[A/S] RE: Hitch for Airstream Traveler/Ford Ranger Comb.

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Cindy!

I agree with Roy Lashaway.  The Reese Strait-Line Hitch with Dual 
Cam Sway control is one of the best "budget-minded" hitch systems 
available.  If I didn't already have the Reese equipment I would 
also consider the Equal-I-zer hitch another of the "budget-minded" 
alternatives that also includes built-in sway control.  After having 
experienced two different rounds with Friction-Type sway controls, I 
wouldn't consider another weight distributing hitch that didn't 
include built-in sway control relying on technology other than 
friction bars.

I have towed with both Reese and Easy-Lift friction sway controls 
and they were both equally nuisance ridden.  In both cases (as per 
owners' manual directives -- and also evidenced by changes in the 
trailer's behavior when these conditions changed) it was necessary 
to stop and adjust the friction bar tension whenever conditions 
changed such as:  loosesn tension if it begins to rain or if the 
road surface is excessively oily -- tighten the tension if the wind 
picks up -- tighten the tension if heavy truck traffic increases -- 
remove the bar if it is necessary to back into tight quarters.  I 
had to replace two bars due to bending from trying to maneuver in 
tight spaces without removing the bar; and I was never quite happy 
with the feel of the combination.

I only towed my Minuet with its Reese friction sway control about 
200 miles before replacing it with a Dual Cam system.   It truly 
made a great difference in on-the-road comfort, particularly when 
towing with the Cadillac.

You can find more information about the Reese Strait-Line hitch with 
Dual Cam Sway control at:
http://www.reeseproducts.com/products/products/wd_dualcam.shtml

You can find more information about the Equal-I-zer hitch with built-
in sway control at:
http://www.equalizerhitch.com/

I wouldn't think that your Ranger would need any particular 
modifications when a quality weight distributing hitch is utilized.  
The one thing that I would suggest checking would be the shock 
absorbers -- if they are demonstrating any weakness, my advice would 
be to replace with high quality gas charged units -- doing so made a 
significant difference with my '84 Jeep Grand Wagoneer back in the 
early 1990s.

Good luck with your hitch search!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 
Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)