R-pod Owners Forum : Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:48:25 +0000 Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:40:22 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2758 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Looks like you're good to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29117#29117 Author: danthoman
Subject: 2758
Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 2:40pm

Looks like you're good to go.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:40:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29117#29117 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I just talked to Andersen, they... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29116#29116 Author: duck42
Subject: 2758
Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 1:43pm

I just talked to Andersen, they said the 2" and the 2 5/16' balls were interchangeable in the Andersen mount, part number is 3382 and cost is $49.99 plus $6 shipping.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:43:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29116#29116 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : duck42 - I don't think so.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29110#29110 Author: danthoman
Subject: 2758
Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 10:24am

duck42 - I don't think so.  My understanding is that the ball is pressed into hitch.  Call andersen and ask them what can be done.  I've talked with and emailed them on several occasions.  They've always been very helpful and provided quick responses.  I purchased mine from hitchanything for under $400 including shipping.
]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:24:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29110#29110 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Danthoman - Regarding the Andersen... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29106#29106 Author: duck42
Subject: 2758
Posted: 01 Nov 2012 at 10:23pm

Danthoman - Regarding the Andersen Hitch, I have been looking a used one, but it has a 2 5/16"ball. Do you know if the 2" ball will interchange in with a 2 5/16" ball in the friction cone receiver?
Thanks,
duck42
]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:23:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29106#29106 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Welcome LarryK. Bill, not sure,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29099#29099 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2758
Posted: 01 Nov 2012 at 7:54pm

Welcome LarryK.

Bill, not sure, I don't remember reading that in the E2 literature.  I do remember reading that about friction sway bars.

]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:54:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29099#29099 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I've just finished my second... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29095#29095 Author: danthoman
Subject: 2758
Posted: 01 Nov 2012 at 5:04pm

I've just finished my second 400+ mile trip using the andersen wdh  and so far its worked great. I hardly know the pod is back there.  Even having to dodge some morons in downtown Atlanta traffic didn't cause any noticeable sway.   The setup and take down is surprisingly easy.   All I have to do is put the hitch in the receiver, lower the trailer and tighten the two anti sway chain bolts with the supplied socket and I'm ready to roll.
]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:04:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29095#29095 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : With the pod having a larger TV... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29094#29094 Author: Bill Ky
Subject: 2758
Posted: 01 Nov 2012 at 12:55pm

With the pod having a larger TV and air bags have i don't use the WDH, so I'm only using friction sway control, but in the past with larger TT's I have used WDH with friction sway control. With friction sway control it is recommended to adjust for less friction in rain and snow so the TV and TT act less like one unit. Just being curious do you have to make any adjustments with Equalizer hitch when in rain or snow?]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:55:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29094#29094 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : As already mentioned, I have the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29093#29093 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 01 Nov 2012 at 9:05am

As already mentioned, I have the 800/8000 trunnion version of the E2 that I'll be installing onto my RP-151/Tacoma.  I'll report my findings after using it to tow the Pod.
]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:05:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29093#29093 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : We tow our R Pod 177 with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29091#29091 Author: LarryK
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 11:50pm

We tow our R Pod 177 with a 2006 Toyota Tundra.  The E2 hitch makes the ride much smoother and the Pod tracts very very well.  The E2 hitch gives me more confidence when towing. I really wouldn't do without it.  Also, I was told that the single axle could make the POD more prone to sway. I'm sold on the E2 hitch. We have the 600/6000.
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:50:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29091#29091 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I have the trunnion style. Coming... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29089#29089 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 9:29pm

I have the trunnion style.  Coming back from a recent trip I noticed a lot of wiggle at the rear of the pod.  Got home and found one of the mounting brackets for the L brackets - the part that bolts around the frame - was loose on one side.  Tightened all the bolts up and next trip out the rear of the pod was rock solid again no matter how much I wiggled the steering wheel.  Just one example of it definitely working to reduce sway.  I have the 6000/600 model - the company stated after an inquiry that going with a larger model would not affect the ability of it to reduce sway or distribute weight.

I've also found a large improvement in ride quality when using the WDH versus not using it.

]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:29:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29089#29089 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : We were teetering between the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29088#29088 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 8:10pm

We were teetering between the 400/4000 and the 600/6000 for the exact reason you mention     ...although I can't see us ever getting a bigger camper now that we've had the Pod for a year. What pushed us over the edge was a "weekend internet sale" at etrailer.com. We essentially got the 600/6000 for the same price as the 400/4000 and figured that extra capacity wouldn't hurt.

'Slogger]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:10:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29088#29088 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : When I bought my WDH I was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29083#29083 Author: marwayne
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 7:16pm

When I bought my WDH I was asked about the weight of the trailer, I replied 3500#, they replied you are good with a 4000/400# hitch, unless you are planing to by a bigger trailer in the future. Since we have no intention to ever own a bigger unit, we went with the 4000/400# hitch. We have no need for a bigger trailer, because we have more cabinet and storage space then we use. We went on a two week trip, didn't have to do laundry, and only went once to by eggs milk and bacon.
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:16:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29083#29083 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : For the Equalizer, it depends... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29081#29081 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 6:11pm

For the Equalizer, it depends which model you buy. I have the 600/6,000 model, which has a "MAX" tongue weight of 60olbs and a max towing capacity of 6,000. Equalizer also makes a 400/4000 model which is closer to the actual specs of the Pod   ...but I wanted a little elbow room.

'Slogger]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:11:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29081#29081 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Originally posted by duck42I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29080#29080 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 4:25pm

Originally posted by duck42

I found that information on Page 23 of this URL PDF for the round bar E2:
 http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/pdf/e2_roundbar_instructions_0710_small.pdf

I do note a different recommendation for the trunnion (square bar) E2 tongue weight minimum (10% of Gross trailer weight) in this manual:
http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/pdf/e2_trunnion_instructions_0212.pdf 
The 10% figure would put the application more in line with the RPOD gross weight and tongue weight.

 
 
Yep, I have the Trunnion style, so that's why I never recall reading anything about a minimum tongue weight.
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:25:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29080#29080 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : If you want to determine the real... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29079#29079 Author: TIDALWAVE
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 4:23pm

If you want to determine the real tongue weight, you need to load the one or two batteries and one or two full LP tanks. I have two batteries and two 20lb LP tanks. My Pod's tongue weight is way over the 'book weight'. ]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:23:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29079#29079 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I found that information on Page... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29078#29078 Author: duck42
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 4:11pm

I found that information on Page 23 of this URL PDF for the round bar E2:
 http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/pdf/e2_roundbar_instructions_0710_small.pdf

I do note a different recommendation for the trunnion (square bar) E2 tongue weight minimum (10% of Gross trailer weight) in this manual:
http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/pdf/e2_trunnion_instructions_0212.pdf 
The 10% figure would put the application more in line with the RPOD gross weight and tongue weight.

]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:11:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29078#29078 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I don't recall ever reading... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29077#29077 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 3:55pm

I don't recall ever reading anything in my E2 Owner's Manal about a minimum tongue-weight.  Which page are you seeing that?
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:55:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29077#29077 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : I have the Equal-I-zer hitch... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29075#29075 Author: marwayne
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 2:53pm

I have the Equal-I-zer hitch 4000/400# MAX. tongue weight is 400#, not min.]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:53:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29075#29075 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Regarding the need for an "Equalizer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29074#29074 Author: duck42
Subject: 2758
Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 2:09pm

Regarding the need for an "Equalizer hitch" for the RPOD, the E2 equalizer hitch that is so highly recommended by some RPOD owners states this in its instruction manual :

"•Tongue weight: To operate effectively, your e2 Round Bar hitch
should have a minimum of 400 lbs. tongue weight. This provides the sway
resisting friction force on the L-brackets of the hitch that give it the ability
to resist movement and thus to resist trailer sway."

Based upon the RPOD literature, the tongue weight on most RPODS is well under 400 lbs (closer to 280-300lbs). How does this compute for all of you Equalizer hitch advocates?

1) You just like the idea but it is not really necessary to have this hitch?
or
2) You like the idea and are convinced it helps even with light hitch loads?
or
3) The Equalizer folks are just being too conservative on their recommendation especially regarding the 6000 lb E2?

I presently have only a sway bar on my 171 , but based upon some comments in this forum, I am considering an equalizer hitch although I have not experienced the towing problems with my Toyota Highlander and RPOD combination described by some RPODERS.
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:09:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29074#29074 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Originally posted by this_is_nascarThis... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29012#29012 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 29 Oct 2012 at 9:04am

Originally posted by this_is_nascar

This upcoming weekend is the big trailer-swap weekend.  We decided not to renew our seasonal campsite for 2013, so we need to have the Jayco off the site by November 15th.  Although I'm 99% sure I'll be able to get it down the driveway, next to the house, out to the area in the yard where we'll keep it, I want to get it moved a couple weeks prior to the campground closing, this way, If I screwed-up and it can't fit, I have time to come up with plan-b.
 
I'll be assembling/mounting my E2 on Saturday on my Tacoma and the Jayco.  We'll make the trip home and assuming all goes well, I'm going to then remount the E2 onto the R-Pod and make whatever adjustments I need to the Tacoma portion.  We'll then pull the RP-151 to the seasonal site and finish out the final 2-3 weeks in the Pod.  It will be the most it's been used since we've owned it.
 
 
Well, the Jayco made it home, just in time for hurricane Sandy to come and visit.  The only part/piece that I didn't know/realize that I would need was a 6" 3/4-drive extension.  Without it, there wasn't enough room to tighten the ball onto the hitch.  So, I finally was able to get my hands on the extension and got everything installed.  In retrospect, I think I needed more WD than what I had dialed in.  It was good enough to get me home.
 
Now, I will focus on mounting it to the RP-151.
 
]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:04:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=29012#29012 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : As techntrek said, nothing on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28920#28920 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 25 Oct 2012 at 8:41am

As techntrek said, nothing on the Tacoma changes.  The mounted hitch stays.  What you're changing is the ball and the mount that the ball attaches to.  In addition, integrated sway control and weight distribution componants (bars, etc) are used and mounted to the trailer.
 
I've done as much research as I can on the subject.  This weekend, I put all that to the test.  Thanks to all the help from here and watching countless You Tube videos, I think I'm ready.  I'll report back on Sunday or Monday on how I made out.  Like I said, the main goal is to get my 26' Jayco home.  Once that is done, I'll remount the E2 to the RP-151/Tacoma, since I still have some camping I want to do this year in the Pod.
 
]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:41:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28920#28920 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? :  The receiver on the TV does... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28908#28908 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2758
Posted: 24 Oct 2012 at 10:22pm

 The receiver on the TV does not change, just the hitch that goes into the receiver.  While a WDH isn't necessary for some TVs, it still will greatly improve the ride quality.]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:22:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28908#28908 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Originally posted by bc matellThanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28859#28859 Author: P&M
Subject: 2758
Posted: 24 Oct 2012 at 8:32am

Originally posted by bc matell

Thanks 4 all the info. I still have a ?? If I get a eqlizer hitch then I have to replace the hitch that came with my Toyota Tacoma 6 cyl? Thats what I am reading here. So would not anti sway bars be better??
Ouch Thanks 4 any info
From my understanding yes, you probably will have to ... but another more experienced tower will be able to tell you for sure.  Here is a brief bit of info (excerpted from an article online) I found on weight distribution hitches that was very handy when I was researching whether to get one or the other -- I decided on the anti-sway bars since the Pod is so much lighter than most other trailers.
 

Weight Carrying

When towing a trailer with a standard ball mount, all the trailer's tongue weight is transferred to the tow vehicle. Since the trailer hitch is attached to the vehicle frame, the additional weight in the rear will lower the back end of the vehicle while raising the front end. This means that the rear axle will be handling not only the trailer tongue weight but the additional load of the weight being transferred from the front axle. Less weight on the front axle can cause diminished performance, decreases in steering, traction and stopping and simultaneously increase trailer sway.


Weight Distributing

Weight distribution hitches add spring bars to the hitch system that apply leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer. This leverage transfers the load sitting on the rear of the vehicle to all the axles of the vehicle and trailer. With the trailer tongue and rear cargo load distributed between the axles, the vehicle is leveled off and performance is greatly improved. Weight distributing systems should be used any time the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the vehicle's weight.


]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:32:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28859#28859 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Thanks 4 all the info. I still... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28842#28842 Author: bc matell
Subject: 2758
Posted: 23 Oct 2012 at 8:32pm

Thanks 4 all the info. I still have a ?? If I get a eqlizer hitch then I have to replace the hitch that came with my Toyota Tacoma 6 cyl? Thats what I am reading here. So would not anti sway bars be better??
Ouch Thanks 4 any info
]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:32:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28842#28842 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Thanks. Good to know. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28818#28818 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 23 Oct 2012 at 7:44am

Thanks.  Good to know. 
]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:44:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28818#28818 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : While adjusting the assembly... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28799#28799 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2758
Posted: 22 Oct 2012 at 9:54pm

While adjusting the assembly height and adding or removing washers is usually the right adjustment, happily moving the L brackets can temporarily solve a problem (like too much or not enough weight distribution) much easier but usually you need to do the full adjustment to fix it right.  Just saying you may be able to get the pod to the campsite with only an adjustment to the L brackets.]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:54:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28799#28799 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : This upcoming weekend is the big... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28783#28783 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 22 Oct 2012 at 4:16pm

This upcoming weekend is the big trailer-swap weekend.  We decided not to renew our seasonal campsite for 2013, so we need to have the Jayco off the site by November 15th.  Although I'm 99% sure I'll be able to get it down the driveway, next to the house, out to the area in the yard where we'll keep it, I want to get it moved a couple weeks prior to the campground closing, this way, If I screwed-up and it can't fit, I have time to come up with plan-b.
 
I'll be assembling/mounting my E2 on Saturday on my Tacoma and the Jayco.  We'll make the trip home and assuming all goes well, I'm going to then remount the E2 onto the R-Pod and make whatever adjustments I need to the Tacoma portion.  We'll then pull the RP-151 to the seasonal site and finish out the final 2-3 weeks in the Pod.  It will be the most it's been used since we've owned it.
]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:16:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=28783#28783 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Thanks. :) http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27739#27739 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 2758
Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 2:20pm

Thanks.  :)
]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:20:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27739#27739 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Originally posted by Footslo... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27720#27720 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2758
Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 6:44pm

 
Originally posted by Footslogger03


======================================

Now   ...get yourself a comfortable little stool, a cold beer and start twisting those nuts and bolts :-)

'Slogger

Like in the picture in post #2 here?  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1374  Big smile

]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:44:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27720#27720 Anti sway or Equalizer hitch ?? : Originally posted by this_is_nascarI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27717#27717 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 2758
Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 5:05pm

Originally posted by this_is_nascar

I still need a breaker bar to mount the ball.  You said that thin-walled socket is definately 3/4" drive?

=====================

If you ordered it from the company (Equalizer/Fastway) it is. Actually   ...pretty much all sockets that I own over 1 1/8" are 3/4" drive. Your other option   ...if you already have a 1/2" set up is a 3/4" adapter. Cheaper than a 3/4" breaker bar.

'Slogger]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:05:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758&PID=27717#27717