annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 14, 2015 20:22:20 GMT -8
Let me start with YES, I have made sure my weight distribution trailer to tongue weight in correct, I have new ST radial tires on the trailer, when hitched the trailer sits level...
i still want a sway bar because trucks and wind cause me problems. Id like a small system that provides just a little extra stability. I don't really want an over the top set up as I have a '61 Shasta Compact weighing in at 1200 factory, maybe up to 1600 loaded. My tow vehicle is a Subaru Outback, rated to 3500 tow capacity, so I'm in good range there, however I don't want to add unnecessary weight. Does anyone have recommendations?
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Post by vikx on May 14, 2015 22:18:01 GMT -8
Reese makes a good anti-sway bar. Be sure it is made in the USA. Note the welded ear for the smaller ball: It will help with passing trucks. Unfortunately, the Outback is not the best for towing. Most are rated at 2700 pounds with a tranny cooler and brakes on the trailer. I haven't seen the Outback rated at 3500. Maybe a 2015? Anyway, keep in mind that the weight includes the trailer, camping equipment in it, stuff in the car and people. So, if Auntie June weighs 300 pounds, you've got to count her too... As an aside: I have a good friend who has a frame/welding shop. They will NOT install load levelers on a Subaru because is tweaks the frame, causing the doors not to latch properly. Weight distribution kits are for larger trailers. The weigh a lot and aren't needed with a vintage trailer under 3k pounds.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 15, 2015 8:00:18 GMT -8
Oops, your right Vicx, it's 2700 lbs, it was late last night when I posted and was thinking of another car I had researched before buying. Yes I admit my Outback is not ideal, it's a bit underpowered at the low gear end, it seems to be working well enough though. I am aware of the load capacity including the load inside the car... and Auntie June @ 300lbs can not fit inside my sweet little Compact, a blessing in disguise?
Being a very small camper means less stuff to put inside her, thus forcing a gear edit & nixing my desire to carry the kitchen sink! Luckily I am remaining below the 300lb mark myself, no thanks to all the ice cream that tries to make me eat it.
i was thinking the same thing about the weight distribution. It seems like overkill but I couldn't seem to find any sway bar only products. After digging around some I finally got a few to show up on my internet search. Thanks for the photo, very helpful.
Now Im off to the damn insurance search, every Vintage Camper Owners NEMISIS! I've waded thru a billion posts on this topic and found one viable suggestion of a company in Iowa called FCIS. WE SHALL SEE, I will keep everyone posted on my progress wading thru that swamp.
Happy Camping!
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 15, 2015 8:22:12 GMT -8
Oh, I do have brakes on the trailer as well. Looking at getting a trany cooler installed as well.
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Post by bigbill on May 15, 2015 9:54:51 GMT -8
I like the Reese sway control because it is adjustable, just don't go nuts tightening it down just tighten it till you get what you need, no more
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Post by vikx on May 15, 2015 10:53:40 GMT -8
Last note:
Do not back up with the sway control connected. It can actually rip off the balls if given the right kink...
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 15, 2015 13:57:17 GMT -8
More good advice! Thanks, Bill & Vic
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Ten
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Post by Ten on May 15, 2015 19:16:32 GMT -8
Last note: Do not back up with the sway control connected. It can actually rip off the balls if given the right kink... Am I sure I am on the right forum here....??
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Post by vikx on May 15, 2015 20:33:17 GMT -8
How else to scare people into not backing up with a sway control?? LOL.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on May 15, 2015 21:02:12 GMT -8
Ann… I'll suggest the Andersen anti-sway/weight distributing hitch. It's a somewhat different concept than all the others. Go to their website and Google to learn more. Some insist it can't do what it's supposed to do… but I will tell you that it is an excellent system for modest sized/weight trailers. In fact I think it's fantastic and it's very easy to attach and detach to boot… and no problems in reverse!
But I agree with others in this thread that your Outback is not a good tow vehicle. Not because of Subaru's weight rating, but rather the tongue weight limitation, which I think for that vehicle is 200 to 270 lbs. depending on your model and year. The frame design can't handle any more than that… and it definitely can't handle any weight distribution. Even the European models which have higher tow weight ratings (not because the vehicle is different over there, but because of the strict speed limitations on the highways), prohibit the use of weight distributors. So know the tongue weight of your trailer loaded before you do anything. That's the limiting factor you have to deal with with that vehicle, before you even consider things like transmission coolers, etc. 2 cents.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on May 15, 2015 21:13:00 GMT -8
Also… Ann, I have some good advice on vintage trailer insurance. I've done a boatload (or trailerfull) of research and FCIS is a good path. They're the agent and they have people with experience negotiating settlements when the time comes. The actual insurance carrier is Progressive. Don't be too afraid of them… many on this and other forums think they're unreliable, but FCIS will help you with that. So will a professional appraisal from someone who's done vintage trailers before. I have a name for you if you need it.
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on May 16, 2015 7:36:45 GMT -8
Also… Ann, I have some good advice on vintage trailer insurance. I've done a boatload (or trailerfull) of research and FCIS is a good path. They're the agent and they have people with experience negotiating settlements when the time comes. The actual insurance carrier is Progressive. Don't be too afraid of them… many on this and other forums think they're unreliable, but FCIS will help you with that. So will a professional appraisal from someone who's done vintage trailers before. I have a name for you if you need it. Progressive is NOT unreliable, because that would be controlled by any State Insurance Regulations.
My experience is that they are just CHEAP, when it comes to paying for the cost to repair "insured damage".
They cut every possible corner, and are a PITA to work with any professional shop.
Out of all the insurance companies that we did repair work for in the motorcycle shop (about a 100 crash repairs per year), Progressive was the ONLY insurance company that was a PITA!
If you buy a Agreed Value policy, there's no negotiating of settlements at the time of the repair. The repair will be covered to the terms of the policy.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 16, 2015 8:43:08 GMT -8
Last note: Do not back up with the sway control connected. It can actually rip off the balls if given the right kink... Am I sure I am on the right forum here....?? Hahahaha
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on May 16, 2015 8:56:36 GMT -8
But I agree with others in this thread that your Outback is not a good tow vehicle. Not because of Subaru's weight rating, but rather the tongue weight limitation, which I think for that vehicle is 200 to 270 lbs. depending on your model and year. The frame design can't handle any more than that… and it definitely can't handle any weight distribution. Even the European models which have higher tow weight ratings (not because the vehicle is different over there, but because of the strict speed limitations on the highways), prohibit the use of weight distributors. So know the tongue weight of your trailer loaded before you do anything. That's the limiting factor you have to deal with with that vehicle, before you even consider things like transmission coolers, etc. 2 cents. Where the heck are you all finding all this information? I searched reviews, auto magazines, consumer reports, manufacturer specs & Internet info, etc, etc. before buying my Outback... Knowing I was going to be towing the Compact. I didn't see any info like this, sure wish I had, I might have gone a different route. I gave up my beloved Nissan Juke (super fun car) so I could have a good tow car without buying an oversized, gas guzzler that I don't need most of the year. Where is this sort of info and how do prospective buyers get it? The dealer doesn't know jack, they just tell you what you want to hear. I knew more than they did about tow capacity! The guy quoted me the wrong weight and told him to check the manual that didn't sound right! Arrrgh
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Post by vintagebruce on May 16, 2015 9:14:20 GMT -8
Last note: Do not back up with the sway control connected. It can actually rip off the balls if given the right kink... OUCH!!
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