Weight distribution/anti sway - Event Date: 23 Jul 2017

Originally posted by Johncmarshjr Very helpful and thank you.  Is there a detriment to going a bit larger, i.e. The Fastway 800 instead of the 600 for the Rpod 179?

The 800 would be too stiff for an RP-179. The 600 is a little bit of overkill, but not too much. We use the 600 with our RP-179.

ToolMan you are absolutely correct about weighing tongue weight. Bought a scale. Found out I was loading 400 pound tongue weight but less than the 3,500 I can tote. Rearranged load in the Pod and got it down to 300. Readjusted again and got it up to 330.

The one thing to note is that the Equalizer can be pretty noisy. I went from using the Equailizer on my 2016 Rpod 171 for the entire season (2,200 miles) to a Blue Ox now with my new 179 (about 1,300 miles so far). The Blue Ox is much easier to use in my opinion and much less noisy. I have the 500lb bars meaning it will take up to 500lbs tongue weight and 5,000lbs trailer weight. The 179 is just about 300lbs tongue weight and 3,000lbs trailer weight. I have had great safe towing with both WDH's, but would recommend the Blue Ox for easier use (attach/detach) and quieter operation. It is likely more expensive, but I do not know. 

Very helpful and thank you.  Is there a detriment to going a bit larger, i.e. The Fastway 800 instead of the 600 for the Rpod 179?

Originally posted by Johncmarshjr I am towing a 2016 179 with a 2016 Volvo XC-90.  Are there recommendations on which weight distribution and anti sway bars I should install?

For simplicity, you should look at a system that combines WD and anti-sway. I have been using the Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch. It has served me well except for once when ice and wind were too much for it to correct. I doubt other systems in the price range would have done any better in that situation. It works well, especially if one uses a hitch tightener to stop the hitch shank from clunking around in the receiver.

Another option is the Fastway E2 hitch which uses 2 point sway control. It is similar to the Equal-i-zer as both are made by Progress Industries. It is less expensive, but probably not quite as good on sway control.

A third option is the Andersen No-Sway hitch. Unlike the bars of the above two hitches, the Andersen uses chains and urethane (I think) "springs" to accomplish the weight distribution. The sway control is accomplished by the hitch ball which is locked in a sheath or friction material so that it resists turning. It is the lightest weight of the three systems I have mentioned.

There are others also which you can find by searching. Some of them, like the Jim Hensley ProPride hitch cost $2445.00 (plus $195 shipping). Admittedly, it is probably the best hitch available, but it is way too much.