Sway. Another question

On our last trip, the fresh and gray tanks were empty and we carried water in an 8 gallon container in our car. As we traveled, the black water tank was used and gaining weight. On the 179, the fresh and black tanks are in front of the axle. The gray tank had minimal input. It is behind the axle. The 179 rode well until we encountered the ice and wind in Wyoming.

Once we got to our daughter's house, we filled the fresh tank on the day we left since we were headed south to warmer weather. In Huachuca City, AZ, we emptied the black and gray tanks before leaving and topped off the fresh tank. Since we expected to be traveling in warmer tempteratures, we thought we would be okay. We did encounter freezing weather headed through Texas. It was enough to freeze the water lines. However, they did thaw without incident the next day. We had no further trouble with freezing on the return trip. It is currently winterized.

The biggest problem I had was trying to get the weight distribution in our Equal-i-zer properly set-up. It took three tries, but I think I finally have it dialed in. After the last tweak, it towed much better. It wasn't horrible before. I just knew it could be better.

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

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.