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TrailBlazer TV Question
https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=580		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  TrailBlazer TV Question
I posted in the Horizon link that we just got a new 200. I currently have a Trailblazer that is able to pull 5300. I am looking into getting an Equal-I-zer hitch. But was wondering if anyone on here has used the TB to pull a boat and how it was.
We are not planning on going just yet on long trips until we get comfy with towing. So the trips would be around 30 miles one way.

Thanks
Author:  jvalich [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Save the money ont he hitch. With the proper tongue weight you should be fine pulling a 200 with a TrailBlazer that has a capacity of 5300#.

If in the end it's a touch squirrelly, then invest in a equalizing hitch.
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
The hitch i currently have is rated at 4000/400. the boat will be over that when it is loaded which I think I was told around 4450. I didnt want to over stress the hitch, that is why i was goign towards the WDH. The hitch on the TB gives two weights one without a WDH and one with.

Thanks
Author:  230 Mike [ Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
If that's the case I'd consider swapping out the hitch to a heavier standard hitch. A couple hundred dollars (installed) will net you a MUCH better hitch than what's on there now. I'm partial to DrawTite hitches, but several makes are good.
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Thats my other problem. I havent been able to find another hitch that will fit the Trailblazer, so I would have to probably get one made for the back. I don't know what it is with the TB but I have called Uhaul, Draw-tite, and Reese and all have said they dont have anything above 4000# for the TB.
Thats why I had started the WB Hitch route. I guess the good news is I have a couple of months to get things all ready!

Thanks for the help everyone on this!
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
I haven't been able to find a hitch that will fit the trailblazer. So you think 500 pounds will be an okay over the max? Or go for the WD hitch?

Thanks
Author:  230 Mike [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry, I don't remember - can you re-post the boat/engine dry weight, the TB towing capacity (and is that the vehicle's rated capacity or the stock hitch's "weight distribution" capacity, etc. All the numbers in one post might help with the advice. I'll check back...
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
230 Mike wrote:
Sorry, I don't remember - can you re-post the boat/engine dry weight, the TB towing capacity (and is that the vehicle's rated capacity or the stock hitch's "weight distribution" capacity, etc. All the numbers in one post might help with the advice. I'll check back...



Trailblazer:
5300 towing
4000/400 hitch

200:
4500 fully loaded

Based on the hitch rating at 4000 and the boat maxing at 4500, would it be okay to use the hitch with just a ball mount and ball or move to the WD hitch?

Thanks
Author:  230 Mike [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
hmmm, you're just over the limit. You'd probably be ok with a standard setup, but whether you should do that depends on your comfort level and your tolerance for liability if an accident happens involving hitch failure. Personally I wouldn't do it; on the other hand, I wouldn't want to mess with a WD setup either. Kind of a tough spot...
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah that was my thought as well. I think when we pick the boat up since it will not be full Im going to probably just use the standard setup and see how it handles. After that then will either get the WD or not.

If it works Ill make sure to put something on here about it, just in case others are having some issues as I am.

Thanks for your help Mike. 8)
Author:  230 Mike [ Mon Feb 26, 2007 10:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
(In his best Sgt. York drawl) "weren't much."
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:44 am ]
Post subject: 
Just a random question here. Do all boaters about this time get the shakes? :shock:
Author:  230 Mike [ Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah, it gets better when your 1st payment comes due :shock:
Author:  MdRobins35 [ Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oh yeah i bet...but my wife is paying that bill! 8)
Author:  Desert Steve [ Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  weight distributing hitch vs anti-sway devise
I have been reading a number of posts in which there seems to be some confusion between weight distributing hitches and anti-sway devises. A weight distributing hitch is designed to transfer some of the weight on the rear axle to the front axle thereby distributing the weight of the trailer onto both axles (thus the name weight distributing hitch). This weight transfer results in a more level tow vehicle and perhaps less up and down movement (bounce) going down the road. The weight transfer is accomplished through the use of robust steel 'arms' that act as springs to transfer the weight, through the tow vehicle frame, from the rear to hte front axles. These WD hitches may sometimes incorporate special anti-sway devises but most do not. These are commonly used for travel trailers - that is my experience with WD hitches.

An anti-sway devise is designed to minimize the trailer sway that occurs when towing. This swaying is usually increased when being passed by a semi truck or in cross winds. Most, but not all, anti-sway devises use friction to minimize swaying. Anti-sway devises also use 'arms' and this may be the source of the confusion.

However, a WD hitch and an anti-sway devise are different and perform different functions.
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