Great video. I have been looking for a detailed technical setup video for this system for a long time. The Camco version is too simple, which maybe fits the theme of “EZ”, but I need more theory on the proper setup. Like you said, I changed trucks so my setup changed. I went from a F150 to a F350 and the receiver is larger and higher. So now I have to refit it with a different shank and re-set everything nice and proper. Your details on tongue weight and initial ball height is good info. I would have liked to see more demo on dialing in the bar spring for the proper distributed load though. It was probably getting late when you picked up your new trailer.
I had definitely planned on filming more that day, but it was a long process to pick up the trailer. For setting up the weight distribution, the most accurate way to do it would be a CAT scale. I've yet to scale this rig, but it tows well, so I'm not highly motivated to scale it. The goal though, is to return roughly half the weight lost to the front axle. So if the weight of the trailer tongue (without the distribution bars attached) causes the front axle to loose 500lbs; then the bars should return 250lbs to the front axle. In my case, on level ground, you can accomplish something similar with a tape measure. If the weight of the tongue (without the distribution bars attached) causes the front axle to raise 2 inches, the attaching the bars should lower it 1 inch. The camco hitch wanted that thumb screw out 5.5 turns as a starting point. I knew my trailer was fairly tongue heavy, so I started at 6 I think. It just so happened to work out fairly nicely, so I've stuck with that. I've since added loctite to that screw because it was vibrating loose. If more weight needed returned to the front, I would turn that screw out further, causing the head to tilt more, putting more pressure on the bars. I hope this helps, if you have more questions, let me know. I'll eventually do a follow up video on the r6, but not sure when.
@@mountainsintomemories Hey thanks for the response. Makes sense and I will try that. I was scratching my head on how to adjust that wheel thing when all those bolts were torqued down. Also thinking what a pain it would be to re-adjust. I suppose you can leave those bolts loose until you have the angle set right and then torque it all down.
@@Lumpschlevot yes, leave those loose until you’re happy with the distribution. Even when they’re torqued, they don’t really hold it completely in place, that’s why I ended up using loctite on the thumb screw and square headed bolt. Those two keep it from moving.
I did not know that the R6 = 600 lbs. of sway resistance and the R3/TR3 = 300 pounds of sway resistance. Surprised they don't mention that on their website (or anyone else for that matter). Great video btw.
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t advertise it that way. I wanted to TR3 based on reviews I’ve seen, but when I called Camco they said with my trailer the R6 was the best choice. So far I’m pleased, but going to put some locktite on the thumb screw because it won’t stay tight against the shank.
Great tutorial. Enjoyed it immensely. Even the croks with socks. I think anyone following your straightforward suggestions and easy to follow steps can save themselves the 500 bucks and safely tow their camper. I was surprised by the before with the old camper and it's WDH. Awesome. How is the truck doing? I am hoping that the alleged 2025 updates to the RAM will get some people trading in there 2021ish trucks so I can debate upgrading my fleet...😂
I can't believe some of the things RV and Car dealers try to charge people for. $500 to set that up would be a total racket. When we bought the first camper, the hitch was $500 and that included setup! The truck is doing very well, definitely me favorite truck ever, and it's a tight race between it and the Camaro for favorite vehicle ever. Full review on it is coming soon! As for 2025 updates, the only thing that would get me excited would be a Hydrogen powered Cummins. Maybe the gas Cummins if the power numbers are there.
I don’t like the R3 for the same reasons you mentioned. We have a brand new Travel Trailer and it came with the R3. The tow home was scary. I talked to the dealer ship and they were useless. The R3 manual was vague on how much to tighten the sway control. It said to tighten to your desired sway control. Well, I want as much as I can get. The next time I towed I tighten more than the dealership. It was much better. But, it’s seems it’s a little different every time we tow. I don’t think we will keep the R3 long term.
@@bobdrawbaugh4207 I can’t see not wanting maximum sway control, the adjustment is stupid. I have no experience with the r3, but I’d probably crank it up all the way every tow. I have a lot of miles on my r6 and I really like it. It keeps our 35’ travel trailer perfectly in line with the truck.
I'm always amazed at how completely separately but for the same reasons you buy and use and do what you do and how much it mirrors what I do. Everything from your truck, and why you bought it down to the E2 WDH AND the Shank which is the same one I bought. I also bought the E2 (1000 lbs) just slightly bigger than the one you had from the gitgo with my old 22 foot TT. I bet your original short shank for the E2 also wasn't long enough for the 2500 lifting your front end... I have a 29 foot TT loaded around 7K or less and an 800 lbish tongue weight "wet." I'm looking at a bigger trailer next year...or so based upon wife retiring. It will run around 1K tongue weight dry... and 10K dry... I believe I'll go with an Equalizer. Still not sure though... Will be watching.
I called equalizer when I was researching this whole thing, the person I got on the phone really didn’t seem interested in my situation. Basically said I’d have to take the trailer to a scale to figure out what hitch I needed. Not sure how I was supposed to get it there prior to buying the hitch. Short shank might have worked with my old trailer, but definitely not the new one with the drop frame. I will definitely keep updates on the channel if there’s any change in how I feel about the Camco. Maybe after Michigan I’ll do a review video for it.
Great video of the install. I have been using this same hitch the R6 for 3 years and it is amazing. Lately it has needed some tweaking and there is honestly no videos out there that explain proper installation of this hitch. Your video is perfect timing.
I always say, the universe provides! Glad to hear you like the hitch, I'm hoping to put some miles on it here soon, then I'll know more about how good it is. I searched and searched for good videos on it, and couldn't find any. Thanks for watching!
Yes it was very easy to set up, very straightforward. R3 would be great for shorter trailers, like our old 25’ rig. Good to know that they offer a 2” ball.
I have 1,500 miles on it so far. After putting some loctite on the thumb screw it’s been a much better experience. I have been towing in some really strong winds in Michigan and have had no sway whatsoever. I really like that it allows for tight turns in campgrounds, that has been really helpful. It’s also quiet, which is a plus. I would definitely recommend this hitch, just once you get your adjustments dialed in, put some blue loctite on the screws so they don’t vibrate loose.
Great information! With all the talk of bent or broke frames. I’ve r seen a couple where manufacturers are not honoring warranty claims with a weight distribution hitch was used. When did this become a thing? Have you seen a or heard of this?
I’ve heard of some bent frames, but also heard it’s fairly rare occurrence. I have never known anyone personally to have this issue or seen others on RUclips with it. I imagine you could over tighten the weight distribution bars, trying to compensate for too small a truck, and this could cause issues. I’ve also heard going over uneven terrain could cause it. Again, not personal experience, just hearsay. If it ever happens to me, you’ll see a video about it.
I have a question my friend. I’m interested in purchasing the r6 recurve from marketplace. The picture shown is this. My question is this, what’s the difference between the 15,000 and 6,000 pound in this picture? My trailer is an Aspen Trail Dutchmen 25 ft camper weighing in at about 6300 pounds dry. Would I be smart to purchase this? Is this hitch 15,000 or 6,000? Thank you in advance for your feedback. I enjoy your channel too
So unfortunately I can’t see the picture. For whatever reason RUclips doesn’t like outside links or pictures. Are you referring to the sticker that says “Distribtion 15,000” and “Carrying 6,000” ? If so, that means you can tow 15,000lbs if you’re using the weight distribution bars. Without hooking the bars up you’re limited to 6,000lbs and 600lbs of tongue weight. I hope this helps. I do really like this hitch so far and I would recommend it for your trailer.
@@mountainsintomemories thank you so much and yes that was what I was trying to send to you. I am looking at purchasing this, used, but in good condition. Thank you for your help. I’ve also subscribed to set alerts for your channel. Thank you in advance my friend
I wished to watch this video 1 day ago when I picked up my trailer That got me and pretty good And when I got home the hitch and sweay Austen the got me was loose
Right now it looks to be released March 28th but could also be the week after. Really can't talk about how it tows the new camper without the camping trip coming first.
Your trailer tongue height and trailer level front to back helps move the weight and center of gravity. The weight distribution hitch or equalizer hitch helps tweak and tune the weight balance between the trailer and tow vehicle. It also has the effect of moving weight toward the front axle on the tow vehicle and rearward onto the trailer frame and axles. You need 15 percent minimum of the total trailer weight sitting on the tongue to prevent trailer sway. To little weight and the trailer tongue steers the back of the tow vehicle and sways. To much weight and it takes the weight off of the front steer axle and you lose control and sway. You want the trailer near level with maybe A SLIGHT angle to the front. You want 12 to 17 percent tongue weight. You must move the hitch height up and down to level the trailer as close as possible with the weight applied to the tow vehicle. The hitch compensates for tongue weight.
The E2 Hitch in this video is for sale if anyone wants it. Pm me for details.
Great video. I have been looking for a detailed technical setup video for this system for a long time. The Camco version is too simple, which maybe fits the theme of “EZ”, but I need more theory on the proper setup. Like you said, I changed trucks so my setup changed. I went from a F150 to a F350 and the receiver is larger and higher. So now I have to refit it with a different shank and re-set everything nice and proper. Your details on tongue weight and initial ball height is good info. I would have liked to see more demo on dialing in the bar spring for the proper distributed load though. It was probably getting late when you picked up your new trailer.
I had definitely planned on filming more that day, but it was a long process to pick up the trailer.
For setting up the weight distribution, the most accurate way to do it would be a CAT scale. I've yet to scale this rig, but it tows well, so I'm not highly motivated to scale it. The goal though, is to return roughly half the weight lost to the front axle. So if the weight of the trailer tongue (without the distribution bars attached) causes the front axle to loose 500lbs; then the bars should return 250lbs to the front axle.
In my case, on level ground, you can accomplish something similar with a tape measure. If the weight of the tongue (without the distribution bars attached) causes the front axle to raise 2 inches, the attaching the bars should lower it 1 inch.
The camco hitch wanted that thumb screw out 5.5 turns as a starting point. I knew my trailer was fairly tongue heavy, so I started at 6 I think. It just so happened to work out fairly nicely, so I've stuck with that. I've since added loctite to that screw because it was vibrating loose. If more weight needed returned to the front, I would turn that screw out further, causing the head to tilt more, putting more pressure on the bars.
I hope this helps, if you have more questions, let me know. I'll eventually do a follow up video on the r6, but not sure when.
@@mountainsintomemories Hey thanks for the response. Makes sense and I will try that. I was scratching my head on how to adjust that wheel thing when all those bolts were torqued down. Also thinking what a pain it would be to re-adjust. I suppose you can leave those bolts loose until you have the angle set right and then torque it all down.
@@Lumpschlevot yes, leave those loose until you’re happy with the distribution. Even when they’re torqued, they don’t really hold it completely in place, that’s why I ended up using loctite on the thumb screw and square headed bolt. Those two keep it from moving.
Very much enjoyed this video and very informative
I did not know that the R6 = 600 lbs. of sway resistance and the R3/TR3 = 300 pounds of sway resistance. Surprised they don't mention that on their website (or anyone else for that matter). Great video btw.
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t advertise it that way. I wanted to TR3 based on reviews I’ve seen, but when I called Camco they said with my trailer the R6 was the best choice. So far I’m pleased, but going to put some locktite on the thumb screw because it won’t stay tight against the shank.
Great tutorial. Enjoyed it immensely. Even the croks with socks.
I think anyone following your straightforward suggestions and easy to follow steps can save themselves the 500 bucks and safely tow their camper.
I was surprised by the before with the old camper and it's WDH. Awesome.
How is the truck doing? I am hoping that the alleged 2025 updates to the RAM will get some people trading in there 2021ish trucks so I can debate upgrading my fleet...😂
I can't believe some of the things RV and Car dealers try to charge people for. $500 to set that up would be a total racket. When we bought the first camper, the hitch was $500 and that included setup!
The truck is doing very well, definitely me favorite truck ever, and it's a tight race between it and the Camaro for favorite vehicle ever. Full review on it is coming soon! As for 2025 updates, the only thing that would get me excited would be a Hydrogen powered Cummins. Maybe the gas Cummins if the power numbers are there.
I don’t like the R3 for the same reasons you mentioned. We have a brand new Travel Trailer and it came with the R3. The tow home was scary. I talked to the dealer ship and they were useless. The R3 manual was vague on how much to tighten the sway control. It said to tighten to your desired sway control. Well, I want as much as I can get. The next time I towed I tighten more than the dealership. It was much better. But, it’s seems it’s a little different every time we tow. I don’t think we will keep the R3 long term.
@@bobdrawbaugh4207 I can’t see not wanting maximum sway control, the adjustment is stupid. I have no experience with the r3, but I’d probably crank it up all the way every tow.
I have a lot of miles on my r6 and I really like it. It keeps our 35’ travel trailer perfectly in line with the truck.
Tighten hard back off quarter turn
I'm always amazed at how completely separately but for the same reasons you buy and use and do what you do and how much it mirrors what I do. Everything from your truck, and why you bought it down to the E2 WDH AND the Shank which is the same one I bought. I also bought the E2 (1000 lbs) just slightly bigger than the one you had from the gitgo with my old 22 foot TT.
I bet your original short shank for the E2 also wasn't long enough for the 2500 lifting your front end... I have a 29 foot TT loaded around 7K or less and an 800 lbish tongue weight "wet."
I'm looking at a bigger trailer next year...or so based upon wife retiring. It will run around 1K tongue weight dry... and 10K dry... I believe I'll go with an Equalizer. Still not sure though... Will be watching.
I called equalizer when I was researching this whole thing, the person I got on the phone really didn’t seem interested in my situation. Basically said I’d have to take the trailer to a scale to figure out what hitch I needed. Not sure how I was supposed to get it there prior to buying the hitch.
Short shank might have worked with my old trailer, but definitely not the new one with the drop frame.
I will definitely keep updates on the channel if there’s any change in how I feel about the Camco. Maybe after Michigan I’ll do a review video for it.
Hmmm @@mountainsintomemories
Great video of the install. I have been using this same hitch the R6 for 3 years and it is amazing. Lately it has needed some tweaking and there is honestly no videos out there that explain proper installation of this hitch. Your video is perfect timing.
I always say, the universe provides! Glad to hear you like the hitch, I'm hoping to put some miles on it here soon, then I'll know more about how good it is. I searched and searched for good videos on it, and couldn't find any. Thanks for watching!
Take 1 hr to set up r3. Also they make 2" ball for r3. You have to use camco ball. The 2" comes with steel bushing which is needed.
Yes it was very easy to set up, very straightforward. R3 would be great for shorter trailers, like our old 25’ rig. Good to know that they offer a 2” ball.
Hi how is the towing right now with r6 ?
I have 1,500 miles on it so far. After putting some loctite on the thumb screw it’s been a much better experience. I have been towing in some really strong winds in Michigan and have had no sway whatsoever. I really like that it allows for tight turns in campgrounds, that has been really helpful. It’s also quiet, which is a plus. I would definitely recommend this hitch, just once you get your adjustments dialed in, put some blue loctite on the screws so they don’t vibrate loose.
Great info! Why can’t manufacturers build an electric jack that doesn’t hinder the tailgate from opening? Take care!
We put a man on the moon 50 years ago, but can’t open tailgates now. Seems like we’re going backwards…
Great information! With all the talk of bent or broke frames. I’ve r seen a couple where manufacturers are not honoring warranty claims with a weight distribution hitch was used. When did this become a thing? Have you seen a or heard of this?
I’ve heard of some bent frames, but also heard it’s fairly rare occurrence. I have never known anyone personally to have this issue or seen others on RUclips with it.
I imagine you could over tighten the weight distribution bars, trying to compensate for too small a truck, and this could cause issues. I’ve also heard going over uneven terrain could cause it.
Again, not personal experience, just hearsay. If it ever happens to me, you’ll see a video about it.
I have a question my friend. I’m interested in purchasing the r6 recurve from marketplace. The picture shown is this. My question is this, what’s the difference between the 15,000 and 6,000 pound in this picture? My trailer is an Aspen Trail Dutchmen 25 ft camper weighing in at about 6300 pounds dry. Would I be smart to purchase this? Is this hitch 15,000 or 6,000? Thank you in advance for your feedback. I enjoy your channel too
So unfortunately I can’t see the picture. For whatever reason RUclips doesn’t like outside links or pictures. Are you referring to the sticker that says “Distribtion 15,000” and “Carrying 6,000” ? If so, that means you can tow 15,000lbs if you’re using the weight distribution bars. Without hooking the bars up you’re limited to 6,000lbs and 600lbs of tongue weight.
I hope this helps. I do really like this hitch so far and I would recommend it for your trailer.
@@mountainsintomemories thank you so much and yes that was what I was trying to send to you. I am looking at purchasing this, used, but in good condition. Thank you for your help. I’ve also subscribed to set alerts for your channel. Thank you in advance my friend
I wished to watch this video 1 day ago when I picked up my trailer
That got me and pretty good
And when I got home the hitch and sweay Austen the got me was loose
Great information, what size are the two bolts on the shank.
The Bolt Heads are 1 1/8 inches
Truck update review plz
Right now it looks to be released March 28th but could also be the week after. Really can't talk about how it tows the new camper without the camping trip coming first.
Your trailer tongue height and trailer level front to back helps move the weight and center of gravity.
The weight distribution hitch or equalizer hitch helps tweak and tune the weight balance between the trailer and tow vehicle.
It also has the effect of moving weight toward the front axle on the tow vehicle and rearward onto the trailer frame and axles.
You need 15 percent minimum of the total trailer weight sitting on the tongue to prevent trailer sway. To little weight and the trailer tongue steers the back of the tow vehicle and sways.
To much weight and it takes the weight off of the front steer axle and you lose control and sway.
You want the trailer near level with maybe A SLIGHT angle to the front.
You want 12 to 17 percent tongue weight.
You must move the hitch height up and down to level the trailer as close as possible with the weight applied to the tow vehicle.
The hitch compensates for tongue weight.
Yes sir, lots to think about with towing. Definitely something to take seriously. Thanks for sharing!