Sway Bar Rig
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=3525
Printed Date: 14 Jun 2025 at 4:04pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Sway Bar Rig
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Subject: Sway Bar Rig
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 8:37am
|
We pickup our new 177 this Thursday but before we left the dealer the subject of adding a sway bar system came up with the dealer. Being new to the RV world and R-pod's I was wondering how many folks have this system for their rigs. Our TV is a 2012 Nissan Titan.
Given the amount of money we just put out for our R-pod I we are pretty tapped out right now to put out another $650 for the sway bar if it is not something we really need. The dealer/owner said that we really do not need it but it is good to have. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Replies:
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 9:04am
|
We have an anti-sway friction bar on our hitch assembly, and I would not do without it. And they do not even come close to costing $650. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: Beckster
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 9:40am
|
Cabela's has a anti-sway bar (rated for a little higher than the r-pod weight) for around $50. You have to get the "bar" welded to it but ...much better than $650. Also, check on Amazon they have some cheaper too. I haven't gotten one yet but am seriously thinking about it even though our truck has "anti-sway" with it's wheel's, etc (don't ask me how it works, something about independent wheel braking, etc.). We have never had a problem towing even with my smaller Rav-4 (in which case we should have had it - semi's passing weren't too bad but..) but it's better to be safe than sorry. ------------- r&r-pod: Becky/Bob & Sophie & Coco |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 9:47am
|
With the weight and capacity of the Titan you probably don't really "need" an WDH, but I think the almost universal opinion in this forum is "you'll want it". It greatly improves the ride and your confidence. Check Amazon. The 6000/600 E2 runs $300 +/_. Add a hundred bucks for installation and you're still way under $650. The E2 is easy to install and set up yourself, but you need a couple of large/long wrenches to apply the required 200 plus foot-pounds of torque. If you have these then it's easy. And everyone ought to go through the setup once to understand it and know it's done right. My dealer did it for me when I first bought the pod and it was way-way wrong. Fortunately I figured it out and fixed it before serious trouble. Happy podding, ------------- 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: Outbound
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 10:16am
|
I definitely recommend ant-sway, but a simple friction sway bar is perfectly fine for a trailer of an r-pod's weight.
I installed mine myself. It was $75 for the sway bar + $20 cash to have a local mechanic do a quick weld. The install was less than 30 minutes of labour - just drilling some holes in the tongue and ratcheting on some self-tapping bolts. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 11:26am
|
Thanks for the great information. I will start looking into all the recommendations. I knew $650 was bit too much to pay for something like this. I am not a penny pincher when it comes to stuff like this, but Sandee has taught me a long time ago never pay extra for something you do not need right away or might not need at all until you do the research. Basically no impulse buying, great advice from a great lady. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 2:45pm
I tow with a Nissan Pathfinder and do not have a sway bar or weight distributing hitch. Things to consider: Proper hitch ball height Proper trailer loading (weight to front) Proper tire inflation on TV and Trailer No Water in tanks Have a brake controller -- learn to drive with it. In case of sway, apply manual trailer brakes and NO vehicle brakes. That pulls back on the hitch and nips sway in the bud. Take care in steering and don't be doing a lot of wild and crazy lane changing or running off the road. I have no plans to add a sway bar. I think your Titan is much heavier than my Pathfinder. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
|
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 3:09pm
|
Thinker,
Thank you for the information. I do not have a brake controller, not sure how much these cost but it is something I will look into. For me multiple lane changes has never been an issue. I get into one lane and tend to stay in that lane and let life ( others) pass me by. I happen to think the more lane changes you make it is more likely you will cause/have and accident. When we plan our trips with lots of sites to see, however it has never failed during our adventures to miss a few sites on our list as we run out of time. We just enjoy the moment and if we miss a site, it gives us another chance to travel to that area again. Like you mentioned the Titian is much heavier and I think we will do ok. We pick up Tricera-Pod on Thursday so we will get our first chance to see how it handles. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 3:15pm
|
A brake controller is a must-have since it is your last-ditch method to remove sway if it begins to get out of control. Some here have purchased the wirelss version of the Prodigy which is fairly easy to install. At the least I would say get a sway bar. WDH is less important for your rig. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 4:20pm
Also, trailer brakes are mandated for trailers exceeding 1500# in many states. You do need them, which requires a brake controller. ------------- 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: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 5:30pm
|
How much are brake controllers and do they need to be installed by a professional? ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 5:58pm
|
The Tekonsha Prodigy 3 controller is $144 at Amazon, plus $10+ for a vehicle specific adapter cable. Your 2012 truck should be pre-wired for it. If you have the 7 pin Bergman connector on the rear you're good to go. Just mount the controller in the cab and plug it in. Happy podding, ------------- 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: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 6:03pm
|
I hate to sound in the dark here but what is a 7 pin Bergman? Our Titan has the tow package in it and there is a elect. plug near the hitch so I assume this is what you are talking about?
Also once I mount the controller in the cab where do I plug in? The cigarette lighter? Darn I really am in the dark about all this stuff. I really thought I had done some research but now I see I did not do enough by along shot. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 6:16pm
|
No problem. We all have something to learn. Fortunately it's different for each podder; hence the value and success of this form. The Bergman is a round black connector mounted near the hitch on the rear. That's where you plug the trailer into the truck I'm fairly confident you have one The only connection inside is to a pre-installed connector hanging under the dash on the driver's side. No connection to the cigarette lighter necessary. Read the Prodigy instructions and you'll be fine. Happy podding, ------------- 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: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 6:35pm
|
Thank you. I am burning up my eyes and brain reading all the posts trying to learn as much as I can. I have also started a check list I can use to check items in our unit before, during and after our trips. I think a check list will be a great help for me until I get used to what needs to be done.
And I do have the black connector. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:03pm
|
Well when all else fails read the instructions or in this case the TV's owners manual. As I was reading the above comments I recalled a few details about our Titan. 1- A tow mode switch on the dash. Reading the owners manual I find one needs to turn this one when pulling a load as it will downshift the transmission when driving down steep or long hills. Which will in turn help slow the vehicle without applying the brakes. 2- in my glove box there is a wire harness. I never gave it much thought until now. Reading the owners manual ( always a good thing, but being a stubborn Navy guy I never do) it gives me complete instructions how this harness is used and how to install this jumper cable in the instrument panel when installing an electric trailer brake controller. But I think this may be for a trailer with electronic brakes, at least that is what the owners manual says.
WOW will wonders of the modern age ever amaze me. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:28pm
|
Yes and your RPOD has electric brakes. The harnesses I've seen included with trucks do not have plugs on both ends.They end in separate wires intended for splicing into existing cables. Too much hassle. You can buy (about $10) a short cable made especially for the controller and your truck. ------------- 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: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:39pm
|
Sounds great thank you so much for all the information. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:51pm
|
Lots of people recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy models, as they are good brake controllers. Over the years, I've used The Prodigy and also Tekonsha's cheaper models, the Voyager and the Primus. These two models also do a good job, and will save you some money, if that is an issue. Of the 3 models, I like the Primus best. It's smaller than the Prodigy, gives all the info you need, has the boost feature like the Prodigys, and, to me, is easier to set up, and adjust. The Voyager is good, too, but is more difficult to adjust, having just a multicolored light instead of a digital readout, and has no boost feature. If ya have the finances, then I'll bet the wireless model Prodigy would be neat, but I have had no experience with that model. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:59pm
|
The next question I have is where can one find these items for sale? Growing up on a ranch in Idaho before I joined the Navy back in 1978 I did no work on engines and stuff like that. My uncle did all the engine work, while the oldest uncle did all the cattle work, which I loved to do. So cars, trucks and anything to do with vehicles I am clueless, for the most part.
Now if you want wood work, wood turning I am pretty darn good at it. I am also pretty good at collecting rocks, gems and minerals. Well I am good at it if my wife is near by she has degrees in geology and paleontology. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 8:05pm
With modern trucks.. the adapter you get has a plug on one end that plugs into the truck (provided connector under dash).. the splicing is to match up to the controllers wires to the trucks plug. ------------- |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 8:23pm
|
Amazon, PPL, Adventure RV, and Camping World are good online sites to order from. PPL and Adventure often have good sale prices, but watch for their shipping charges. Amazon is usually about as good pricewise and with most items over $25 will not charge you for shipping. Also, if you don't live in Amazon's home region states (unlike me) you may for now dodge taxes, too. Camping World is usually only competitive pricewise during their sales. P/S Your Titan should do a fantastic job towing your Pod, but welcome as a new member of the poor mileage club.
------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 10:50pm
|
Your dealer should be able to help you with the brake controller. It is not hard to put in but if you are not comfortable with that they whould be able to help out. When I purchased mine the dealer offered to throw one in to sweeten the deal but I already had one. I guess thats to late for you now. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
|
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 5:33am
|
Well after the sweet deal I got on our unit I am sure the dealer would not have thrown one in. The dealer has a shipment of new 2014's coming in and for our 2013 P-177 we paid only $14,700. After looking at other dealers in VA and five other states the cheapest I could find the same unit was $20,000. I did find one for $16,500 but WI was a bit to far for us right now to drive to get it.
Thank you all for the info. HA HA HA, member of the poor mileage club that's funny, but not so much when one starts to think about it. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 11:21pm
|
The dirty secret of the RV market is usually dealers can knock off about 1/3 the price of the "sticker" - and still make money.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: TRICERA-POD
Date Posted: 26 May 2013 at 5:50am
|
I always knew there is a mark up on vehicles but this sort of mark up on the RV's seems a bit high. But still, we feel it was a pretty good deal considering what I found out there. ------------- Carl & Sandee 2013 R 177 2012 Titan |
Posted By: BUFFALO GALS
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2014 at 7:32pm
|
Hi I'm a real newbie. Just bought a 2009 172. Heading north to Maine from Fla. What extra things do I need? I'm doing the electric brakes. I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa-Fe. What more do I need? Would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks so much Chaser ------------- HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS CHASER |
Posted By: cechancellor
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 7:29am
|
Outbound, What kind/brand of friction sway bar did you install?...Where did you purchase it? We are going to get one in the next week or two. Thanks! Carol ------------- |
Posted By: BUFFALO GALS
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 8:39am
|
Hi folks -
Sorry, but I can't really help you. I don't know the brand. I got it at a trailer hitch place in Ocala, Fl. ------------- HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS CHASER |
Posted By: cechancellor
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 8:44am
|
Sorry....that wasn't meant for you. Was addressing "Outbound" who mentioned his sway bat. Thx
David & Carol ------------- |