Pulling a bumper hitch camper?

[trailshredder]

I have a 31' bumper hitch camper. I pulls pretty well but occasionaly, on windy days gets to swaying a bit. Does someone make just a sway bar without the load distribution (I have air bags)? Would also like to keep my nice aluminum drop hitch.

 

[t2ch]

Something like this? For the size of your camper you should probably get 2. 1 for each side. You may have to change your ball carrier because of the extra little ball you need beside it.

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3091-va75190.aspx.

 

[trailshredder]

Perfect! Do you own one of these? I am wondering if the ball (Truck end) can be mounted horizontal instead of vertical as shown in the picture. If so, I might be able to attach it to my existing drop hitch.

 

[t2ch]

I did have one a few years ago and it worked pretty good on a 25' camper. I think you can buy an add on bracket for that sway ball. You may have to get the long shank ball to allow the bracket. The bracket sits on the nut side of the trailer ball and is held in place by the trailer ball itself. I think they had them on the site I linked for you.

 

[Ozzie]

IIRC, a weight distribution hitch is required by law for bumper pull trailers over 5K...if that is the case, I would surely use one, and with a built in sway control along with it. EQualizer makes a darn good one. I've used it for my 38' for a few years now.
You may want to look into the law on this. I'll see if I can find something too.

 

[Ozzie]

Maybe not law, but certainly a recommendation...here is a page I found that has some good information:

http://www.rvtowingtips.com/hitches.htm

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Just because you have airbags doesnt mean that you dont need a weight dist hitch. Without the WD hitch all of the trailer tongue weight is on the rear axle, the WD setup will distribute the weight more evenly making for better braking and handling. IIRC friction sway controls are not advised for anything over 25ft length. There are many WD hitches that incorporate sway control, the Reese dual cam and the Equalizer are 2 of the more common ones.

Scott

 

[trouttrooper]

Just because you have airbags doesnt mean that you dont need a weight dist hitch. Without the WD hitch all of the trailer tongue weight is on the rear axle, the WD setup will distribute the weight more evenly making for better braking and handling.
Scott

X2

You will find your front end wandering, especially if you hit some dips on the highway without a WD hitch.

 

[trailshredder]

Makes sense. I actually have an older one but the hitch comes straight out and my camper goes uphill to the truck.

 

[cbrew2001]

Yea, it would really be a good idea to use a weight distribution hitch with the sway controller and spring bars. You will find your trailer tows better and safer. Ebay has a good selection to choose from at reasonable prices. I have a "EAZ LIFT", its not the best one out there but works great (money was tight when I bought it). If I was towing every weekend and a good distance I would buy the "Equal-i-zer".