What type of hitch? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
ausdland
Newbie Joined: 24 Jan 2015 Location: SF Bay, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 29 |
Topic: What type of hitch? Posted: 31 Jan 2015 at 12:50pm |
Thanks techntrek. I'm getting a brake controller next week and will look at the Prodigy. I had no idea I'd need so many accessories
As for a combo hitch, I think I am going with the Centerline TS since we'll be crossing several States this year. For those interested, here's a link to that product: http://www.huskytow.com/product/husky-center-line-towing-system/ |
|
2002 Toyota Tundra
2015 R Pod 178 Next adventure? |
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 8:00pm |
I agree with everything above. On a related subject, most of us here recommend a brake controller from the Tekonsha line, usually the Prodigy. Not much more expensive than the cheaper ones but it makes the braking part of towing much more comfortable.
|
|
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
|
|
CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 3:18pm |
The answer is generally yes. The Centerline and Equalizer hitches appear very similar in design. People who use the separate add on friction sway controllers have trouble backing up, but I've never heard anyone having problems with the Equilizer. The only proviso might be IF the spring bar brackets are installed at an extreme rearward position and you're at an extreme 90 degree angle. If so, one bar may slip off. No damage, you just have to reset the bar. However, if installed correctly, no problem. Also note that if you're at that extreme angle you're no longer backing up; you're backing sideways! |
|
Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
|
ausdland
Newbie Joined: 24 Jan 2015 Location: SF Bay, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 29 |
Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 12:29pm |
Thanks for the link and 411 Vann. Does that hitch allow for backing w/o removing the stabilizer bars? The Husky Centerline allows for backing at sharp angles w/o undoing anything.
|
|
2002 Toyota Tundra
2015 R Pod 178 Next adventure? |
|
Pod People
Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1067 |
Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 8:34am |
I agree with the posts above. WDH and sway control MAY not be necessarywith your tv and your pod. However, I have found that towing the pod with both wdh and sway control is a lot more comfortable and safer. I have used the Equalizer 4 point system since I got the pod. we have traveled over 25,000 miles all over the US and I have never felt like the tv/pod combination was adversely affectedby winds, passing semis , speed , downhill curves, etc. I will gladly endorse the equalizer brand and would never tow our pod without it. We have the 600# tongue weight/6000 pound trailer weight unit which is probably overkill, but worth it. With any hitch, make sure the shank size allows your pod to ride level.
here is their website http://www.equalizerhitch.com/ Vann |
|
CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 8:34pm |
I have no direct experience with the Centerline TS, but it's design looks similar to the Equalizer which is very popular and effective. You can't go too wrong and you'll have added piece of mind. The unfortunate thing about WDH/Sway is you often don't know you needed it until it's too late. I don't think that will be your situation, but you'll never be sorry you got it. |
|
Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
|
ausdland
Newbie Joined: 24 Jan 2015 Location: SF Bay, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 29 |
Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 8:16pm |
Thanks for the clarification guys.
I spoke with the dealer and of course they recommended both in one hitch-a Centerline TS for $530 installed and set up. I'll research this more, but it sounds like I'll want a combo hitch. |
|
2002 Toyota Tundra
2015 R Pod 178 Next adventure? |
|
CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 7:24pm |
With your proposed 178 and Tundra I'll suggest you won't "need" WDH or sway control at first. This assumes your first tow will be coming home with an essentially empty 178. The 178 is well within the limits of the full sized Tundra. That said I think you will eventually decide you want the WDH. It smooths out the ride and greatly reduces the porpoising (bouncing) motion any trailer imparts to a tow vehicle (TV). WDH just makes towing a lot more pleasant as most people, even with full sized PUs, have discovered. Trailer sway is really a function of how you load the trailer, but a WDH that includes sway control is only minimally more expensive than without. So I suggest you pull the empty trailer home without the WDH/Sway and see how it feels. Then you can really appreciate the change when you add the new hitch. There is no safety issue without WDH/Sway with your setup, just comfort and piece of mind.
|
|
Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
|
Outbound
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767 |
Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 6:50pm |
You're muddling up weight distribution and sway control. You can have just weight distribution, you can have just sway control, or you can buy a combination unit which does both. You can also buy weight distribution and sway control separately and install them on the same trailer - but, they have to be compatible; it usually ends up being messy and jury rigged and cumbersome to use and more expensive than buying a combo unit, and I really don't recommend it.
These aren't universal parts with universal mounts. They're pretty-much manufacturer-specific, so you'll have to buy the appropriate mounts/hitches for the weight distribution and/or sway control system you choose.
Anyway: you'll need/want weight distribution if the tongue weight of your fully-loaded-and-ready-to-travel trailer approaches (or exceeds) your tow vehicle's rated tongue weight (it'll be in your owner's manual somewhere). Sway control on the other hand is a matter of choice. Some don't find an r-pod's tendency to sway to be much of an issue with their setup, so they didn't purchase it. Personally, I started out in that camp, but after a particularly long drive in strong, gusty winds, I changed my mind and now fully endorse a sway bar at a minimum. Anyway, you're going to read a lot of opinions on what to buy. I suggest you look around and read up. But, I also suggest you call your dealer and speak with them. You should be able to book ahead so that they can install a WDH/sway control on your vehicle and trailer (and dial-it-in) the day you pick up your trailer.
|
|
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
|
|
ausdland
Newbie Joined: 24 Jan 2015 Location: SF Bay, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 29 |
Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 1:59pm |
Pardon the newbie question; help is most appreciated:
We just bought a 178 and are picking it up in Oregon in a couple weeks. I've been reading a bit on WDH and sway/stabilizer bars on this forum but am uncertain what my needs for a hitch are. I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra 4wd tow vehicle. My RV buddy with a 5th wheel says I need a hitch with stabilizing bars. Is that the same thing as a WDH? Do I need both if it isn't? Stability at speed is important to me. tia |
|
2002 Toyota Tundra
2015 R Pod 178 Next adventure? |
|
Post Reply |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |