years and asking myself why go away from this.....it was easy, quiet and levelled the units as expected.

Thank you.

[dmad1]

I used my Equalizer on a 25' Airstream for 6 years and another 6 years on a 30' Carriage Domani. Will be using it on my Casita when I have the propane bottles relocated enough to mount the rear brackets. I think they are the best out there. Outweighs a few moans and groans every once in a while. I think. there are some others being made the same way now. I just can't see how the chain set up can come close to the bar set ups. Just my 2 cents worth...

[NASA42]

Russ........

I've used the same 750 lb. Reese equalizer w/ chain bars for the past 22 years on over 4 rigs. Adjusting the tension by selecting links has proved easy and satisfactory. The separate friction sway control has worked just fine. If you're currently happy with your rig's performance....I'd stick with your set-up.

Frank

[Rzrbrn]

I just bought a BF 25RQ. I will be putting a Blue Ox Sway Pro on. Sway control is built in. I will have to cut the cowling however, but once cut I will use edging and it should look Ok. I was going to put on an Andersen, but I have been told it does not do so well with larger and heavier trailers. Also the Andersen handled sway ok on the Casita, but did nothing for weight distribution.

[ehoepner]

I went from the Reese single bar with the chain to the Equalizer. There is a world of difference in handling, especially in cross wind towing. Yes, there is noise when you are going around a sharp corner. So what? The question is, why didn't I do that sooner.

[Russ Foster]

Other than the Hensley and a chain type system, I cannot find a system that doesn't have metal on metal friction points between bar and bracket...powder coated or not, the paint will wear off leaving the driveway!

Search continues

[goalie39]

Equalizer sells "Sway Bracket Jackets" for the L-brackets, so it's not metal on metal and reduces the noise. Also, you're supposed to lightly lubricate the sockets and head unit.

Very happy with my Equalizer.

[Travelin2]

I just installed a Reese Strait Line, Dual Cam hitch. It was a little more work to install than the standard hitch but I think it will be a good setup. I didn't care for the separate friction sway control that you had to screw tight or loosen.

[WALT2013]

Look into the Anderson Weight Distribution system; extremely easy to use, no heavy, greasy WD bars, and sway control is built in; brilliant design. I have one on our 2004 Bigfoot 17CB; they are pricey, but well worth it; made in Idaho, I believe.

[giro53]

We used the Hensley type tow bar from Pro Pride. Can not beat the way it works. We did not use the jacks for leveling but instead stuck with chains for the leveling system. Saved major head ach installing with the cowling in the way. The system from Hensley may have worked better in this situation but after an installation that included modifing the battery plate to install the crossbar ( grinder work) we are super happy with the way it functions, of course it is overkill for our 21ft Bigfoot but would probably do it again. Lovely to drive in all wind conditions.

[Bill Will]

We us the Equal-i-zer weight and sway hitch on your 25 footer. The chains do not provide anti-sway which we feel is critical.Once you try anti-sway you'll be sold on the difference. We got the teflon glides which eliminate those random sounds you can get. Works 100% when going forward, When you reverse you will still get a "pop" sound but when you expect it you don't even notice.

[pedalmike]

We've been using a EAZ-lift 600 lb. weight distribution hitch on our rig for several years with very good results. This setup is recommended by Andy Thomson of Can Am RV who is one of the only people I know who perform detailed comparison tests of just about every type of weight distribution hitch. Andy says that he still hasn't found any setup that is consistently better round weight distribution bars with chains to adjust the bar tension. Can Am welded my ball mount so it is fixed at the correct angle and saves a few pounds by cutting away some of the ball mount that isn't needed after welding.

If you want a good education on towing, reading Andy's Hitch Hints articles in the archive is a great resource https://rvlifemag.com/category/columns/hitch-hints/

[Perryb67]

Don't bother with the Andersen when hauling a heavy trailer. Been there, done that. They're fine for lighter trailers but not for a 6,000+ pound Bigfoot (our 2003 weighted 6,300#'s). We had a Blue Ox Sway Pro for our 25B25RQ Bigfoot and it worked great and only needed a minimal cut on the front cowling.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Willieswonder]

I've used the equalizer hitch for about 8ish years. On the rub points I just put a little axle grease (hopefully didn't defeat the purpose of something by doing that). I had great luck with this! Pulled like a dream.
Just don't drop the bar on your toe! Blood shoots out the front and the doctor tells/shows you the multiple fractures in your big toe!!

[Russ Foster]

Ur right about Anderson. It is OK on light trailers but anything over an approx. 500lb tongue weight, their system does nothing for weight distribution.

[Carl V]

Equal-i-zer here.
Works very well.
Some noise when maneuvering around (even with the plastic pads) but otherwise real quiet down the road.
Other options are Husky Centerline, Curt TruTrack, Reese SC or Steadi-Flex.