PERFECT "SWAY" SCENERIO?
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Topic: PERFECT "SWAY" SCENERIO?
Posted By: hogone
Subject: PERFECT "SWAY" SCENERIO?
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 7:40pm
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this is going to be a long post, so feel free to ask questions? left for home from my 5 day trip today ,alot of rain over 5 days, (prob 4 inches); left this day with this scenario, major freak!!!! before i left, filled my black up (there was water at grounds) as i knew i was gonna dump in 45 miles and thought i would get a good rinse!!!. black approx 25+ gallons, gray approx 25+ gallons; fresh probably 3- gal in holders. 1st, i dont use any sway or weight dist hitch hook-ups, pulling 3 years never encountered any abnormal sway. tires on all full to perfection on this day. cruising east on i70 (very windy) in light rain traveling around 60+ mph. no major issues. i saw them coming, two tractor trailers. first one came along side with minor turbulence. next one right behind, and the pod went flying to the right and PAM yelled and grabbed on!! i don't mean a little sway here, but it came back and my heart started back up. so was this just a fluke, did my full tanks have a play, was this just the perfect semi-storm with the already winds in place? am really just curious, as i have pulled in major winds before with little to no issues. i just want to say this was not a normal "sway" encounter! sorry for rambling....................hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 7:58pm
Howdy Duty that will make you feel ALIVE!  Yes Sir, that's 425 lbs of water weight, and it's sloshing and shifting from side to side. The first bow wave started the movement and then the second triggered the relocation and shifting of the weight. Good to hear that you recovered immediately, it could have been much worse. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 9:26pm
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Hogone, welcome to the club! At least your sway wasn't a $35,000 one like mine. Thank goodness for insurance. If the sway really gets out of hand, remember that the trailer brake manual actuator is your friend, and your tow rig's brakes are not. Ya want some more white knuckles? Tow the Columbia River Gorge most any day. Just finished that again last week. Dripping arm pits to be sure, even with a well set up tow rig/trailer combo. ------------- '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: Podster
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 9:33pm
Are you currently using a WDH and sway control? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 10:02pm
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I am still using a WDH. I was using a WDH and sway when I had the wreck. Some conditions are such that no sway WDH will ensure your safety, but I won't tow with a short wheelbase or marginal tow rig. My wrecked F150 was a short bed--never again for me while towing a TT. ------------- '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: hogone
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 10:07pm
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as mentioned above, no wd or sway hook-ups. kickstart, you mentioned the bc. was just reading about that the other day by tech. the prob here was there was zero warning, pod didnt start swaying, it just went like that, nothing gradual not sure really would call this sway, its actually was like the pod almost went airborn but im sure it didnt as this would be impossible. the first semi was just normal turbulence, then the second and POW! honestly, if i would of had a small tv, i think well who knows. this wasn't something warnable (except knowing semis can be nasty). its really hard to explain!! was it the full tanks as podster mentioned? hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 10:19pm
OK, well I figured you were, but wanted to make sure because when you said the white knuckle factor is still alive and well up through the CG, I thought about this new product that I read about today. It's a system that automatically detects sway and instantly calculates a solution engaging the left or right trailer break with no driver intervention. Check it out... http://www.direclink.com/swaycontrol.html It works along the same line as technology used in cars to detect yaw and control it. Dude, seriously...it sounds like you may be the perfect test proving ground candidate going down through the CG and all. Heck, I would love it if the company would send you one for testing. If they believe in their product and hear your back story and your current setup with white knuckles and all, and they believe in there product, they may just do it. If anyone else has any direct knowledge of this product, I sure would like to hear it. Good luck and be careful out there! ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 10:27pm
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hogone, I think it was a combination of everything, high winds, slick roads, bow waves hitting, no sway control, topped off by, not full tanks, but tanks almost full with its contests shifting and sloshing back and forth. It was all just the perfect storm. On a clear dry day with no wind, you probably would have evaded incident. And maybe with empty tanks and sway control you could have overcome the high winds, bow waves, and slick road. But combining all of those together, I think it's the perfect storm.
I think the title of your post nails it! PERFECT "SWAY" SCENARIO?...Yes! ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 10:50pm
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Podster, I didn't get any sway this time in the gorge, just buffeting. My knuckles and pits are probably just from my past experience of about buying the farm in this area. And hogone, when I wrecked the 20' Layton, I came over a rise into the gorge and was hit so hard by a side gust that the trailer also felt like it skipped to the side. So, I know how you felt. Incidently, I was running with a nearly full water tank which was located behind the axles (dual)--which I almost never did. This lightened up my tongue weight, sloshed around and added to the sway. I think I'd have been OK but for that ------------- '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: Podster
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 11:06pm
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Oh OK, that's understandable...you guys be careful out there! ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2014 at 11:24pm
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We just drove the Gorge on our way back to Canada from the PNW roundup, yes it was pretty windy but it was a lot worse once we crossed the Columbia river the last time and went up in the hills (windmill country)the wind was really bad, headwinds, crosswinds, swirling and heavy duty wind gusts. there was a RV (small tandem trailer) pulled by a pickup in front of us, man he was all over the road I had to pass him because I didn't want to stay behind him, when I got the chance I past him. I was doing about 65mph, after I passed him he tried to stay with me but he was swaying even more. He finally gave up and slowed down thank god. My point? He had no WDH no sway bar nothing and I think those are the same drivers that say we don't need all that stuff we don't even feel the trailer behind us.
PS; I had no trouble no sway nothing. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 8:47am
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Marwayne, what type of sway control are you using? Two friction bars? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Blue's Pod
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 8:58am
It would not hurt to double check your mounting brackets on your tanks that were full. If it did slosh that hard. Better safe than sorry. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 9:51am
Which is why I recommend sway control for everyone, especially when they don't think they need it. It is like insurance. You hope you never need it but it is likely you will, some day. If you don't have it before that day, it is too late. I would now recommend the Reese dual-cam WDH. The E2 and Equalizer dampen sway but don't prevent it, whereas the dual-cam design actually prevents it from starting. ------------- 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: marwayne
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 11:16am
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I am using the original Equal-i-zer with build in sway control, no sway bar, ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 1:19pm
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i guess i want to say that i am not at all against towards wd or sway set-ups. just haven't felt the need, but as tech stated, at some point you may. after i dumped the loads, i encountered the same weather conditions (strong winds, wet roads) and lots of tractors passing me. POD performed flawlessly. i guess i will assume it was a combo of alot of thinks, but the full tanks (or mostly full) was a major player. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 2:07pm
Interesting. My current Reese config: Note friction sway.  Close up of friction sway attachment:  A few emails with Reese confirmed that the Dual Cam Sway would work fine with my wdh head and spring bars. I wonder, however, if it would be worth the effort and a few more holes in the frame? During our recent cross country trip we didn't have any problems, but I never overlook a little extra safety factor. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 2:25pm
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The good news is they use the same spring bars. The cams fit inside that "hook" on the end, where your chain is currently attached. ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 2:29pm
Yeah. Confirmed that with Reese, Doug. I'm a little concerned about hole alignment, drilling additional holes in trailer frame where friction sway plate is now. I really do like the dual cam system, though. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 4:33pm
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Sorry, missed that in your prior post.  ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 6:13pm
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After a bit more research and reading this is definitely on the list for spring mods! Thanks Tech. I'll just put the friction plate bolts back in the frame. http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP26002.html - https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP26002.html Thanks. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 6:31pm
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obviously my interest is peaked. im starting to read about all this. one thing im just a little confused about (maybe alot!!) is do i need a wd hitch with sway, or just sway control, or both given my tv? or if you get sway, do you automatically get a wd hitch? i read up some on sway control today, and several things mentioned about disconnecting in extreme conditions, or did i misunderstand? it seems like the more i read, the more confusing it becomes. by the way, it was extremely obvioous this week that leds greatly reduced battery consumption. still had three lights on the gauge at pullout time. ran lights, heater, and pump. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 7:51pm
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I chose the Equal-I-zer because of it's dual prepuce, I didn't want a sway bar because you have to disconnect when backing up. You will find with or without, the difference is like night and day. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2014 at 7:59pm
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Another thing nice about the dual cam system Tech brought up is you don't disconnect when tight backing. That's a pain sometimes with my friction sway. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 9:27am
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Yes, no need to disconnect for backing, and I also saw nothing in the instructions about needing to disconnect in slippery conditions. Friction sway control systems require you to disengage it if you are on snow/ice. Since using a WDH is required with my new camper (due to tongue weight), that would mean I couldn't tow at all. I just spent some time searching around and I still can't find a requirement to disengage the dual-cam in bad conditions. If anyone finds otherwise let me know. ------------- 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: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 1:32pm
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This "disconnect for backing" thing still has me a little confused. The techs at Couch's (where I bought the trailer & the E2 hitch) cautioned me to be sure to remove the bars when backing. OTOH, the tech support at Fastway said that isn't necessary. I've opted to listen to Fastway. Have done some serious angles when backing. One bar slides forward, the other moves back (with a couple of inches of travel still remaining). Is a bar dropping off the L-bracket the worry when backing sharply? I'm not sure what else to be looking for.  Thanks in advance for replies .. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 2:09pm
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Not necessary with the E2 or Equalizer. I believe it is only necessary when using a friction bar like this: http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/83660.html - http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/83660.html ------------- 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: Budward
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 5:58pm
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I don't understand why they say to disconnect the friction type- the one I used for 30 days on my trip I never took off to back up, no issues.
------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 6:14pm
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I've seen pictures of them bent from backing up. Somehow they can bind up when the TV is applying the leverage vs. the trailer. ------------- 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: Craneman
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 6:43pm
 This is what happened to mine, bent when ?????????? ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2014 at 12:25pm
And there are some pics!  ------------- 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: Budward
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2014 at 5:11pm
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He said in his other thread with those pics he doesn't know how it happened....I'm betting turned too sharp and ran out of travel on the sway bar. Looking around on the net that seems to be the consensus of what causes damage, not binding in the assembly itself. On mine I can see the hitch in the rearview camera, so that should never happen to me, as long as I remember to look when backing and turning sharp.  It is impossible in most vehicles to turn sharp enough going forward to ever cause it. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2014 at 6:08pm
I assume that's why they recommend not backing with them hooked up, my truck isn't equipped with a camera, but towing trailers boat,rv,and even occasionally a 40 ft commerical trailer just don't remember jack knifing that shart, but might have duh!!!!! Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2014 at 7:58pm
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The same kind of bracket bent on us too, I thought it was because I had it adjusted to tight. I removed it and bent it back in shape and was careful not to have it adjusted to tight there after and do not remember having any more problems with it. We later bought a Equalizer WDH when we bought a 2010 Jeep Liberty. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 9:05am
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Just my opinion but I don't see how the forces generated by having the friction control too tight can be any different whether the vehicle is going forward or reverse. So IF the mount can be bent just by resistance to telescoping in or out- seems to me it could be bent in either direction of travel. I am very anxiously watching the new electronic sway controls that automatically apply the brake on ONE side only to correct sway when it is detected by sensors. Tuson came out with one that now appears to be marketed by Dexter. The video of it originally stated $250 but it has now risen to over $500 IIRC and Dexter will only allow an authorized installer to install it. http://www.youtube.com/embed/bf8ImtKqshw?rel=0 - http://www.youtube.com/embed/bf8ImtKqshw?rel=0 ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:04am
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The bracket may have bent going forward or backward I am not sure It is my guess that it was because of being to tight. It could of bent because it retracted as much as it could and then the bracket bent, it's been about 4 years so I do not remember what happened that well. Budward I think you are probably correct it ran out of travel when backing to sharp of a angle. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |