Anti Sway Hitch
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10943
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 4:57pm
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Topic: Anti Sway Hitch
Posted By: ZuBrew
Subject: Anti Sway Hitch
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 1:57pm
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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
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Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 2:25pm
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You didn't say which RPOD and what tow vehicle you're using but unless you have a 3/4 ton pickup you will benefit from a weight distribution/sway control hitch. The Fastway E2 WDH in the 600/6000 pound version is popular with Pod owners. The E2 incorporates both WD and Sway control and does not have to be disconnected for backing. Standalone friction sway control devices do have to be disconnected for backing and do not provide any weight distribution. The E2 can be bought from Amazon or Etrailer.com for $250-$300. Installation is fairly simple if you're at all handy with wrenches. My final advice to new hitch owners is read the manual, understand the manual, understand the adjustment process, and go through the adjustment process yourself. Even if you pay a dealer to install it, don't trust them to do it right. From personal experience, and the experience of many others, dealers don't have a clue.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 5:11pm
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As mentioned, you'll need to specify the model R-Pod and your tv. You'll get lots of info here. We have the lightest model R-Pod, a 171, and a 4500 pound rated tv with towing package and it works fine 95% of the time without any added sway control. I do have a friction sway control that I put on when it's very windy or I otherwise feel it's needed. Some people are 'belts and suspenders types' and want max protection. Nothing wrong with that if you feel it's needed. Good luck
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 5:49pm
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I have two 1/2 ton pickups, rated at 6000 and 7000 respectively and have never had an issue or needed a WDH. I have a 178. Don't disagree there are tow vehicles that do require one. Lot of variables, we need some more info to advise correctly. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 6:34pm
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Total agreement with the above posts. We have towed our 177 (2400 lb empty) with a 94 F-150 and don't need WDH or sway control. With our '08 and currently '13 Explorer it is necessary to have a anti-sway bar for safety sake. I do have to loosen the lever before backing up, but not an issue for me, have been doing it since March 2011. Cost to purchase and install myself was less than $ 100.00
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 7:44pm
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Here is my take on this, you can tow with a Peterbilt or a tank that doesn't mean your pod wont sway
------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2017 at 11:05pm
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And my take on it is this. One of my neighbors came up to me yesterday when I was working on the Pod and told me the story of him having a big wind storm just outside of Missoula Montana and it blew the pod over and flipped his four runner two times he had sway control and everything. He now tows with a much bigger truck.Stuff happens. ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 7:26am
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. ------------- |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 8:11am
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My two cents on this is as follows. If I were planning to tow my pod 25 miles down to the local campground in spring, and leave it there till i tow it home in the fall, I would NOT get Wdh or sway (unless it was really bad). Other than that, I would get Wdh with sway control. I think its a simple decision. I've never yet needed a seatbelt in my car/truck, yet, they are in every vehicle. It's just a good idea to take simple precautions. I would say that you would probably end up in a situation where a Wdh or sway control system was needed more often than a situation where your seatbelt is needed, yet, you will not have it. Do as you want, but I think it's dangerous and not worth it not to do everything you can to prevent a 3000 pound monster that is one inch away from your bumper, from flailing out of control and possibly overturning your vehicle. Bear in mind, even THIS does not guarantee you won't ever have a sway issue.
------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 9:02am
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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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 9:41am
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We have towed our pod with and without the WDH (we have an E2). With our truck it's not "really" needed, and it tows just fine either way (the truck is capable of up to 5000 lbs without WDH). That said, give it a big side wind or winding roads, which happen here and there, and I am just more comfortable with the WDH. If you have a smaller vehicle, the WDH will be much more important. If you have a larger vehicle, maybe not so much. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 10:26am
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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 tow with a Ford Expedition-a very large,long and heavy tow vehicle. I use an Equalizer 4 point wdh with anti sway. I think my truck, my pod and our lives are worth the $600. It is not always necessary,but it is always there if we need it. I feel much more comfortable knowing that my rig is as prepared as possible. We have towed an R Pod for over 40,000 miles with our setup and I wouldn’t tow it without the wdh and anti sway. How much have you already invested in your tv and pod? What would a crash cost in money,pain or suffering? I think you get my point. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 4:01pm
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Ahh the debate continues! You will find a real cross section of owners here on this subject although I think the WDH/anti sway crowd is the current majority. We have the E2 and I can honestly say I don't know how the Pod would tow without it because I've never tried it. This summer we went through howling winds, driving rain storms, curvy highways, you name it and through it all the pod ran straight and true without wiggle behind us. Saw lots of other stuff on the highway that was weaving all over the place and its not really something I would want to try.....so yep....I'm in the WDH/AS crowd as well. Just seems to be the thing to do. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 4:59pm
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+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. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 5:18pm
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+2
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: RichF
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 6:59pm
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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. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 7:56pm
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Welcome to the group!! Congrats on your 190!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 9:23pm
| I tow a '17 179 with both a late modal Jeep Rubicon 4 door and a Ram 1500. I use a E2 sway and wdh with the jeep and it its nice to have. The truck doesn't need either. Even with passing a big rig while towing with the Ram on a narrow road, the Pod once in a while will wiggle a little but I only notice it if I'm looking at it in the mirror. It has no seat of the pants effect on the truck at all. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2017 at 9:30pm
From personal experience having towed a 172 with a 2010 4WD Honda Pilot: The pilot is the SUV version of the Ridgeline. You will want the WDH with AS. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: RichF
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 9:21am
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[/QUOTE] From personal experience having towed a 172 with a 2010 4WD Honda Pilot: The pilot is the SUV version of the Ridgeline. You will want the WDH with AS. [/QUOTE] You are probably correct but the wheel base on the Ridgeline
is 16” longer then the Pilot so I will follow Honda’s recommendation at first
and then reassess. |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 9:41am
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This topic is a classic example of the biggest controversies occurring when each party is partly right, and each partly wrong. ASSUMING - the tv/trailer combo is properly balanced to begin with, sway will, I believe, only occur when OUTSIDE forces (wind gusts, curvy roads etc) hit the trailer/tv combo. Most of these can be controlled by a friction sway bar alone, more serious ones require a wdh and in the the worst cases, both fail and over we go. So, that said, does the capability to selectively hit the brakes of the trailer when sway begins play a significant role in preventing accidents? I've found this to be effective in those very infrequent times when I've experienced early trailer sway.
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Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 10:53am
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Here are some very good technical articles on trailer tow dynamics. Here are some to read
Caravan and tow vehicle dynamics – how and why trailer and tow vehicles interact Caravan dynamics simply explained – a plain English version of my main article Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible Reducing caravan sway – here’s how to minimise the causes Weight distribution hitch setting up – how much correction is needed https://caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/articles-index/ - Caravan/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: ZuBrew
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 1:49pm
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Sorry I forgot to post what my R-Pod is. It's the new 189 and I'll be towing it with a 2008 Tacoma V6. I had a pop up I towed before and that was no trouble. I've never towed a full size camper though. Thanks for all the information. I'm still reading through everyone's replys but wanted to post this.
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Posted By: RichF
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 3:52pm
Congratulations, I will be picking up a 190 on 12/6. The dry
bath is what sold us. Had to flip a coin between the 189 & 190. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 5:12pm
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Happy Tripping,
The standard answer is the application of TRAILER BRAKES using the manual slide if equipped and gently applying trailer brakes is the accepted norm, vehicle brakes is not the right solution, reduce speed and slow trailer with brake controller. Takes foresight, experience and coordination. Not something UHaul says when they rent you a trailer. You still need a capable vehicle and a properly weight loaded trailer to assist in reduction. Sway bars and WDHs are reasonable assistance. Agree with your comment. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2017 at 6:26pm
If one has the time and presence of mind to hit the manual brake control for the trailer and apply them, it could help. When we had our accident, it was not something I thought of until after the fact. It might have helped, but I will never know. We did have an Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch and it was insufficient when we hit the ice with the crosswind. I purchased the Hayes Sway-Master electronic sway control and installed it. It will apply the brakes if it detects a sway condition without me having to remember in the midst of a situation. Hopefully, we will never have to prove that it works, but it is an added bit of insurance. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 8:29am
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JandL - what I could get open was very intresting reading indeed. Thus far I've not experienced the events the article speaks to in Need of a WDH but it is something to watch for. Thanks for posting the information. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 9:09am
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SH,
I have been wondering how that Sway-Master was working for you. AND I agree you have to have presence of mind to operate manual brake, which can be tough in a sway situation. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 8:21pm
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I have felt it activate a couple of times when I was on a rough road in Vermont. The situation I encountered in Wyoming is one where the Hayes advertising indicates it would have been helpful. While I don't want to test it deliberately, if we ever get into such a situation again, I believe it will be useful.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2017 at 6:29pm
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Good comments, THANKS, as I get older I wonder how my reaction will be, I know what to do, doing it is a different issue. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: RobnCari
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2017 at 7:31pm
Just picked up our RP179 last Tue. I had the dealer install a WDH and elect. brake controller. We put on 520mi over the weekend. No problems with sway, braking, or backing with the WDH. My TV is a 2006 Tacoma V6 with factory towing package. Personally I would get the WDH it levels the trailer and TV. As a side note I avaraged 10MPG, YMMV. ------------- 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4WD AC 2018 RP 179 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2017 at 11:38pm
Likewise, I knew what to do. Actually doing it in the situation I encountered is an entirely different matter. That is why I bought the Hayes Sway-Master electronic sway control. If it were something I had practiced sufficient times to make it an automatic movement of the hand, it would be one thing. Unfortunately, one does not encounter these types of situations often enough for muscle memory to develop. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: ZuBrew
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 9:41pm
Can you tell me what brand & part number your WDH is? I have a 2008 Tacoma, V6, 4X4 TV. I'm trying to sort out what I need for my R-Pod. Thanks. ------------- 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 4X4 2018 R-Pod 189 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A |
Posted By: RobnCari
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2017 at 11:15am
Husky Towing Products Part No.32215: Centerline TS, 400-600 LBS. W/2" Ball ------------- 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4WD AC 2018 RP 179 |
Posted By: ZuBrew
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2017 at 1:01pm
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Rob, thanks for that information. Do hear much noise like popping while towing or backing up with the Husky 32215? ------------- 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 4X4 2018 R-Pod 189 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A |
Posted By: RobnCari
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2017 at 2:10pm
There is some noise during low speed parking lot maneuvering. I only noticed in going forward. I have not needed to undo the spring bars to back up yet. That only needs to be done during tight backing. I don't know if you're on Tacomaworld.com , it is a Tacoma enthusiast forum with a lot of good info regarding your truck and pretty much anything else you're interested in.
------------- 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4WD AC 2018 RP 179 |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2017 at 5:25am
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I have a 171. The sway hitch is indispensable and easy to attach. I don't trust dealers. Sounds like a typical crook...way overcharging! ------------- |