Sway. Another question

My freeway time isnt that often, however they do say speed rating L (75mph). I assumed that meant good for 75?

Hey Artypod,

Be careful with speed and your original tires the class c rated tires are a real concern over 60 or 65 MPH. I wouldn't recommend 75 but if you do so I would suggest you get a set of class D rated tires. I went with Carlisle's and I'm sure you can get other recommendations here on forum. Lucky is good but not better than smart. I have different issues with my tow vehicles but my Silverado 4WD has the least, it has the longest wheel base and highest capacity.

We do a lot of boondocking in our 179 and it's not always convenient to fill up close to the destination, so we carry a full tank. We've never had excessive sway issues, likely for the reasons already stated.

Forum mates,

Good discussion. Going back to original post. The guy with the 177 was traveling home with a new to him RPod - no indication of sway control or WDS. He like me - with a new, empty RPod and a full fresh water tank, encountered sway. I absolutely agree, sway systems and proper loading, tongue weight, etc play in sway. The Interweb like the post has varying opinions of traveling with water in tanks and it's obvious there is no wrong or right. To me the learning experience was - don't pick up a RPod from a dealer that offers no clues, and tow it without the equipment to tow it safely, ignorance is not an excuse. I was guilty of that.

I think there are several factors that can induce sway.  Several posts have talked about water in the tanks.  while it is true that water sloshing around can contribute to sway, I think the main issue with water in the tank is the LOCATION of the tank.  Most of the pods have the fresh water tank behind the axle.  this loading creates less tongue weight.  It seems that by loading most of your cargo weight forward of the axle you are increasing the tongue weight.  Most people want to have a minimum of 10% tongue weight and it can go up to 12-15% depending on the TV and hitch set up. so, tongue weight is critical-not enough will definitely cause sway issues.

I try to always load with most of the weight forward of the axle AND use a good quality weight distribution hitch(Equalizer600#) with integrated sway control.  I can feel the difference in towing by moving some of our cargo back and forth in the floor as we travel.  Just moving one or two boxes back and forth can make a big difference. So, loading your trailer properly also is a critical component to eliminate sway. Again, keeping the weight forward increase tongue weight.

another important factor is good tires with stiff sidewalls that are properly inflated.

So, be careful how you load the trailer, carry a small amount of water when towing long distance and use a good WDH (properly adjusted)  with sway control and you will not have a sway issue in my experience. I have traveled cross country east to west and back several times and north to south and back several times with no sway issues.

Safe travels
Vann