i have a 2006 f350 superduty, 4 door, 6.0 diesel, single rear wheel. i am pulling a 24 foot enclosed sprint car trailer that is a little over 10 feet tall. it was pretty windy the day i pulled it home, and it actually got a little scary a couple of times when the crosswind would push me. i know very little about anti sway bars and weight distribution, but i know i need something. i'm pretty sure i don't need any weight distribution because the trailer hardly made the truck squat at all. the truck will handle the weight of the trailer/contents easily as i will only be hauling atv's and equipment. i just need something to help with the side to side push from the wind. any helpful advice is greatly appreciated. thanks

 

How was the weight distributed in the trailer? If it was unevenly spread out (left to right) or the trailer was too heavy in back/too light at the tongue you can have significant sway problems.

You may also want to check the tires on the trailer - is this a new trailer or used? Are they the right tires for the job and are they properly inflated (usually max listed on the sidewall is right for a trailer)?

 

the trailer was actually empty when i pulled it home, but it still has plenty of tongue weight. the trailer is used. the tires are correct, all match, and are properly inflated

 

I believe after you get that Sprinter in the trailer with all extras, you will notice a whole lot of difference in cross winds, without weight in the trailer you are just pulling an empty big box that will move all over the place in high winds, I've pulled empty 53' semi trailers in high winds and that really gets scary, I can relate on how you felt, White Knuckles, Huh. Don't worry load her up and go RACING!!

 

Why would you pull a 53' semi trailer with an F-350?

 

your truck should have anti-sway bars on it allready and I do not know if there are any upgrades for the factory ones

 

I have had two 250 single wheels and have never noticed any sway with an empty stck trailer or camper on them. Check your truck tire pressure. I don't want to insult your intelligence, but lots of 1/2 ton owners don't know that 10 ply tires need 60 to 80 psi. I always run 65 all around for comfort, but my tire shop likes to put in 75+

 

Anti-sways will help when pulling empty/light - so will WD hitch (for a lot more money). The WD becomes a real tool when you are running close to max load - it basically helps spread the load to the entire truck frame instead of carrying it right at the back.

Basically if you haul a lot with light loads, get the anti-sways. If you will be running a lot near your limits, hit the WD - it will be worth every penny!

 

Get both... in one unit.

I recommend the Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch and sway control "all in one."

Best $400 I ever spent.

 

Sounds like you have experience here... What are your thoughts on using an Equilizer with ny 4,200# pop-up camper? Is it needed? Will I really notice any difference? I will be hauling it with my 2007 Supercrew with 6-1/2 foot bed. Thanks.

 

A 4200# Popup?? I had a 26' TT that weighed that. Do you mean a Hybrid? The only reason I ask is because there is a big difference towing the two. Friction sway control on the Popup would probably be sufficient. But by the time you get that much money into it, you not too far from the Dual Cam. I ran my Popup with no sway control and never had a problem. When you move up to a Hybrid or TT you are moving a whole lot more air and have a lot larger area available for cross winds and/or side drafts. This is the system I have ran on three TT (26, 30. & currently 32'). At this point it is up to personal preference.

Good Luck in your decision,

 

I tow a 3,000 pound boat/trailer that does not require a weight distribution hitch or sway control. No problems in 4 years.

We recently got a travel trailer that weighs 4500 empty and weighs 5,000+ when we are camping. I researched the weight distribution hitches and sway control systems and the Equal-i-zer consistently received high marks for the TT size that we were shopping. In our admitedly limited experience with this system I must say that it has eliminated any concerns I had about towing a TT that was just as heavy, if not more, than my tow vehicle and was certainly much longer.

The Equal-i-zer is not the top of the line unit necessarily. One might shop for the Hensley Arrow if they are looking for the best... and also looking to spend some big bucks. But the Equal-i-zer does a great job and it will not break the bank.

 

I have a stupid question but want to make sure I know what you guys are talking about. The antisway are the bars under the bed of the truck between the rear tires, correct? And the weight distribution hitch is that device that has two bars attached to chains that go the tongue of the trailer, correct?

 

You got the weight dist. right. But the Anti-sway they are discussing here is a TRAILER anti-sway device. Most of which are "friction" style that also connect between the hitch and the side of the trailer tongue.

 

Thanks. I have an '04 5.4 L Ext cab 4x4. I tow a 20' enclosed trailer that weighs about 2000 lbs empty and maybe 4000 lbs loaded with sand rail, bikes, etc. I'm putting air bags on it this week. Do you guys think weight distribution bars are indicated with this set up?