Weight Distribution and Sway Control for an Airstream Bambi 16 and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question

Question:

We have a 16ft Airstream Bambi, 3500lbs with a TW of 350lbs. We will be towing it with a 2014 Jeep GC, 5.7L V8 Hemi with tow package. After reading dozens and dozens of opinions on what system we should use, Im exhausted. From what Ive read, I think the Reese dual cam might be what were looking for, Im just now sure of size. The same for the Equal-i-zer, which were considering also. We dont load up the tow vehicle to the max, maybe 200lbs. Can you help?

asked by: Paula H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, let me just say that the Airstream Bambi has got to be the cutest name for a travel trailer that I have ever heard. Please send some pictures of it if you can!

For weight distribution you will need to go by the total tongue weight. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and then adding the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

In your situation, if the trailer tongue weight is 350 pounds and you have 200 pounds or cargo behind he tow vehicle rear axle, the total tongue weight is 550 pounds. This puts you nearly in between sizes. If the tongue weight is under 600 pounds always then I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds like # RP66082. But if the tongue weight will always be higher than 400 pounds but no more than 800 pounds # RP66073 with shank # RP54970 would be the way to go.

The dual-cam sway control is going to be the best option. Dual-cam sway control is pro-active: it aggressively stops sway before it begins by forcing the tow vehicle and trailer to continuously ride in a straight line. To either system, you will need to add a properly sized ball. use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. I have included some helpful links for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37060ET for your 2012 Airstream Bambi Sport travel trailer. This hitch system is rated for trailers with a GVWR up to 6,000lbs and a tongue weight of 200-600lbs. This will leave you with…

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Answer 2

Take a look at the Ultra-Fab Electric A-Frame Jack, #UF38-944014 with 2-1/4 inch outer tube diameter, and #UF38-944016 with 2 inch outer tube diameter. Both of these jacks could be mounted so that the motor housing is facing the front of the trailer…

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Answer 3

The instructions (see link below) state that the drawbar must be used in the rise position only, for your Pontiac Vibe. Drawbar 3593 has a rise of 2-1/8 inches, and only the drawbar recommended for a Class I hitch should be used. The manufacturer…

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Answer 4

I am not sure what the problem is at the front of the frame of your Airstream trailer. Especially since at the front the generators would be supported in more than one spot. At the back the frame would have to support the hitch and a carrier with the…

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Answer 5

From what I could find online it looks like the clamps you are talking about for your EAZ-lift Weight Distribution (WD) system are similar to the Reese Lift Brackets #RP6637. For this application we do have the bolt on Chain Hangers #RP58305 for when…

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Answer 6

I have a solution for your EAZ Lift weight distribution hitch to replace the brackets for a chain system. I recommend using either the Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Clamp On #RP58306 or bolt on hangers like #C17005. Both of…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 9

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 10

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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Answer 11

The hitch ball angle adjustment on weight distribution systems is designed to provide more or less distribution of the tongue weight on your trailer hitch to the trailer and vehicle axles. If you adjust the ball angle farther away from the towing…

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Answer 12

Hey HPA, I would go with the Air Lift kit part #AL64VJ that fits your 2019 Toyota RAV4 based on what you described and your needs. This gives you adjustable support that you can tailor as needed so that you get the exact amount of support you need…

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