R-pod Owners Forum : Anti-Sway bars http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Anti-Sway bars Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 02:50:29 +0000 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 16:04:03 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5219 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Anti-Sway bars : Thanks, Stephen, will do. First... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145948#145948 Author: Dirt Sifter
Subject: 5219
Posted: 07 Nov 2021 at 4:04pm

Thanks, Stephen, will do. First time in many years of trailering that I've lost one. Winds didn't seem as strong as others we've been in, but that top sure took a powder on this trip.
]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 16:04:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145948#145948 Anti-Sway bars : Originally posted by Dirt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145945#145945 Author: StephenH
Subject: 5219
Posted: 07 Nov 2021 at 1:40pm

Originally posted by Dirt Sifter

Trinity, I just drove south and east from Eureka to Auburn, CA. Once I got down in the valley, the north winds were whipping and passing trucks had me a little concerned at first, but we didn't have a control problem at all. The winds took the top off my propane tank cover, but didn't bother my Rpod 195 while using a friction sway control bar. I was driving the Tundra at the time. While we probably don't need it, we use a WDH as well. Have fun!
Apropos the propane tank cover lid, when you get a replacement, drill a small hole in it that lines up with the holes in the hinge side that are not being used. Use one or more zip-ties through the holes to attach the lid to the cover. For a single tank, one zip-tie should suffice. For a double-tank cover, two zip-ties will be needed. That way, the lid will stay attached to the cover, even if it blows open.]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:40:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145945#145945 Anti-Sway bars : Originally posted by Rpod-CoupleI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145944#145944 Author: offgrid
Subject: 5219
Posted: 07 Nov 2021 at 9:12am

Originally posted by Rpod-Couple

I recommend you stick with a 6000 lb weight distribution hitch. I initially used a 10,000 lb WDH on my Mazda CX9 and R-Pod 171. The CX9 is a similar size vehicle to the Pilot. The 10,000 lb WDH was too stiff and transferred every bump to my CX9. I replaced with 6000 lb spring bars and that smoothed out the ride and kept my front end level. 
I haven’t found the need for a sway bar but certainly can’t hurt.



By 6000lb I think you mean a WDH designed for a 600 lb tongue weight. That is on the light side for a mid sized rpod. My 179 had a tongue weight of about 500 lbs. Adding in cargo in the TV it had to lift closer to 700 lbs. The WDH doesn't know whether it's lifing weight on the tongue or in the rear of the TV.

The spring bars are designed to handle about 2x the WDH rating, or 1200 lbs in the case of a 600 lb hitch. It's very common to get 2g bump loads which for me would be in excess of 1400 lbs, too much for a 600 lb hitch.

I had a 1000 lb rated WDH and it did not create too stiff a ride in my Highlander. I do think an 800 lb rated hitch (1600 max rating) would be the best compromise though.

Also you don't want to set up a WDH to level the tow vehicle, just to put the front axle load and height back where it was without the trailer. That results in the tongue weight being added to the rear axle, but no more, so there will still be some squat in the TV rear axle. If that is excessive then you probably have too much stuff in the back of the TV or too high tongue weight.

]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 09:12:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145944#145944 Anti-Sway bars : Trinity, I just drove south and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145942#145942 Author: Dirt Sifter
Subject: 5219
Posted: 07 Nov 2021 at 8:33am

Trinity, I just drove south and east from Eureka to Auburn, CA. Once I got down in the valley, the north winds were whipping and passing trucks had me a little concerned at first, but we didn't have a control problem at all. The winds took the top off my propane tank cover, but didn't bother my Rpod 195 while using a friction sway control bar. I was driving the Tundra at the time. While we probably don't need it, we use a WDH as well. Have fun!
]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 08:33:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145942#145942 Anti-Sway bars : I recommend you stick with a 6000... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145939#145939 Author: Rpod-Couple
Subject: 5219
Posted: 06 Nov 2021 at 8:52pm

I recommend you stick with a 6000 lb weight distribution hitch. I initially used a 10,000 lb WDH on my Mazda CX9 and R-Pod 171. The CX9 is a similar size vehicle to the Pilot. The 10,000 lb WDH was too stiff and transferred every bump to my CX9. I replaced with 6000 lb spring bars and that smoothed out the ride and kept my front end level. 

I haven’t found the need for a sway bar but certainly can’t hurt.
]]> Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:52:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145939#145939 Anti-Sway bars : I believe most anti-sway bars/friction... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145934#145934 Author: jato
Subject: 5219
Posted: 06 Nov 2021 at 7:33pm

I believe most anti-sway bars/friction bars are quite similar in style and function.  Since day one of owning a 177 (March 2011) a simple $40 Curt friction bar/anti-sway bar has been utilitized by an '08 and '13 Explorer as well as an '11 and currently a '17 F-150.  Many various road conditions as well as weather (snow, wind, hail, sleet) over 36,000+ miles.  Have been happy with what we have.
]]> Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:33:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145934#145934 Anti-Sway bars : Are you asking about sway control... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145932#145932 Author: offgrid
Subject: 5219
Posted: 06 Nov 2021 at 5:05pm

Are you asking about sway control or weight distribution hitches or both? These serve totally different functions but ppl are often confused because the functions can come combined in a single device.

All weight distribution hitches pretty much do the same thing in slightly different ways. Their purpose is to counter the leverage of the trailer tongue pushing down on the hitch which lifts the front axle of the tow vehicle up. This makes the front axle light and adds more than the tongue weight to the rear axle. I would get an 800-1000 lb rated wdh as it has to lift both the tongue weight and the weight of stuff in the rear of the TV.

The purpose of sway control is to limit how much the trailer can twist side to side around the tow ball. This can be accomplished by adding friction to that rotational movement or by electronically activating the trailer brakes when sway in detected and before it gets bad. Your choice which way you want to go. If you choose friction   you can get that built in to the weight distribution hitch or separate. The built in approach is faster to install and remove, the separate friction sway control allows the weight distribution and sway control functions to be adjusted independently. Again it's a personal choice which way you go.

An example of an integrated wdh/sway control is the Fastway E2. Separate examples are the Reese Pro wdh and sway control. An example of electronic sway control is the Hayes system.   






]]> Sat, 06 Nov 2021 17:05:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145932#145932 Anti-Sway bars : I’m towing a 2014 182g with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145931#145931 Author: sabaied@msn.com
Subject: 5219
Posted: 06 Nov 2021 at 2:47pm

I’m towing a 2014 182g with a Honda Pilot 3.5 6 cylinder: what brand of sway bar is recommended?]]> Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:47:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=145931#145931 Anti-Sway bars : I bought the E2 for our pod and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53604#53604 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5219
Posted: 02 Nov 2014 at 4:13pm

I bought the E2 for our pod and it worked well.  Our Salem came with a Reese Dual-Cam which is a step up but likely overkill for the pods.]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:13:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53604#53604 Anti-Sway bars : Originally posted by hogone whats... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53603#53603 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 5219
Posted: 02 Nov 2014 at 3:36pm

Originally posted by hogone

whats the dif between left or right side..........strictly preference?  hogone

The side chosen for a friction sway control mounting bracket is usually a matter of which style you bought. Mine came with the ball mount bracket that is on the passenger side of the tow bar, so right side mounting was required. My friction sway bracket only mounts one way on the tow bar, passenger side.

 If you can find one for drivers side mounting then get that one, it is easier to take off this way when you need to back up. Meh... Not a really big deal either way I guess, just a minor annoyance, unless it's pouring rain....

EDIT: Just checked on eTrailer and I could not a mounting bracket that mounts driver side. The versions they have are all passenger side mounted.
]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:36:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53603#53603 Anti-Sway bars : Originally posted by techntrekMy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53601#53601 Author: 2McPods
Subject: 5219
Posted: 02 Nov 2014 at 2:22pm

Originally posted by techntrek

My story is the same as Outbound's - about 2 years w/o anything until one very windy day.  At the time I had a Sienna so I took care of 2 problems and got a WDH that includes sway control.  A world of difference in ride quality with the WDH acting as an additional suspension system.  When I moved to my current TV I tried half a trip w/o and half a trip with my WDH and have always used it since.  Still rides better with it.

Hi Doug, what kind of WDH with sway control do you have?

Thanks
]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:22:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53601#53601 Anti-Sway bars : Left side makes it easier... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53312#53312 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 9:18am

Left side makes it easier for the driver to remove it before backing up, which is a reqirement for the stand-alone friction sway bars.]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:18:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53312#53312 Anti-Sway bars : whats the dif between left... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53305#53305 Author: hogone
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Oct 2014 at 6:54am

whats the dif between left or right side..........strictly preference?  hogone]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:54:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53305#53305 Anti-Sway bars : Get the sway control. One side... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53301#53301 Author: NormanHill
Subject: 5219
Posted: 27 Oct 2014 at 9:46pm

Get the sway control. One side should be fine for the pod. The need for a WD hitch depends on how big your vehicle is compared to the trailer. My F150 didn't need WD, but after experiencing some sway from these single axle trailers I'm now a believer in adding it. ]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:46:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=53301#53301 Anti-Sway bars : Here is the one I use- it is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52938#52938 Author: Budward
Subject: 5219
Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 5:20pm

Here is the one I use-   it is on sale for $29.99 (normally $34.99) and if you look you can find a 20% off coupon pretty easily.
It is universal- can be mounted left or right.

http://www.harborfreight.com/trailer-sway-control-kit-96462.html
]]> Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:20:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52938#52938 Anti-Sway bars : I've got a Husky friction... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52930#52930 Author: Outbound
Subject: 5219
Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 2:31pm

I've got a Husky friction sway bar.  http://www.huskytow.com/product/sway-control/ .  But there's one from Reese thats essentially the same.

Purchased it from my local dealer (Campkins in Whitby) for about $80.  Most any dealer who sells small trailers (e.g. popup/tent trailers) will carry them.  The install was reasonably simple: I had to drill 6 holes in my trailer tongue for self-tapping screws - I recommend a titanium bit to make it easier.  Also, I had to have a metal tab (included with the sway bar) welded to my hitch - which my dealer was able to do for $20 cash.  Note that friction bars are left-sided or right-sided, so make sure you have the tab welded (and drill those mounting holes) on the correct side.]]> Sat, 18 Oct 2014 14:31:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52930#52930 Anti-Sway bars : Just picked up my 179 and drove... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52928#52928 Author: Trinityfly
Subject: 5219
Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 1:36pm

Just picked up my 179 and drove it the 50 miles home. Dealer said I wouldn't need weight distrubution or anti sway. After reading the above info I am def thinking about getting anti sway. Advice would be welcome

Tow vehicle is a 2011 Toyota Tundra 4.6 V8 with factory tow package

What do you all think? How much should I pay?

Thanks in advance
 
]]> Sat, 18 Oct 2014 13:36:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=52928#52928 Anti-Sway bars : My story is the same as Outbound's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50722#50722 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 8:52pm

My story is the same as Outbound's - about 2 years w/o anything until one very windy day.  At the time I had a Sienna so I took care of 2 problems and got a WDH that includes sway control.  A world of difference in ride quality with the WDH acting as an additional suspension system.  When I moved to my current TV I tried half a trip w/o and half a trip with my WDH and have always used it since.  Still rides better with it.]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:52:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50722#50722 Anti-Sway bars : Need anti-sway? No. I towed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50706#50706 Author: Outbound
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 1:56pm

Need anti-sway?  No.  I towed my r-pod for almost 2 years without a sway bar.  However, after one particularly long, gusty/windy drive with the trailer fishtailing behind me, I decided that a sway bar might be a good idea.  It really was; I now won't go without anti-sway.  Honestly, it does make driving much more relaxed.

Now, weight distribution may be a different story.  Check the spec on your r-pod (different models have different tongue weights) and on your truck (you are aware that tongue weight and tow capacity are different things, right?).  If you're close (or over), definitely get a WDH.
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:56:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50706#50706 Anti-Sway bars : I'm towing our 179 with a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50695#50695 Author: Newsguy12
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 11:28am

I'm towing our 179 with a 2014 Jeep Cherokee with a 4500lb tow rating.  No need for weight distribution hitch due to low tongue weight.  Installed an anti-sway bar...and I have yet to feel any wiggle even when passing a semi.  We just towed it across I-70 from Cincinnati to the Rocky Mountains.  My favorite quote is from my wife...."Is it still back there?"]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:28:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50695#50695 Anti-Sway bars : Yes, you will be fine.We're... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50687#50687 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 9:27am

Yes, you will be fine. 

We're planning a trip to the west coast, and some friends and fellow podders who've made that trip suggested that due to potential high crosswinds we might want to add a single sway bar before crossing the mountain ranges between there and Michigan. Cost for the sway bar and hitch adapter plate was $70 delivered from eTrailer.

We've never had any serious issues with a simple bumper hitch, but after installing the sway bar, the wiggle we got in the occasional crosswind or when being passed by a semi has been eliminated. So depending on where you plan to tow, this may be something you want to consider.

With your vehicle a weight distribution hitch shouldn't be needed. I don't have one on my pickup.
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 09:27:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50687#50687 Anti-Sway bars : You are well within your tow vehicle... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50675#50675 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5219
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 5:45am

You are well within your tow vehicle weight limits. It will really depend on your towing experience and comfort level.
Happy Podding!!
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 05:45:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50675#50675 Anti-Sway bars : I've got a 2011 Ford Explorer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50659#50659 Author: rickincambridge
Subject: 5219
Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 9:00pm

I've got a 2011 Ford Explorer with a towing package and 6,800 pound towing capacity. Do I need anti-sway bars and a different hitch installed like the R Pod dealer recommended? ]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2014 21:00:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5219&PID=50659#50659