Sway bars
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=9654
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 3:23am
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Topic: Sway bars
Posted By: WillyBob
Subject: Sway bars
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 7:57pm
We just purchased a used 2013 RP-177, and when towing home noticed there was a slight sway to the trailer that transferred to the truck. (Towing with a 2003 Chevy S10) Is it necessary to use sway bars with RPods? or better yet, a stabilizer hitch? 
------------- JivinWilly |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 8:16pm
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We have used the sway bar with both our '08 and '13 Explorers. Especially with a shorter wheelbase as your S-10 has, I would definitely get a sway bar, you will travel much safer and note a world of difference as you go down the road, especially when semi's pass or when encountering heavy cross winds. Also, make sure the nose of the pod points down just slightly, it will help reduce sway as well. As far as the WDH, many here use them, it makes for a better, safer ride as well. We haven't seen the need for that with our Explorer, hence we go with the basic sway bar. Have traveled over 25,000 miles with our 2011 177 and haven't ever felt the need to go with one. ------------- 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: WillyBob
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 4:38pm
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More questions, and thanks for the reply concerning using sway control bars. Do you use one or two sway bars? and..is your ball plate for the sway bar welded on? Also, what brand of sway bar do you have? Much to learn, and thanks.
------------- JivinWilly |
Posted By: POD WE R
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:09pm
| One sway control bar is enough. The plate is normally bolted to the tongue. Any good brand such as Curt, Eaz Lift etc....... |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:11pm
| Be aware that you should disconnect the sway bar when backing up. We thought that was just overly cautious advice until the plate for our sway bar ripped off the tongue. We took that as an omen that we should go to a WDH with built-in sway control (Fastway E2), which can stay connected when backing. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:15pm
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Hi JivinWilly, Same as POD WE R, we use 1 sway control bar, it is located on the passenger side and is bolted onto the tongue of our 177. Ours is a pro series, but as the above poster stated, Curt, EazLift are just as effective. We have been using ours for 6 years and 25,000 + miles. Very important when you use a sway control bar, LOOSEN before backing up!!! Otherwise you will bend and ruin the setup. Many here can attest to doing just that. ------------- 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: mcarter
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 6:30pm
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WillyBob,
CAMCO sells a reliable sway bar the 57521 Olympian, I use it. You do not need to weld, but you will need the small ball adapter that fits over your 2" TT hitch, that allows you to mount to the small ball next to your tow ball. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2017 at 7:45pm
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With the small truck like the S10 you will be more satisfied with a WDH. The E2 from Fastway is very popular here. It also provides sway control and does not have to be disconnected while backing up. The combination of weight distribution and sway control makes for a very safe and comfortable ride.
------------- 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: WillyBob
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 10:55am
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Yours is the first response suggesting the use of a WDH. Can you explain why you think we need one? Pretty spendy. ------------- JivinWilly |
Posted By: WillyBob
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 10:56am
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Thanks for the input.
------------- JivinWilly |
Posted By: WillyBob
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 10:58am
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Thanks for the input. WDH huh. Pretty spendy. What do you pull your pod with?
------------- JivinWilly |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 11:31am
The WDH does several things for you. The primary function is to transfer weight back onto the truck's front axle. That maintains the steering control that is reduced when you put weight on the truck behind it's rear axle. Think of a kid's teeter totter or see-saw. The second function is to stiffen the TV/TT combination so it doesn't porpoise and bounce as you go over dips and bumps. That's primarily a comfort issue but it really reduces driver tension and stress. The third function is sway control which is provided by combination WDHs like the E2. If you look back through the posts on this forum you will see most folks opt for WDH even though they may technically not need it. Even the full sized pickup owners end up concluding "You may not need it but you'll want it." I pulled the 172 with a Honda 4wd Pilot, similar in size to the S-10, and realized a great benefit from the WDH. I still use it on the Tacoma, but with a slightly heavier TT. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |