Load Equalizer Hitch and Sway Control

When we went to pick up Big Duck, I took an equalizing hitch setup with me for the 2,100 miles back to SC from Las Vegas. When I put the coupler on my ball, I saw that the equalizer setup needed to be adjusted before it could be used and I was too lazy to get out the wrenches. I decided I wouldn't mess with the equalizer unless we had problems.

We had no problems or concerns all the way home so the load equalizing hitch was never used.

On 4 subsequent outings, even though I had purchased and set up a new properly sized equalizing hitch, I never had the incentive to actually use it. We never tow over 55 mph and there were no problems whatsoever on the road. I even considered the extra tongue weight a plus for traction at the ramp.

This is the tongue of Big Duck's trailer which was set up for an equalizing hitch and sway control by the builder.

On the last outing, I decided to put the equalizer on, and use a sway control bar from our travel trailer.

I was totally blown away by the handling on the mountain roads on the way to the ramp. The rig actually handled better than the van solo. I felt like I was driving a sports car with precise, predictable handling. What a pleasure!

The little extra effort required to attach the equalizer and sway bar will never be avoided again.