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Re: Tow vehicle

To: DGreimel@aol.com
Subject: Re: Tow vehicle
From: "Dick Buckingham, Jr." <rebjrmd@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 07:22:22 -0800
Thanks for the kind comments.  I am sorry that I wasn't clear about my
comments on the tongue height.  I believe that the trailer and tow
vehicle should be level and in a straight line when everything is hooked
up and loaded.  The reason that I wanted the ball to be high initially
was because of the downward movement of the towing vehicle suspension
when the equalizer hitch is installed and transfers the tongue weight of
the trailer to BOTH the back and the front of the towing vehicle
(ideally, as I said an equal amount of drop, front and rear). 
Obviously, this drop in height (2 inches in my truck) would make the
trailer tongue lower than it should be if you hadn't started out high to
begin with.  Fine tuning can then be done by adjusting the ball mount
(if you have the adjustable type) or the height of the ball itself (if
you have the welded together type of ball mount).  The new style hitch
that you mentioned - the Hensley Arrow looks very neat.  I have seen it
at the dealer's showroom but not on a vehicle.  The principle is very
neat.  The towing vehicle and the towed vehicle are kept in a straight
line unless the towed vehicle alters the arrangement by turning.  The
towed vehicle can't initiate the change.  Pretty smart design, I think.
Dick

DGreimel@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Well said.  I too have done a lot of towing  with a similiar truck and share
> your opinions.  I was surprised, however, at your suggestion that the trailer
> be slightly nose high.  I have always heard that would lift the rear of the
> towing vehicle under braking, assuming that the trailer is not doing most of
> the stoping..
> I have used the fancy Reese cam arrangement and did not particularly like it.
>  It probably adds stability but is reluctant to turn and very prone to loud
> creaking, squeaking and popping noises so I sold it with the trailer.
> Have you tried the hitch that pivots just behind the rear axle and swings
> side to side?  A friend has one and swears by it.  Haven`t tried it myself.
> Cheers.
> Don

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