Cannot Keep Trailer Straight with Any Crosswind or Road Fluctuation While Using Equalizer Hitch

Updated 06/12/2014 | Published 06/09/2014

Question:

I have a 2013 28 foot Cherokee travel trailer that I am trying to pull with a 2013 Ford F-150 with the Eco-Boast engine V-6 engine. The trailer towing package is rated for 9,400 pounds and power wise the truck pulls it OK. Control wise I cannot keep the trailer straight with any type crosswind or road fluctuation. They sold me standard 1,200 lb equalizer hitch with chain hook-ups on the bars but the bars are on a slight angle since I cannot get the brackets far enough forward towards the tongue because the propane tank bracket is in the way. [Possibly the dealer sold me the wrong hitch???] What do you have and recommend to get this solved and under control?

asked by: John S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The bars on a weight distribution system should be parallel with the trailer's frame or at a greater downward angle and the chains should be pretty close to vertical. If the location of the propane tank bracket interferes with the correct mounting locations for the chain hangers on the weight distribution system, I recommend using the Reese Bolt-On Chain Hangers, # RP58305. These chain hangers provide attachment points that are specially designed to eliminate clearance problems by attaching to the side of the trailer tongue. Once the bars and chain are in the correct position, you should see a change in the handling of the trailer.

You may want to also consider installing a friction sway control kit like our Reese, # 83660. This will also help to reduce the amount of side to side motion or sway. In order to determine if your weight distribution system can accommodate a sway control bar, the head must have a hole on either side of the main hitch ball. I have attached a picture as an example.

To determine whether or not you are using an adequate weight distribution system for your 28 foot travel trailer, I recommend checking the tongue weight of your trailer whenever you have the trailer fully loaded and ready to go. I am including a link to an article which provides valuable information on weight distribution. This article includes a section on how to measure tongue weight. Now you just need to make sure that the tongue weight of your trailer falls within the tongue weight range of your weight distribution system.

expert reply by: Leah S