Comparing the Fastway e2 to the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch

Updated 03/11/2020 | Published 03/10/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(171)

$856.63

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2597)

$20.83

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3797)

$16.19

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(109)

$635.00

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(63)

$165.35

Question:

I just purchased a 2020 bunk house dry weight is 6896. I am towing with a 2014 qx 80 8500 towing but the hitch e2 2 point hitch the dealer put on is not helping with sway in the wind.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

The biggest issue with a weight distribution hitch like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1200, which is likely what you've got on your trailer, is that the hitch head doesn't provide any friction or tension. Having a weight distribution hitch that provides 2 point sway control is going to really only be effective in reducing sway once it's started, which is why you're experiencing the sway even with it attached.

Using a system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084, which uses dual cams to provide active sway control, helps eliminate sway before it even starts. With an active sway control system rather than a standard weight distribution with the friction style, it actually pulls the front end of that trailer toward your truck. It makes it easier for the trailer to follow your truck rather than go in its own direction, which is really important especially if you have to do those evasive maneuver type situations. This is ultimately going to provide you with a much better towing experience and a trailer that tracks much better behind your 2014 Infiniti QX80 than the Fastway e2.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you'll want to make sure that you have a system where the tongue weight on your trailer falls towards the middle of the range prescribed for that WD hitch. The Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 is designed for trailers with a tongue weight between 600 and 1200-lbs; the dry tongue weight of your trailer should be between around 690-lbs and around 1000-lbs. If your fully loaded tongue weight on your trailer is closer to the 1000-lbs range, you might be better off going with the # RP66130 which has a range of 800-lbs to 1500-lbs. At the end of the day, the Reese Strait-Line system is one of our highest rated weight distribution hitches and it's been tried and tested in a variety of different conditions with great results.

The Reese # RP66084 does not come with a hitch ball included and you will need one with a 1-1/4" shank; you can use the # A-90 for a 2" ball or the # 19286 for a 2-5/16" ball. If you end up going with the higher rated system you'll also need a weight distribution shank like the # RP54970

If you don't know the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, you can use a tongue weight scale like the Sherline # 5780 to measure this. You'll want to get your trailer loaded in the manner that you normally would when going on a trip and then take this measurement to get the most accurate results.

When all is said and done, the Reese is far superior to the Fastway e2 system you're currently using and you'll notice a huge difference in how much better your trailer tows when using it.