[Rhodes22-list] Bob Keller trailer solution!

[jbconnolly at comcast.net]

Most weight distributing hitches (apparently) use chains from the trailer to a springy steel bar.  these chains (reportedly) can interfere with surge brake actuation by pulling on the trailer frame.  

This one uses "L" brackets on either side of the trailer.  The two ~ 30" springy steel bars rest on the "L" bracket on either side of the trailer, and is restrained by a clip.  When the truck slows, the "L" brackets are free to slide forward on the two springy bars, and trailer is free to slide forward to actuate the brakes.

My experience is that it does not interfere perceptibly with surge brake operation.

The two springy bars also pivot left and right to allow the trailer to turn.  Their pivoting motion is restrained by a friction clamp, which provides anti-sway damping.

I can try to find photos later if you would like.

Jim Connolly

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> 
> Bob, 
> Did you see the site that Jim recommends? 
> Jim 
> This thing attaches to trailer? How do the surge brakes work with 
> such a device? 
> 
> Ed K 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org 
> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of 
> jbconnolly at comcast.net 
> Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 9:56 AM 
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list 
> Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] Beaufort trailer problems 
> 
> Bob, 
> 
> I tow about 2x per year for the last two years with a Blazer (wheelbase 
> about 107" 190 HP 4.3L V-6, 4WD) and have not had this problem. My trailer 
> is a 2003 single-axle galvanized Triad. 
> 
> The ramp I generally use is very good (built for Navy/Coast Guard patrol 
> seaplanes), and this helps. http://www.salemweb.com/winterisland/ 
> http://www.uscg.mil/d1/newengland/features/AS_Salem6Nov.htm 
> 
> For highway-speed trailering, I invested in a load leveling/sway control 
> system, rather than a 2-axle trailer. If it's just me in the tow vehicle, I 
> find that I don't really *need* it for leveling, but I bought it so I could 
> load up the truck and take the boat, wife, kids and a truckload of stuff on 
> vacation. Filling the 4 seats and cargo area (to the top) at least comes 
> close to exceeding the GVWR for the truck, so it's a bit if peace of mind. 
> I have not noticed a problem with sway, even with the single axle and no 
> sway control. 
> 
> The problem is that it (and all the others I saw) mounts to the trailer 
> frame rather than the extension tongue, so does not level with the tongue 
> extended and wouldn't help on the ramp. 
> 
> The one I bought was 
> http://www.equalizerhitch.com/home.html 
> The ball height is adjustable. 
> 
> The only time I scraped the tongue, it was on the way *into* the water on a 
> gravel ramp. I found a better ramp. 
> 
> A quick google suggested that air bag system or load leveling air shocks are 
> widely available. Some systems are automatic. I can't say too much about 
> them, the last time I used them was about 20 years ago on a '65 GTO. I 
> wasn't trailering. 
> 
> Good luck 
> 
> Jim Connolly 
> s/v Inisheer 
> '85 recycled '03 
> 
> 
> 
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