dirtjunkie
California
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Joined: 08/23/2008
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Hi, All! We just bought a Thor Vortex 16' and we got the equalizer hitch. The manual states that you should disconnect the spring bars when off road because it is not designed for unlevel surfaces. The road we travel to Hollister Hills is paved but bumpy. Should we disconnect the spring bars before we drive it? I mean, how bumpy and unlevel do they mean? There are quite a few roads we travel that are bumpy and unlevel at points. Any other tips or info would be appreciated. We've been riding dirt bikes and quads for quite a while, but we're new to towing toy haulers. Thanks!
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viejo loco
Arizona
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Joined: 08/12/2008
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I wouldn't worry about it on any paved roads unless there is a really steep dip. Off road is another thing. Last Thanksgiving weekend one of our camping party broke his receiver insert (2" solid steel bar) right in two. We were in an area that had dips that are steep on both sides.
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jasona33xj
Montrose, CO, USA
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Joined: 05/16/2004
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We tow ours over some midly bumpy access roads with no problems. I think I would avoid major dips. Most access roads that are graded should be fine.
I'd Rather be in Moab!
Jason A.
'09 Thor Vortex 314
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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We never take our bars off, and we do bumpy dirt roads frequently. IMO they mean you should remove the bars when driving off road.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded)
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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Jim&Peg
Central Ohio
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Joined: 07/14/2004
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As others have said it is the dips that are of concern. When the rear wheels of the TV drop lower than the other wheels it will overstress the hitch bars, trailer frame, and the TV hitch and frame.
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BShivers
North Texas
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Joined: 11/15/2006
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It is also the off camber dips that will put to much stress on one side or one bar that can break either the trailer frame or your hitch.
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Dirtclods
Newport Beach
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Joined: 02/19/2007
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Never had an issue with equalizer hitch. I've been know for jumping doubles with my trailer.
(Should we disconnect the spring bars before we drive it)No......
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dirtjunkie
California
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Joined: 08/23/2008
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Thanks for all the great answers. Sounds like we'll be fine. Off to Hollister!
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RVpullinGuy
North Ogden, Utah
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Joined: 07/01/2006
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I've never taken mine off. I've had it in some fairly rough areas but mostly on paved or well graded dirt roads. I agree with above comment that they are referring to "off road" pulling through washes and over steep inclines with sharp drop offs, etc. Unless you are in this type of terrain, I wouldn't worry about taking your bars off.
You will love the Equalizer.. it is a great hitch system. Good Luck!
RVpullinGuy
2006 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison CC SB
2005 Sierra T28 Toy Hauler
YamRaptor700, KawiKFX700, (2)Hon400Ex, Hon250EX, SuzLT80
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