Anti-Sway bars - Event Date: 27 Aug 2014 - 31 Aug 2014

Originally posted by Rpod-Couple I recommend you stick with a 6000 lb weight distribution hitch. I initially used a 10,000 lb WDH on my Mazda CX9 and R-Pod 171. The CX9 is a similar size vehicle to the Pilot. The 10,000 lb WDH was too stiff and transferred every bump to my CX9. I replaced with 6000 lb spring bars and that smoothed out the ride and kept my front end level.  I haven’t found the need for a sway bar but certainly can’t hurt.

By 6000lb I think you mean a WDH designed for a 600 lb tongue weight. That is on the light side for a mid sized rpod. My 179 had a tongue weight of about 500 lbs. Adding in cargo in the TV it had to lift closer to 700 lbs. The WDH doesn't know whether it's lifing weight on the tongue or in the rear of the TV.

The spring bars are designed to handle about 2x the WDH rating, or 1200 lbs in the case of a 600 lb hitch. It's very common to get 2g bump loads which for me would be in excess of 1400 lbs, too much for a 600 lb hitch.

I had a 1000 lb rated WDH and it did not create too stiff a ride in my Highlander. I do think an 800 lb rated hitch (1600 max rating) would be the best compromise though.

Also you don't want to set up a WDH to level the tow vehicle, just to put the front axle load and height back where it was without the trailer. That results in the tongue weight being added to the rear axle, but no more, so there will still be some squat in the TV rear axle. If that is excessive then you probably have too much stuff in the back of the TV or too high tongue weight.

Thanks, Stephen, will do. First time in many years of trailering that I've lost one. Winds didn't seem as strong as others we've been in, but that top sure took a powder on this trip.