R-pod Owners Forum : WDH or sway bar https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : WDH or sway bar Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 28 May 2026 16:56:37 +0000 Tue, 27 May 2014 20:15:40 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4570 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ WDH or sway bar : Not sure if this helped me make... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=46460#46460 Author: Old Hippy
Subject: 4570
Posted: 27 May 2014 at 8:15pm

Not sure if this helped me make up my mind ...but it did make me feel better hearing that many people feel they don't need an extra wdh or sway control added. I've only towed my pod twice no more than 100 miles at a pop ..but have had no problems at all .(knock on wood ) lol Will see what happens after my trip up rt.395 to Lee Vining ! Long uphills and lots of desert wind !]]> Tue, 27 May 2014 20:15:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=46460#46460 WDH or sway bar : I also have an Xterra. We tow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45959#45959 Author: Peanut
Subject: 4570
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 8:49pm

I also have an Xterra.  We tow a 172. It barely makes a change on vehicle height. I've pulled it over 10,000 miles with absolutely no problems. Could use a little more horsepower. No WDH. ]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 20:49:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45959#45959 WDH or sway bar : I lied--Kind of. In the blow over... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45953#45953 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 4570
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 6:16pm

I lied--Kind of. In the blow over messages, I stated that after my accident several years ago that I have used a WDH, but no sway control since. I should have stated sway control on the WDH or trailer. My Tundra, like many trucks is equipped with a built in anti-sway system that is enacted automatically whenever the truck or trailer starts to sway, AND to add to my lies, I installed a Toyota Racing Development sway bar on the rear suspension of my truck. So, I guess my sway control is just handled in a different manner. Sorry for my accidental prevarications.]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 18:16:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45953#45953 WDH or sway bar : I just sent you an email, not... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45938#45938 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4570
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 9:12am

I just sent you an email, not sure what issue you are having since your post appeared above.]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 09:12:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45938#45938 WDH or sway bar : apparently, I am the most stupid. I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45930#45930 Author: BUFFALO GALS
Subject: 4570
Posted: 12 May 2014 at 7:44pm


apparently, I am the most stupid.
I can't figure out how to post anything.
Please help me.
e-mail: lchase8@maine.rr.com]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 19:44:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45930#45930 WDH or sway bar : The proper loading of a trailer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45510#45510 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4570
Posted: 04 May 2014 at 2:32pm

The proper loading of a trailer (in other words, tongue weight) is only one factor that influences sway.  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PID=29812&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual#29812]]> Sun, 04 May 2014 14:32:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45510#45510 WDH or sway bar : I stand by my original statement-... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45469#45469 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 6:03pm

I stand by my original statement- a properly loaded trailer has NO need for a sway control, WD hitch or not.

I agree. But, I have a 2"lift & 33" off road tires on a vehicle that has a 104"wheelbase. All of those items work against stability. I'm sure, given my years (& miles) of towing experience that I could haul that 3000 lb trailer most anywhere safely.
Heck I once hauled a tandem axle car trailer, overloaded with staw bales, with an Elcamino using a bumper hitch 35 miles. Not smart, but I was young. Got it home without scratch, as safely as possible.
That said, after using the WDH with sway control built in, I am a believer. But as you said, its not for everyone. But I think it would be very helpful for someone with less experience or a more marginal tow vehicle.]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 18:03:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45469#45469 WDH or sway bar : Originally posted by Hairy PoddersThrow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45464#45464 Author: Budward
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 2:53pm

Originally posted by Hairy Podders

Throw some 7'tall walls on that dump trailer, then drive it in 40mph gusting cross winds. I bet you won't be texting & driving. 
Does a 25 ft trailer with 9 ft high walls in the first half and 10 ft in the second half count?   Towed it 2100 miles to Utah from SC and back. Many thousands of miles of more local trips over the last 15 years with it as well.
Never needed a sway control.
Reason- massive tongue weight being a toy hauler with all RV stuff in the front 10 ft or so...
 
Look- I never said a sway control was a bad idea. (Although it is in icy or slippery conditions)
I merely wonder why some people blindly state it is a must with NO knowledge of how a particular trailer tows.
I have a sway control, bought it probably 10 years ago on sale.  Still in the box, as I said I've never needed it- the minute I do it comes out and gets installed.
I also own, and use, 2 different WD hitches, one with 1000 lb bars and one with 600 lb bars.  I am a big fan of WD hitches and as techntrek says they generally improve the ride.  But I've never needed a sway control on one.
I stand by my original statement- a properly loaded trailer has NO need for a sway control,  WD hitch or not.
 
Carry onWink
]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 14:53:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45464#45464 WDH or sway bar : A good friend of mine used this... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45462#45462 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 2:46pm

A good friend of mine used this analogy - AntiSway/WDH is sort of like a seatbelt, you may have never needed one yet, but when you do, you will be glad you have one.  All it takes it the wrong conditions to make them worth every penny.  Some folks find the ride is improved, and I think that's a plus right out of the box.  But when that event occurs that and you survive because of your seat belts, you wear them every moment.  Seat belts have saved my family, someday a WDH/antisway system could save your life and maybe someone you love.  ]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 14:46:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45462#45462 WDH or sway bar : You'll notice an improvement... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45446#45446 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 10:14am

You'll notice an improvement in your ride quality, if nothing else.  You are literally adding an extra suspension system at the pivot point.]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 10:14:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45446#45446 WDH or sway bar : I tend to agree with both points... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45443#45443 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 8:36am

I tend to agree with both points of view.  I've never had sway problems and I've never used a sway bar or a WDH and I've towed a lot of different trailers.  I pay attention to how the weight is distributed on the trailer, which is hardly ever a difficult proposition and can be very easily accomplished with the r-pod without the use of a shovel.  Maybe, but I doubt it, I'm better than average at pulling trailers.  There is a mindset one should be in when pulling a trailer, in my opinion.  If other people don't realize that or think that pulling a trailer should be no different than not pulling a trailer, those people are likely to run into issues -- again, my opinion, and I really don't think there are many people that dumb.

Never having used a sway bar or WDH, I certainly can't fault people who do.  They seem to serve the intended purpose and apparently they satisfy people as to their worthiness.  That's great.  If you feel you need them or are more comfortable with them, by all means use them.  They don't come without costs, in dollars, weight, and inconvenience, but again, many people seem to find them worth it and even necessary.

If I ever try pulling with a WDH and sway control I may become an instant convert, I don't know.  I've toyed with the idea of getting a 600# E2 or something similar just to try it.  If I don't like it I figure I can sell it as "like new" and maybe it will cost me $100 for the experiment.  We'll see.  I'm getting ready for an 800 mile (one way) trip and back with the pod.  Maybe I'll add the E2 to the expenses for this trip.  I made the same trip last year with zero issues though, so it's a tough sell for me.

TT
]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 08:36:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45443#45443 WDH or sway bar : I agree with Boomertype. Throw... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45436#45436 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4570
Posted: 02 May 2014 at 7:02am

I agree with Boomertype. Throw some 7'tall walls on that dump trailer, then drive it in 40mph gusting cross winds. I bet you won't be texting & driving.
I have towed cars & trucks with a tow truck since I was 17. I have hauled trailers even longer. Only ever had uncontrollable sway once; when a zero turn mower rolled back in the trailer. Exciting. I have had my Coleman Columbia popup trailer push me around all the way across Iowa on more than one occasion. The first time that I used a WDH with sway control was in 30 mph winds with our Pod. (same tow vehicle) It was MUCH more manageable than a folded down popup, that weighs less than half the weight. ]]> Fri, 02 May 2014 07:02:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45436#45436 WDH or sway bar : Originally posted by BudwardStopped... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45423#45423 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4570
Posted: 01 May 2014 at 8:45pm

Originally posted by Budward

 
 Stopped at the nearest hardware store, bought a shovel and spent a very unpleasant half hour in summer heat shoveling stone forward.  Sway gone.
I'll remember to bring a shovel to move the gravel in my R-Pod.  Then I can throw the shovel at the strong gusting side winds to stop the sway.
Since the side walls of the trailer act as a sail, I'll keep with a my E2.
]]> Thu, 01 May 2014 20:45:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45423#45423 WDH or sway bar : I'm always puzzled by... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45419#45419 Author: Budward
Subject: 4570
Posted: 01 May 2014 at 8:03pm

I'm always puzzled by the recommendations of a sway bar no matter what.
I currently have in my yard 8 trailers, I kid you not.  I have owned probably 20 or more in my life and have NEVER had sway with a properly loaded trailer.  Period.
The only time I had bad sway problems was with my 10,000 lb capacity dump trailer.   Picked up a load of crushed stone and the loader operator dropped it a little too far back.   A 10,000 lb load of crushed stone isn't a very big pile, a full load to the brim in the trailer, 12x6x2 would far overload it.
 Stopped at the nearest hardware store, bought a shovel and spent a very unpleasant half hour in summer heat shoveling stone forward.  Sway gone.
That rig weighs in at 23,100 lbs leaving the quarry, 10,000 is the truck the dump trailer is 3100 and the load 10,000.
Even a 10,000 lb truck does not stop sway, proper loading does.
]]> Thu, 01 May 2014 20:03:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=45419#45419 WDH or sway bar : Originally posted by marwayneI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44778#44778 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 4570
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 3:01pm

Originally posted by marwayne

I got the 400/4000# Equal-i-zer because I will never buy another RV.
marwayne you don't need to buy another RV you could build your own.Smile]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:01:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44778#44778 WDH or sway bar : Originally posted by Hairy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44765#44765 Author: Seanl
Subject: 4570
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 9:19am

Originally posted by Hairy Podders

We went with the 500/5000 Blue Ox per the dealers recommendation.
Blue OX has a good reputation in WDHs
]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:19:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44765#44765 WDH or sway bar : We went with the 500/5000 Blue... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44742#44742 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4570
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:22pm

We went with the 500/5000 Blue Ox per the dealers recommendation.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:22:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44742#44742 WDH or sway bar : I was looking at the 400/4000... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44731#44731 Author: ahefner
Subject: 4570
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 8:16am

I was looking at the 400/4000 but they didn't have it in stock and I was there. So the 600/6000 was the next choice Tongue]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:16:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44731#44731 WDH or sway bar : I hope not marwayne, you would... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44729#44729 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4570
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 7:52am

I hope not marwayne, you would lose 500 man-hours worth of mods!]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:52:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44729#44729 WDH or sway bar : I got the 400/4000# Equal-i-zer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44725#44725 Author: marwayne
Subject: 4570
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:54am

I got the 400/4000# Equal-i-zer because I will never buy another RV.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:54:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44725#44725 WDH or sway bar : E2 600/6000... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44724#44724 Author: bodie55
Subject: 4570
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:49am

E2 600/6000...]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:49:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44724#44724 WDH or sway bar : got the 600lbs rated one. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44723#44723 Author: ahefner
Subject: 4570
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 11:35pm

got the 600lbs rated one. ]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:35:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44723#44723 WDH or sway bar : Originally posted by ahefnerI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44715#44715 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4570
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 9:07pm

Originally posted by ahefner

I was very thankful I had the e2 hitch.


Which hitch did you get?  i.e. What size? 

TT
]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:07:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44715#44715 WDH or sway bar : Since I started this debate again... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44702#44702 Author: ahefner
Subject: 4570
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 1:05pm

Since I started this debate again I thought it only appropriate to chime back in. After driving 740 miles back home from the dealer and facing 30 to 50 mpg winds on the hi-way I was very thankful I had the e2 hitch. I really feel like it made a huge difference on the ride back home.]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:05:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44702#44702 WDH or sway bar : The sticker should also tell you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44527#44527 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 5:00pm

The sticker should also tell you size & ply rating of the tire, that the camper requires. I know our Coleman has that. I haven't checked the Pod's sticker for that.]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:00:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44527#44527 WDH or sway bar : would the pressure differ between... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44517#44517 Author: outermostpod
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 2:07pm

would the pressure differ between what it says on the yellow sticker vs the tire itself? I'll have to check this out when I get home.]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:07:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44517#44517 WDH or sway bar : <The tire pressure for your... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44511#44511 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 1:16pm

<The tire pressure for your pod is 50 PSI.>
Which is also listed along with the VIN number, weight, etc on the street side front corner of the trailer. Look at the yellow sticker. ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:16:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44511#44511 WDH or sway bar : The tire pressure for your pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44510#44510 Author: marwayne
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 12:24pm

The tire pressure for your pod is 50 PSI.]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:24:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44510#44510 WDH or sway bar : Since we seem to have deviated... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44509#44509 Author: outermostpod
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 9:51am

Since we seem to have deviated slightly from WDH questions - maybe this is the best place for this question!

My pod tires are inflated to the max (I think it is 35 psi if I recall correctly) as written on the sidewall - and they still seem squishy (technical term). 

I know some bulge is normal on radial tires but they seem too soft. 

Is this normal? 
]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:51:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44509#44509 WDH or sway bar : Tire pressure in the TV and trailer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44507#44507 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4570
Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 8:10am

Tire pressure in the TV and trailer are also a factor, also covered in the Pod manual (link in my sig).  Both need to be near or at max for 2 reasons.  One is to prevent sway since sidewall flex amplifies a small sway into a big one very quickly.  The second is that tires are only rated for their maximum carrying capacity at their maximum inflation. 

I keep the pod at max psi, and the truck within a few psi of the max rating.  I've learned that ride comfort dramatically decreases by adding those last few pounds which is why I keep it a few psi lower.  Since that isn't an issue for the trailer and most campers are pushing their weight ratings when fully loaded and with full tanks, the pod always gets the max.
]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:10:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570&PID=44507#44507