Recurve R3 Hitch Problems and Adjustment (Review and Tips)
Crosswinds are not fun. In fact, they are the bane of every trucker’s and RVer’s existence. You can get crosswinds from traffic passing you or from nature. The trick is to make sure you are prepared to handle them when they come. Getting a good sway control bar is a step in the right direction.
There is a 3-step process in adjusting the Recurve R3 and it should not take long to get that task done. If you are getting a popping and cracking sound, then everything is normal. When you are getting a squeal or grinding noise, then you have a problem.
To learn more about the problems and adjustments of the Recurve R3 hitch, just continue to read our article. It explores the topic so you can have the best information possible. Take a few moments to see how this information can solve your sway issues.
Recurve R3 Hitch Problems 101
Troubleshooting Recurve R3 Hitch Problems
If you are hearing that squealing and grinding noise, you may have a defective hitch. You can regrease the parts or even back the tension bolt off some but those efforts usually do not help.
The noise is indicating that there may be a problem with the sway control column. Some of the components inside may have come loose and are knocking against each other. The solution to this problem is to go to the dealer while it is still under warranty and get the R3 replaced. This may be a common occurrence with this device.
Another problem that is hard to fix is how you hook up and unhook the trailer with this device on it. The truck and trailer have to be exactly straight or it may not hook up at all. If you are having trouble doing either task, then check to see if both your tow vehicle and trailer are on the same level.
A more minor problem will be the Allen head bolt that adjusts the sway control for this hitch. it is very easy to strip this bolt which means that you can hand tighten only. When you hand tightened do not overdo it. Your solution would be to replace the bolt when it gets stripped.
Recurve R3 Squeak
The source of this noise and problem does not indicate anything major that will harm your trailer or tow vehicle. It is actually a normal noise you will hear as the source is metal rubbing against metal.
A little grease on the ball should do the trick but not always. Since this is a normal sound, you may be freaked out at first until you get used to hearing it. Mechanics often say that the noise will die down with use but the experience of different owners says otherwise.
A dealer will also say that when it sounds awful then it is working. That seems to be good advice. when backing up, it might be a good idea to unhitch the R3. The noise may interfere with your listening for different sounds that indicate you are scratching or hitting something you shouldn’t.
To quiet the noise, you can look for the specific lube points and apply a little grease. Not too much but just enough to help lower the noise level.
Recurve R3 Maintenance
From what we can gather from our research, there is little maintenance that needs to be done on this sway control hitch. Aside from a little grease now and then, there is little you can do.
Of course, you can replace bent or broken parts but that is about it. Except for one action you can take. That action is to remove the hitch when you are backing up. The rear motion movement can damage the hitch.
That instruction is as per the manual. Other than that the manual is not of great help when it comes to adjusting or maintaining the hitch. Unless things have changed over the years.
You do not want to adjust the pin too tight. That could cause one of the bars to pop out and cause you a little grief. Just keep it snug so that there is a little play. If you don’t remove the hitch when backing up, release the tension completely so that you do not get any problems maneuvering into position.
Recurve R3 Hitch Grease
When in doubt always check the manual or talk to a dealer or a qualified mechanic that has experience with these hitches. The manufacturer says that any brand of Lithium grease will be fine to use.
You may find that the owner’s manual is not that detailed or informative. It just says to adjust the hitch as needed. Which is of no help when you have no idea how much tension you need. That has been a complaint made by some owners.
Some owners may use axle grease. That product may or may not work. They do not seem to have any complaints either. To apply the grease there should be grease fittings on the trunnion spindle.
Camco, who seems to be the maker of this sway control hitch, has been asked about greasing the spring bars. The company has stated that there should be no problem in doing that.
One word of warning though. Even if you grease the hitch and those key parts, you may still hear that squealing sound you hate. It is hard to get rid of that noise as metal on metal will always make some sort of noise.
Can You Back up With Recurve R3?
The manual and the company advise against it. Their instructions are for you to remove the hitch as that backing up motion will damage the hitch somehow. Neither goes into too much detail if it actually does or not or how much damage will be done.
Some people have released the tension completely and have found that there is no problem when they back up without removing the hitch. Others have removed it and also found that it is okay to do and doesn’t take that long to remove it.
In the end, it is going to be up to you and your preference. If you like taking risks, then do not remove the hitch and just loosen the tension off. But if you like playing it safe, then it is best to remove the hitch so you can concentrate on what you are doing and have no distractions.
The noise of the hitch can be distracting and cover other not-so-loud but very important sounds. Those sounds warn you that you are getting too close to a post or some other obstruction. It is your call and you decide which way you should go on this issue.
How Do I Adjust My R3 Hitch?
We have seen different instructions on how to adjust weight distribution hitches but not all apply to the Recurve R3 model. The method that does apply is a very simple one. we mentioned there would be three steps earlier, but that may not be totally correct,
Right in front of the ball, there is an Allen head pin or bolt. You take your Allen wrench and fit it into the head. Then you turn the pin or bolt in the direction you want to go. You must make sure to use your hand to do this work.
It is an easy part to strip and then you may lose your sway control if you are not lucky. Then do not over-tighten. Make it snug and you should be okay. You can always make adjustments later on if you feel you have it too loose or too tight.
Check your owner’s manual to make sure how far you need to turn. It is possible that all it will say is adjust as needed.
Downloading a Recurve R3 Hitch Manual
There are a few internet sources for the owner’s manual. Some might say instructions on their labels but it looks to be the same. The first place to look will be at this link. However, there seems to be a cost to it but we did not explore the website to find that cost.
The next link will take you to EAZ- lift itself and on their resource page you will find all the manuals you will need, including the R6. Just click on this link to access that page. Again we do not know if there is a charge or not.
Then there is this website. It has easy-to-follow instructions and should get you a copy of the manual quite quickly. Finally, there is this link. Again we do not know if there will be a cost or not but it is worth trying if you need the manual.
Difference Between Recurve R3 And R6
The biggest difference will be in how the devices are adjusted. The R3 is a manual mechanism where you set the tension where you want it to be. Once you do that, the setting does not change until you make the change.
On the R6 the tension adjustment is automatic. By automatic it is meant that no matter how far off-center your trailer is, the hitch will automatically make the adjustment for you in real-time.
There are also more minor moving parts on the R6 than on the R3. That means that there are more parts that can fail on you. Both hitches are easy to install so you won’t gain or lose any valuable time on either.
Basically, the R6 is just the upgraded version of the R3. It just has a few more bells and whistles to it to make your trailer life a little easier when you are on the road. Plus, there may be a bit more heavy-duty construction involved with the R6 than with the R3.
Finally, the R6 comes in three different weight categories- the 600, the 1000, and the 1200-pound options. The R3 only comes in the 1200 pound model
Recurve R3 Reviews
We will say that the reviews we saw were mixed. Some owners thought that this model was a little on the cheap side and you almost always get what you pay for. In other words, the quality in the construction materials, etc., are lacking somewhat in their minds.
Then out of 115 Amazon reviews, 92% of the owners provided a 4 to 5-star rating. They liked how easy it was to install and one reviewer called it a game-changer. Most people had good things to say about this device.
But that doesn’t mean that there were complaints. Most of the lower ratings and at least one of the higher ones stated that the packaging was horrendous and the instructions were very hard to read or follow.
There was some product damage when the package arrived as well. But that didn’t stop one reviewer from giving it a 5-star review. There was some difficulty for some owners on the first install but there is a YouTube video available that helps make that process a little easier.
Others thought that it was great value for the money and worked really well on lighter travel trailers.
Camco R6 Review
It seems that not as many people bought the R6 over the R3. There are fewer reviews on Amazon concerning this product. The total reached almost 70 and again the overwhelming majority liked the device and gave it either 4 or 5 stars. However, there were more negative reviews this time than for the R3.
One negative comment spoke bout how easy it is for the bar to twist. Then once that happened the pin would not release making it difficult to unhook the device. Another reviewer had the same complaint although he liked the concept of this hitch design.
Others had the same problem as those who ordered the R3. Their product came destroyed in both packaging and the product itself. Shipping can take its toll on metal products.
Other reviewers like the automated system for adjusting tension. It takes the work out of keeping the device where it should be. They also liked the fact that this device operates in three different weight categories.
That flexibility or versatility allows them to get the sway control hitch that best fits their towing situation.
Recurve R3 Hitch vs Equalizer
If you are looking for a money-saving deal, you may want to go with the R3. It is said that it is about half the price of the Equalizer. But when it comes to tongue weight, the ratings are the same- 1200 pounds.
The advantage the Equalizer has over the R3 is its 4 point sway control. That design seems to make it a safe device to attach to your trailer and tow vehicle. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty which says something good about the product.
Then the Equalizer is made in America but we cannot say the same about the R3 as there is no word on where it is made. The Equalizer installs easily enough and it does not need the same amount of greasing times as the R3 does.
Both devices should make a lot of noise though. That is unavoidable in this situation. Most owners have said that the Equalizer is the better of the two and at almost double the price, it better be. If you have a Good Sam’s card you may be able to get a discount when buying and installing the Equalizer.
Where To Buy The Recurve R3
One place to buy it at is Camco itself. They have thousands of retailers, RV stores, etc., across the nation that will be glad to assist you. On their website, there is a locator map you can use to find one near you.
Camping World is said to have quite a few in stock. Just be careful when you go in looking for an Equalizer. The word is they will use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy the R3 over that model.
Amazon is another place to go. That is if you like shopping online. Given the reviews we saw, you will have to be wary of how the package will arrive and if the product is in one piece or not. You may even find some on sale at eBay.
Some Final Words
Cutting out the sway is important. Those crosswinds and airflow from passing trucks can be dangerous and send your trailer in the wrong direction. Finding the best sway control device like the R3 is essential if you want to relax as you drive.
The drawback to the R3 is that it is limited in its application and may not always be up to the task. The product comes with a lot of good reviews so it must be doing something right.
