Sometimes it's a case of learning the hard way. The starcraft 22 OB sits dead level behind the Colorado, however there is no confidence in handling over 95 kms. I thought I could live with that, but freeway driving was an emotionally taxing grind! Each moment was spent scanning the rear vision for approaching semis, and as they passed the White knuckles clenched the wheel, correcting for the suction affect as the Colorado swung first right and then left. It is only after experiencing towing without hitch accesories that you can realise how much better things go with one!
While the beloved Starcraft was in for first service I wandered the accessories shop and noticed the Andersen wdh \ anti sway / anti bounce kit. It struck me as unusual that one simple kit could tackle those three towing gripes, so I googled the heck out of it, to the point I was happy to purchase. The engineering ideas looked good, and simple.
First thing was to lower the fancy new braked tow ball so the Starcraft could sag slightly at the front. This meant once the wdh had tension, we would be back up to level again!
Transformed!
On the road the improvement was immediately noticed. The Colorado had ceased to wallow and float and instead felt 'normal' and firm. No wallowing! Second, there was no pitching like a yacht through heavy seas! The elastomers act like shocked and dull any pitching. Thirdly, and most importantly, NO SWAY where it did before! I'd describe it as more of a buffeting in side winds and with semis, but no sway. The whole package could be towed at 110 from a stability perspective.
A couple of small points; I needed a new hole in the female part of the tow bar assembly so the hitch could be inserted fully and not hang out too far. Also, if you have side mounted jockey wheel, that's ok as just switch the wdh bracket to inside and works a charm - no clashing. Shackles looked a little small, but I'm sure they are properly engineered and these kits have been around a few years! Was easy to put on and off. Just wind up jockey wheel with tug attached and tension releases. Loosen main elastomer nuts and drop a pin of the 'blade' and you're off!
I can see limited posts on this type of hitch on expandas downunder and hopefully this is some extra review info if you're considering this type of hitch.
So if you're new to towing like me and wondered if you should part with some cash for hitch accessories I'd be saying fore sure!
While the beloved Starcraft was in for first service I wandered the accessories shop and noticed the Andersen wdh \ anti sway / anti bounce kit. It struck me as unusual that one simple kit could tackle those three towing gripes, so I googled the heck out of it, to the point I was happy to purchase. The engineering ideas looked good, and simple.
First thing was to lower the fancy new braked tow ball so the Starcraft could sag slightly at the front. This meant once the wdh had tension, we would be back up to level again!
Transformed!
On the road the improvement was immediately noticed. The Colorado had ceased to wallow and float and instead felt 'normal' and firm. No wallowing! Second, there was no pitching like a yacht through heavy seas! The elastomers act like shocked and dull any pitching. Thirdly, and most importantly, NO SWAY where it did before! I'd describe it as more of a buffeting in side winds and with semis, but no sway. The whole package could be towed at 110 from a stability perspective.
A couple of small points; I needed a new hole in the female part of the tow bar assembly so the hitch could be inserted fully and not hang out too far. Also, if you have side mounted jockey wheel, that's ok as just switch the wdh bracket to inside and works a charm - no clashing. Shackles looked a little small, but I'm sure they are properly engineered and these kits have been around a few years! Was easy to put on and off. Just wind up jockey wheel with tug attached and tension releases. Loosen main elastomer nuts and drop a pin of the 'blade' and you're off!
I can see limited posts on this type of hitch on expandas downunder and hopefully this is some extra review info if you're considering this type of hitch.
So if you're new to towing like me and wondered if you should part with some cash for hitch accessories I'd be saying fore sure!
