Stabilizer Education ...
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=2505
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 5:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Stabilizer Education ...
Posted By: Footslogger03
Subject: Stabilizer Education ...
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 10:39am
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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 ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Replies:
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 12:40pm
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Slogger, I have a friction type antisway, it is basically like a disc brake pad that has a l shaped handle to tighten the pad to a flat friction surface, a socket on each end fits onto a ball on the hitch on your tv and a ball on the side of the pod tongue, mine is on the passengers side. I have pulled the pod down the interstate with out sway control and did not have any problems, even with semis going by. However if on flat ground and strong cross winds and then semis you might want anti sway, mine was make by Reese and was fairly inexpensive, I dont think would be a problem to install as long as your hitch on the t.v. has a place for the ball. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 12:48pm
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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 ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 1:29pm
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That "Equalizer" device looks like something I could wrap my brain around and even hook up myself. Anyone here using one ? Are there different models ? ...and what is a typical price ?
Thanks in advance, MJ ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: Pawpod
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 6:48pm
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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. ------------- Ready to pod around! |
Posted By: Snowbound
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2012 at 8:10pm
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We drove to Ontario last summer without the anti-sway bars and equalizer. It was not fun going up and down some hills when the trailer began to fishtail. Tom had them installed before we left Alberta for a fall trip to the Grand Canyon. We were very happy we had it done and felt it was well worth the money. (He is not handy around vehicles like some of these guys.) You sure do get some wind in Wyoming! We saw lots of antelope there but the wind gusts were the most memorable of the entire trip. We ended up pulling off the highway to avoid been blown off. B ------------- Tom and Bette in our 177 "The Gastropod" |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 11:33am
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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. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2012 at 12:17pm
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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. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2012 at 11:29am
Which particular one do you have? Are they purchased based on trailer weight or something? I've always wanted the Equalizer brand WDH for my RP-151 Tacoma combo, but didn't want to spend a grand on it.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2012 at 2:34pm
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I got the 600 pound model so I can use it if I get a larger camper. The company confirmed that you can go much heavier than your actual tongue weight. Mine was about $450. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2012 at 5:24pm
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Towing with my Jeep Wrangler, without WDH/sway was taking my life in my hands. Strong side winds tried to pull both units off the road whenever I towed at high speeds. Going to a longer wheelbase Jeep Liberty helped somewhat. Putting a WDH on, completely changed the towing characteristics. I subsequently have gone to a standard wheel base Chevy Pickup. It tows the pod so comfortably, I sometimes forget that I have the Pod behind. I kept the WDH and use it with the Pod, even if the tongue weight is insignificant to the Chevy. It still helps with porpoising and absolutely no sway problems. The smaller the TV, the more you need a WDH with sway control! ------------- TIDALWAVE |