TrailManor Owner's Forum  

Go Back   TrailManor Owner's Forum > TrailManor Technical Discussions > Towing and Hitching
Register FAQ Members List Calendar

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-11-2007, 04:09 PM   #1
jbrooks
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Lightbulb air shocks

What do you think about the idea of air shocks on the towing vehicle to equalize the weight. I tow a 3023 with a 6 cylinder 4-runner. It tows wonderfully, but looks like I need an equalizer hitch. apart from the money, I am 63yo single woman who may not be able to manhandle the hitch.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2007, 09:15 PM   #2
Goodyear Travels
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I still think a weight distribution hitch is essential for a 4-Runner. I don't believe the Reese hitch is physically as heavy as our Equalizer hitch. I think you could probably manage setting it up with a little practice. We also have adjustable Rancho's shocks on the rear of our '01, 4-WD Tacoma. They are easy to set --- simply turn a dial on the bottom of each shock to the same setting --- and they take a great deal of the whoop-tee-do bounce out of the ride when the rear springs are compressed. But I think you'd have some risk with only the Rancho's. I like having both the weight distribution hitch and the Rancho's but whatever you choose --- I wish you a safe journey. Eric
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2007, 04:28 PM   #3
Bill
Site Team
 
Bill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
Posts: 10,098
Default

Unfortunately, air shocks absolutely do NOT do the same thing as a weight distributing hitch, and they are not a safe substitute.

Check out this thread, looking especially at the posts by Rocky MtnRay, our resident towing expert.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=2659

Or this one in the Technical Reference Library
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=2616

Or even this one
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=1792

Bill
__________________
2020 2720QS (aka 2720SL)
2014 Ford F-150 4WD 5.0L
Bill's Tech Stuff album
Bill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2007, 04:51 PM   #4
PopBeavers
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

A larger tow vehicle will not need a WD hitch, but there is a cost for that. I do not use WD and do not use anti sway. I was advised by the factory to avoid both.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2007, 07:49 PM   #5
jbrooks
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks for the advice. I will definately try to find a WD hitch. Perhaps I can find a gently used one which is less pricey.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2007, 11:52 AM   #6
shunter917
Site Sponsor
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 128
Default

Although I used a WD hitch, I also added air bags to help with the ride. This is when I was pulling with a 2000 Ford Ranger. The bags helped tremendously, but I still used the WD hitch.
shunter917 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2007, 01:54 PM   #7
Virginia Deacon
TrailManor Master
 
Virginia Deacon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chesterfield County, VA
Posts: 252
Default My Two-Cents Worth

I use both an Equalizer weight-distributing hitch with sway control and Monroe gas, heavy-duty shock absorbers. This setup makes towing easier, and I am able to concentrate on driving, instead of tow vehicle/trailer issues.

Happy Camping!
__________________
Virginia Deacon
2006 TrailManor 2720SL
2000 Ford Explorer 4x4 w/SOHC V6 with WDH
Virginia Deacon is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 2022 Trailmanor Owners Page.