Anti Sway Hitch

I put a deposit on a 190 and will be picking it up in early December. My TV is a 17 Honda Ridgeline AWD (5k tow Limit, 125” wheel base). The Honda owner’s manual says the ridgeline does not need a WDH but if one is installed it should be done by the camper supplier so that it is adjusted properly.  I plan not to install a WDH initially and see how it goes. Since this is my first camper I will take it easy before I determine if I need a WDH or not.

+1 to comments. Really about knowing your capabilities and doing what makes you comfortable. I know folks that don't know that, that are not with us anymore. Good friend of mine was killed hauling concrete bags from Lowe's because the fork lift dropped them on the tail of a 16' trailer, flipped the truck in two miles. One has to understand the weights and balances and do the upmost to be safe. Lot to add in to the capabilities and abilities of your rig. Everybody has their own ideas. Best you take time and know your risk and limitations. It will always be a debate.

I think the choice is highly dependent on the tow vehicle. The shorter the wheel base of the tv, the more need for sway control. Certainly weight location when packing the pod is also important. So, a longer wheel base and weight properly placed in front of the axle will help eliminate sway in most situations. However, a passing semi, a quick steering correction  or extreme winds will negate the best packing job and the largest tow vehicle.

We were driving from NC to Florida to my parents this past Tuesday. there was a pickup truck hauling a cargo type enclosed trailer. It sure could have used at least sway control as we could see the trailer swaying and were concerned that it would be going out of control. We were doing the speed limit (65 mph) and were passed by this person. I should have frozen my dash cam video so I could have posted it to show why at least sway control is good to have, even if one does have a large pickup.

Originally posted by ZuBrew I'm in the process of purchasing my first R-Pod and the dealer is recommending I get an anti sway hitch and he's willing to sell me one for $749. He says I don't have to disconnect it when I back up.   My question to this forum is; 1) In your experience, have you needed an anti sway hitch towing the R-Pod? 2) What do you think of that price? 3) Is there a better place to purchase one? Thanks

It would be nice to know what you intend to tow with. And to a smaller amount, which Pod you are going to buy..

But to try to answer your questions..

1) We used a WDH and no sway control with our Pod. We had the WDH from our Airstream. I noticed some podders used one, so I set it up and towed with it, towing with a 2004 Expedition at the time, 9000lb tow rating. We felt it towed better and rode better with the WDH, and never towed again without it. Never had a sway issue. BUT, for sure, some owners have.

2) At that price, my guess is it's a Weight Distributing Hitch w/ sway control. and includes installation and setup. I would want to know exactly WHICH system he was selling you. Retail, a WDH and sway control can run from $300 to $3000.

Or he is ripping you a new one.

3) Etrailer is good place, but of course, you have to install and adjust it. No big deal if you can read and follow instructions, and know the difference between a socket and a open end wrench. You WILL need a couple large wrenches/sockets for assembling the head unit to the draw bar.