Newbie Introduction and a Sway Bar Question

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Greetings everyone, and Happy Memorial Day.  First, I want to acknowledge all who served everywhere, and especially those who this day is dedicated to who didn't return.  Although I didn't serve, I respect and am forever grateful for those who did.  I do not take this great country and those who preserve it for granted!  Thank you.  
By way of introduction. my wife and I recently bought a used 2012 RP177 Hood River (tentative name, "Weekend Podnuh"), and love it.  We have only taken it out once so far to a nearby Texas state park, but in July, we are embarking on a 3500+ mile trip to Grant Teton, Yellowstone, and Arches national parks.  Tow vehicle is a 2011 Ford F150.  

In towing it home and on our one trip, I was surprised at the amount of sway experienced.  I previously owned and towed a pop-up years ago, and was never bothered by sway.  I started reading this forum, paying special attention to everything regarding sway and anti-sway bars, and became convinced it was a necessity.  

I just completed the installation of a single anti-sway bar on the passenger side of the trailer yesterday, and went out today to try it out.  I followed the adjustment instructions regarding the level and took a wrench with me for further adjustments to the preset screw, and started making adjustments in one-fourth revolution increments per instructions.  

I could tell an immediate improvement in the amount of sway caused by rough road conditions compared to my previous trips.  Then I started doing some minor swerves to induce sway to test it further.  Well, after about three to four complete turns of the adjustment screw in one-fourth and a few one-half revolution adjustments, I really am not sure I am seeing a whole lot of difference. 

So, here are my questions.  First, what exactly should I be looking for to determine the proper adjustment?  My method was to count the number of "adjustments" back and forth that the trailer made before it staightend out, but is there a better way?  Second, is it usual to have to move the adjustment screw that many revolutions over the preset setting?

I look forward to your answers, and to being a regular reader and hopefully future contributor to this forum.  Thanks.     

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PRODADS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 05 May 2015 Location: Athens, TX Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Topic: Newbie Introduction and a Sway Bar Question Posted: 25 May 2015 at 12:49pm
	Greetings everyone, and Happy Memorial Day. First, I want to acknowledge all who served everywhere, and especially those who this day is dedicated to who didn't return. Although I didn't serve, I respect and am forever grateful for those who did. I do not take this great country and those who preserve it for granted! Thank you. By way of introduction. my wife and I recently bought a used 2012 RP177 Hood River (tentative name, "Weekend Podnuh"), and love it. We have only taken it out once so far to a nearby Texas state park, but in July, we are embarking on a 3500+ mile trip to Grant Teton, Yellowstone, and Arches national parks. Tow vehicle is a 2011 Ford F150. In towing it home and on our one trip, I was surprised at the amount of sway experienced. I previously owned and towed a pop-up years ago, and was never bothered by sway. I started reading this forum, paying special attention to everything regarding sway and anti-sway bars, and became convinced it was a necessity. I just completed the installation of a single anti-sway bar on the passenger side of the trailer yesterday, and went out today to try it out. I followed the adjustment instructions regarding the level and took a wrench with me for further adjustments to the preset screw, and started making adjustments in one-fourth revolution increments per instructions. I could tell an immediate improvement in the amount of sway caused by rough road conditions compared to my previous trips. Then I started doing some minor swerves to induce sway to test it further. Well, after about three to four complete turns of the adjustment screw in one-fourth and a few one-half revolution adjustments, I really am not sure I am seeing a whole lot of difference. So, here are my questions. First, what exactly should I be looking for to determine the proper adjustment? My method was to count the number of "adjustments" back and forth that the trailer made before it staightend out, but is there a better way? Second, is it usual to have to move the adjustment screw that many revolutions over the preset setting? I look forward to your answers, and to being a regular reader and hopefully future contributor to this forum. Thanks.
	2012 Hood River Newbie

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 25 May 2015 at 2:27pm
	Welcome to the group and congrats on your 177!!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	Posted: 25 May 2015 at 4:46pm
	Greetings from San Antonio and Congratulations on your POD. What are you towing with (wheel base) and what type of sway bar are you using. Brand and model. Do you have dual batteries and propane tanks?
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 26 May 2015 at 5:20am
	Make sure you are towing level. If you need a new draw bar with a different ball height, get one. Make sure the trailer tire pressures are max cold psi. This will make the sidewalls as stiff as allowable. Try not to "back load" the trailer with items, keeping most weight in front of the axle. Turn the friction sway control fairly tight. Enjoy the camping
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 26 May 2015 at 6:35am
	Welcome. See the link in my signature for more pointers on eliminating sway. You may still see sway even with a sway bar unless you take other steps to stop it, first. I had a popup which required a lot of adjustments to how I loaded it to get the maximum tongue weight (15%), and even with the sway bar, tire pressure at max, etc., it wasn't fun. I've never heard of a pod being anywhere like that!
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual