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Old 03-10-2016, 01:44 PM   #1
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Default Best anti-sway device for Fun Finder X

I have a 16 foot Fun Finder X that I pull with a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. At higher speeds and without water or load I experience a lot of sway. I've read a lot of ideas about increasing the tongue weight, etc.... Best solution? I'm guessing maybe a stabilizing hitch like the Equal-I-Zer? Recommendations would be much appreciated before a longer road trip this Spring.
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Old 03-10-2016, 05:50 PM   #2
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This is the equalizer hitch we bought with our 189FBR. We pull our trailer with a 2006 Jeep Liberty. It is rated for 5000# towing capacity. It tows beautifully with this hitch configuration.
http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/wp-con...0710_small.pdf

http://www.progressmfg.com/public/de...essCatalog.pdf
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Old 03-10-2016, 10:19 PM   #3
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Default Thank you!!!

I appreciate your time and knowledge on the tip. My trailer is a single axle so maybe I could go with a smaller version but your sound advice much appreciated! Happy travels....
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Old 03-11-2016, 05:54 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spoon View Post
I appreciate your time and knowledge on the tip. My trailer is a single axle so maybe I could go with a smaller version but your sound advice much appreciated! Happy travels....
Happy to share what we ended up with. I think you will be happier with an anti-sway type of hitch.
Here is more info on the subject that you may have already seen.

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx
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Old 03-11-2016, 06:58 AM   #5
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Have you checked to see what your tongue weight is? It should be around 15% of the total trailer weight. It not it can cause sway. I would verify the weights you are dealing with before spending more money on something you might not need.
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Old 03-11-2016, 07:55 AM   #6
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Do you have an anti-sway friction bar? That works for me, and it is very easy and inexpensive.
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Old 03-11-2016, 08:07 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LJAZ View Post
Have you checked to see what your tongue weight is? It should be around 15% of the total trailer weight. It not it can cause sway. I would verify the weights you are dealing with before spending more money on something you might not need.
Good point.
Here is how to calculate tongue weight.
Hitching Up - Trailer - Tongue Weight
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Old 03-11-2016, 11:05 AM   #8
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I have the Equal-i-zer hitch with the built in 4 way anti sway and it works great. I've never experienced any sway even when pulling in 30-40 mph wind.

It always blows out here on the prairie! A 20 mph air movement is just a 'slight breeze'

I did not like the crunch/screech noise when backing with the Equalizer hitch but that was eliminated with these pads: Sway Bracket Jacket (pair) : Equal-i-zer Hitch Store and I highly recommend them.

Michigantraveler linked you to how to check your tongue weight. Do it when loaded for a trip tho.

I scored a Shurline tongue weight scale off Ebay one day for cheap.....like this:
Robot Check

Now it only takes a few minutes to get an accurate tongue weight as load differently at times with the toy hauler.
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Old 03-11-2016, 10:42 PM   #9
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I'm researching all these great links you've all provided. Thank you! So is an equalizer hitch different from a anti-sway hitch? And most of you are recommending an anti-sway hitch? The one link is for Equil-i-zer hitch. What TYPE is that one? Great reviews it gets.
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Old 03-12-2016, 01:57 AM   #10
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It's weight distribution and anti-sway. One of the best out there.
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Old 03-12-2016, 07:27 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jtwcummins View Post
It's weight distribution and anti-sway. One of the best out there.

Yup ~ what stated above. Also I believe it was voted best weight distributing anti sway hitch on the market by Trailer Life or some other RV magazine like about 4 or 5 years in a row.

In my opinion, the only one that may be better as never used one is the Henley Hitch......but very pricey.

Check them out here: https://hensleymfg.com/
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Old 03-12-2016, 11:48 AM   #12
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The item I recommend for a very small trailer is a simple friction bar anti-sway -- not a weight distribution device. In my opinion, weight distribution is overkill for a very small trailer. It is not as easy to use.

For a bigger trailer, of course you would want a WD unit.

There are folks who disagree with me and say that you always need WD, for every trailer.
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Old 03-14-2016, 01:54 PM   #13
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More basic info on anti-sway bars.
RV Anti Sway Bar Basics | USA Today
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Old 03-17-2016, 09:34 AM   #14
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If you are having trailer sway issues, as noted by other posters, you have set up issues. Not enough tongue weight is likely the problem. The sway issue should be dealt with first, then the addition of antisway device can be added as an "insurance item".
The choice as to whether to use a WD hitch on your trailer ans SUV should be based on how much tongue weight you actually have, what your receiver limits are, and how much load is being removed from the steer axle.
I can't remember if that year Pathy has independent rear suspension or a solid axle. That would also play in to the decision regarding WD hitch. A Pathy is a very short WB vehicle, so safe operation is going require careful and correct set up.
Having said that, if it were mine, I would just about bet that as a guess, I would end up setting it up with WD with antisway.
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Old 03-26-2016, 10:17 PM   #15
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Spoon-
This post is a bit late. If you are still looking, you might check out the newer "lite" WD hitch that Equal-i-zer now offers called the 4K. It is specifically designed for light-weight trailers which most people have traditionally towed without WD or anti-sway. One nice thing about Equal-i-zer is that the anti-sway function is built into the design and not an extra friction apparatus to hook up. By the way, I bought my Equal-i-zer used for $100 on Craigslist (it was hardly used) and saved a pile. These things are expensive! Link:
Installation Instructions & Parts Breakdown
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Old 03-26-2016, 10:24 PM   #16
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jb, I had no idea that there is a lightweight trailer option for an HD hitch -- thanks for the heads up, and I will look into that!
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Old 03-26-2016, 10:42 PM   #17
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Dan-
Don't want to mislead you. I bought the 10K Equal-i-zer used on Craigslist, not the newer 4K model. Chances are my setup might benefit best from the 6K model, but I haven't been able to find that at a price I am willing to pay. By the way, our friends we camp with regularly use the Anderson WD hitch (which is a radical departure from the common designs). They pull a 21' Lance with a diesel MBZ M350 and really like the chains and conical anti-sway friction cone design. Check it out too.
Jamie
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