Stabilizer Education ...

Aside from the trip home from the dealer last October we haven't pulled our 177 on a trip yet. Been winterized and undercover since. We'll be towing it with a 2011 Tacoma 6cyl, 4 Dr Short Bed (6 spd manual transmision). I have seen a variety of comments about "sway bars", "load stabilizers" etc. At the moment we have nothing but a hitch. It seemed to tow fine over the 3 hour trip home in October but we do get a lot of wind up here in Wyoming and there are a lot of 18 wheelers. So   ...I'm thinking some form of sway control might not be a bad idea, but I'm not quite sure where to start. I am looking for the simplest and most basic apparatus that will minimize fishtailing.

Anyone out there with a good handle on the various types, brand names and typical prices? Also, are these devices something that can be installed by the owner or do you have to find a dealer.

Thanks in advance,

MJ

Thanks for the reply. I'm leaning more towards the basic "Anti-Sway" style device at the moment. Plus, my current hitch only has a single ball on it so I would have to get a different one.

Thanks again   ...

MJ

They have two arms that come out and chain to the toung of the trailer. Really easy to hook up, and as a Side benefit act some what as an antisway too.

The weight distribution hitch not only transfers some of the trailer weight to the tow vehicle's front wheels (keeping the TV more level) but it also smooths out any 'porpoising, up and down' motion also.  Not only will you have better control over the rig but loose objects in the Pod tend to not bounce around as much. The anti-sway bar(s) do a really good job on keeping the pod from swinging from side to side if it gets hit with a sudden wind gust.  You may not feel that you need it...but will wish you did if the Pod begins to bounce violently up and down on a rolling road way, or
you are in a violent wind gust from a storm or passing big rig and the Pod whips side to side.
I only towed the Pod once before installing a WDH+sway control.  The difference was like night to day.  The Pod now smoothly follows along with not sensation of being out of control.

Originally posted by techntrek I have the E2 Equalizer - sway control and weight distribution all in one.  Really makes the ride more comfortable.  The E2 is cheaper than the original Equalizer, but lacks about 50% of the original's sway control.  Works fine for my 171.