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

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would suggest the Reese weight distributing hitch with the Dual Cam anti
sway accessory.

This is the hitch Les Grimes recommended years ago. [Les was where the old
Cerritos CA Airstream factory sent their customers with brake or hitch
problems.]

Other than the Hensley, hitches haven't change much in recent years.  (Most
of the good trailer/RV technology stabilized in the mid 70's with the
exception of the more recent solid state electronic power converters, and
Ford's new integrated brake controller.  Modern brake controllers - other
than the integral Ford option - are a compromise to be compatible {read,
"not interfere"} with the anti lock brake systems on the tow vehicle).

With my mechanical engineering background, I think the Reese is superior to
the E-Z Lift. [The E-Z Lift uses round spring bars and a round sleeve in the
hitch, whereas the Reese uses a rectangular cross section spring bar with a
separate "T" shaped trunion assembly fastened to the bar and a lower
friction pivot joint in the hitch.] Reese was one of the early developers of
the "modern" weight equalizing hitch.

The most important thing is to make sure you get the proper capacity spring
bars for the tongue weight of your trailer. (These come in several weight
ranges.) Get the LIGHTEST (lowest maximum capacity) sufficient for your
tongue weight.  Do not get ones designed for a much heavier tongue weight,
as the stiffer spring will cause uneven weight transfer problems when you go
over a bump or dip - which in turn, can cause erratic handling of the tow
vehicle.

You can also use a friction type anti sway bar with the Reese Dual Cam
system if you so desire.  I personally use both, but then do not crank up
the friction unit to max.  I think putting some extra friction in the pivot
system between the trailer and the tow vehicle is probably a good idea.

Good shock absorbers on the tow vehicle are important.  Koni are the best,
with Bilstein a close second.  Almost as good are the high end models of the
Gabriel or Monroe product lines.  Even more important, if you can get one
(preferably from Ford) is a rear sway bar.  It will prevent the rear end
from leaning on turns.  All excellent handling road cars have them, though
American automakers seem to be reluctant to spend the few extra bucks to
make them standard, but often offer them with special suspension options.
Thus you may be able to get the necessary parts from the Ford dealer's parts
department.  Addco and Helwig make aftermarket rear sway bars, but I have
not been impressed with the design of some of their mounting systems.

Oliver Filippi