R-pod Owners Forum : Sway. Another question http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Sway. Another question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 15:26:57 +0000 Fri, 03 Feb 2017 18:42:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9209 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Sway. Another question : I think 85 mph is on the sidewalls... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87507#87507 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9209
Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 6:42pm

I think 85 mph is on the sidewalls of the tires I bought. I would by no means ever drive that fast with them. I limit the speed to 60 mph. Sometimes on downhills, I hit 65 mph, but I don't try to go faster as the wind resistance at higher speeds really kills the mileage.]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2017 18:42:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87507#87507 Sway. Another question : My freeway time isnt that often,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87499#87499 Author: Artypod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 2:39pm

My freeway time isnt that often, however they do say speed rating L (75mph). I assumed that meant good for 75?
]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:39:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87499#87499 Sway. Another question : +1 on the Carlisle Load Range... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87481#87481 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9209
Posted: 02 Feb 2017 at 7:42pm

+1 on the Carlisle Load Range D tires. We did that because I did not like the wear pattern on our load range C tires. The load range D tires were a big improvement.
]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2017 19:42:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87481#87481 Sway. Another question : Hey Artypod, Be careful with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87470#87470 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9209
Posted: 02 Feb 2017 at 4:58pm

Hey Artypod,

Be careful with speed and your original tires the class c rated tires are a real concern over 60 or 65 MPH. I wouldn't recommend 75 but if you do so I would suggest you get a set of class D rated tires. I went with Carlisle's and I'm sure you can get other recommendations here on forum. Lucky is good but not better than smart. I have different issues with my tow vehicles but my Silverado 4WD has the least, it has the longest wheel base and highest capacity.]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:58:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87470#87470 Sway. Another question : I guess its better to be lucky... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87467#87467 Author: Artypod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 02 Feb 2017 at 4:29pm

I guess its better to be lucky than good.  I bought my 178 last spring and made half a dozen week long trips. I as well love my hometown water and cant stand most city water so have always carried a full tank.  Ive never had a problem with sway towing behind my f150 crewcab with no weight distribution hitch or sway bar.  Towed on freeways up to 75mph and up and down sierra nevada passes.]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:29:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=87467#87467 Sway. Another question : We do a lot of boondocking in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86900#86900 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9209
Posted: 16 Jan 2017 at 11:52am

We do a lot of boondocking in our 179 and it's not always convenient to fill up close to the destination, so we carry a full tank. We've never had excessive sway issues, likely for the reasons already stated.]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:52:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86900#86900 Sway. Another question : Great to Know that bolting the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86824#86824 Author: Bboudens
Subject: 9209
Posted: 14 Jan 2017 at 10:54am

Great to Know that bolting the tanks on is possible. No concern with voiding the warranty I bought the Pod "used" from a dealer and have only a dealers warranty and what they don't know won't hurt them. I'm more concerned about dropping my tank in the middle of nowhere than a warranty.  Part of the reason I went with an R-pod product was the torsion suspension and it's Boon-docking ability. This site has been great source of knowledge even tho my to do list of mods seems to get longer every time in sign in! I noticed that Pod People is the gent I've been looking for who reinforced his pod hitch. I'm planning on doing the same so it was nice to take a look at his mods. Thanks for all the info everyone!

   
]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 10:54:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86824#86824 Sway. Another question : Forum mates, Good discussion.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86816#86816 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9209
Posted: 14 Jan 2017 at 7:35am

Forum mates,

Good discussion. Going back to original post. The guy with the 177 was traveling home with a new to him RPod - no indication of sway control or WDS. He like me - with a new, empty RPod and a full fresh water tank, encountered sway. I absolutely agree, sway systems and proper loading, tongue weight, etc play in sway. The Interweb like the post has varying opinions of traveling with water in tanks and it's obvious there is no wrong or right. To me the learning experience was - don't pick up a RPod from a dealer that offers no clues, and tow it without the equipment to tow it safely, ignorance is not an excuse. I was guilty of that.]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 07:35:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86816#86816 Sway. Another question : Bboudens, Replace screws with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86815#86815 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9209
Posted: 14 Jan 2017 at 7:16am

Bboudens,

Replace screws with bolts and lock nuts, I did on the one moveable brace for each tank, both sides. Some will say drilling into frame will void warranty. I used 1/4" hardened bolts thru frame. I couldn't find an easy way to strap, and that wouldn't have fixed the bracket to frame issues. There are several comparable sway bars out there, they all work basically the same. I would make sure you get a "kit" and make sure you get the bracket with small ball that mounts on the vehicle hitch. Some advertised they are sway for a WDS specifically, but they look the same to me. I buy from "etrailer" a lot because they are consistently lower in price than others.]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 07:16:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86815#86815 Sway. Another question : I think there are several factors... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86813#86813 Author: Pod People
Subject: 9209
Posted: 14 Jan 2017 at 6:39am

I think there are several factors that can induce sway.  Several posts have talked about water in the tanks.  while it is true that water sloshing around can contribute to sway, I think the main issue with water in the tank is the LOCATION of the tank.  Most of the pods have the fresh water tank behind the axle.  this loading creates less tongue weight.  It seems that by loading most of your cargo weight forward of the axle you are increasing the tongue weight.  Most people want to have a minimum of 10% tongue weight and it can go up to 12-15% depending on the TV and hitch set up. so, tongue weight is critical-not enough will definitely cause sway issues.

I try to always load with most of the weight forward of the axle AND use a good quality weight distribution hitch(Equalizer600#) with integrated sway control.  I can feel the difference in towing by moving some of our cargo back and forth in the floor as we travel.  Just moving one or two boxes back and forth can make a big difference. So, loading your trailer properly also is a critical component to eliminate sway. Again, keeping the weight forward increase tongue weight.

another important factor is good tires with stiff sidewalls that are properly inflated.

So, be careful how you load the trailer, carry a small amount of water when towing long distance and use a good WDH (properly adjusted)  with sway control and you will not have a sway issue in my experience. I have traveled cross country east to west and back several times and north to south and back several times with no sway issues.

Safe travels
Vann
]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 06:39:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86813#86813 Sway. Another question : I join Teckntrek on this issue.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86811#86811 Author: jato
Subject: 9209
Posted: 14 Jan 2017 at 4:36am

I join Teckntrek on this issue.  Since picking up our 177 back in March of 2011 we nearly always begin our trips with a full 30 gallons of fresh well water since we usually boondock.  We can normally get this to last 1 week until having to find another source of well water, no muni or city water has ever entered our tank,  really dislike the taste.  The only times we don't fill our tank is when we go for a 2 day trip during the summer months, will take 10 gal with us, that is more than enough.  So we have traveled both ways for long distances, full tank usually and sometimes semi-full with no issues.  As far as sway goes, we noticed with our 2008 Explorer we could never go above 35 mph w/o sway problems, full tank or not.  However with our 2013 Explorer I have tried it both ways (full tank and semi-full) and have had no sway, even at speeds up to 55 mph.  I only did that locally to test.  Outside of those testing times I always use a sway bar link for safety.
]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:36:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86811#86811 Sway. Another question : Ya I will check them out for sure.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86810#86810 Author: Bboudens
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:31pm

Ya I will check them out for sure. I was able to use the pod for only a hand full of times before the winter but the trailer was an rental for a summer before I bought it so it is definitely worth a look. Would it be possible to replace the screws with bolts and lock nuts? I must admit I haven't been under the trailer yet and if it is possible, I think such a mod would be to my benefit I'm planning on using it on a few more hunting trips down some rather ruff access roads. Maybe adding some extra 1/4" metal strips across the tank from frame to frame? Also what sway bar do you use? I'm not so concerned with a weight distribution hitch I've run my numbers and even with a full load the trailer is only 1/3rd my tow capacity. But I am interested in some form of sway control.

Thanks Mr. Carter 
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 23:31:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86810#86810 Sway. Another question : I'm going to be the contrarian... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86806#86806 Author: techntrek
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 8:24pm

I'm going to be the contrarian here.  We towed all over the US with our pod with a full fresh water tank (and then later often full waste tanks).  Same with our current camper.  With proper loading, hitch angle, sway bar or WDH with sway control, etc, it shouldn't be an issue.  See the link in my signature for a discussion of all of the factors.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:24:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86806#86806 Sway. Another question : On our last trip, the fresh and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86799#86799 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 6:52pm

On our last trip, the fresh and gray tanks were empty and we carried water in an 8 gallon container in our car. As we traveled, the black water tank was used and gaining weight. On the 179, the fresh and black tanks are in front of the axle. The gray tank had minimal input. It is behind the axle. The 179 rode well until we encountered the ice and wind in Wyoming.

Once we got to our daughter's house, we filled the fresh tank on the day we left since we were headed south to warmer weather. In Huachuca City, AZ, we emptied the black and gray tanks before leaving and topped off the fresh tank. Since we expected to be traveling in warmer tempteratures, we thought we would be okay. We did encounter freezing weather headed through Texas. It was enough to freeze the water lines. However, they did thaw without incident the next day. We had no further trouble with freezing on the return trip. It is currently winterized.

The biggest problem I had was trying to get the weight distribution in our Equal-i-zer properly set-up. It took three tries, but I think I finally have it dialed in. After the last tweak, it towed much better. It wasn't horrible before. I just knew it could be better.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:52:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86799#86799 Sway. Another question : I have found the 179 actually... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86796#86796 Author: ronahue
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 6:24pm

I have found the 179 actually more stable with the FW tank full as the tank is located forward of the axel.
However for long trips I usually keep FW tank about half full.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:24:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86796#86796 Sway. Another question : + 1 for Fur pod. I should clarify... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86790#86790 Author: Bboudens
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 5:14pm

+ 1 for Fur pod. I should clarify that I don't haul a full load of water for the entire trip. Here's a few boon-docking, hunting, drilling tips that I've used
-Google the nearest camp ground or municipal dump site (for RV's) and fill up there, even if you are not staying there for a fee you can dump and fill up.  
-Another possible source is the municipal service yards. To fill up at least. I've used this trick a number of times when drilling in rural areas and needed an emergency water supply. They typically (up here in Canada at least) have a coin operated pump/meter that's accessible even after work hrs. And I'm talking 100's of gallons worth for less than $50.00 (still quite a few toonies and time tho) a few bucks would fill the camper np.
- Carrying a couple gallons tho won't be a big deal I always carry a 5 gal. water caddy (those plastic blue jugs) anyways for dishes. and remember to minus the rough weight of water off your trailers carrying capacity. Say 10 gal. (or 1/3rd of a tank) is what I've hauled in my pod when I start out. 100 lbs. is an easy overestimation.  

As for the WHD have your dealer set it up and install.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 17:14:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86790#86790 Sway. Another question : Bboudens, I would recommend you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86787#86787 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 5:00pm

Bboudens,

I would recommend you look at your tank brackets. I was not pleasantly surprised when I inspected mine. There was gaps between brackets and frame and several of the sheet metal screws had begun to pull out. The instances of tank loss are documented. Agree weight distribution is important. My issues with sway were solved with addition of a sway bar. Thanks.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 17:00:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86787#86787 Sway. Another question : Thanks fur, nice to have some... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86783#86783 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 4:04pm

Thanks fur, nice to have some help to figure this stuff out 

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:04:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86783#86783 Sway. Another question : Originally posted by mjlrpodok,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86781#86781 Author: furpod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 3:58pm

Originally posted by mjlrpod

ok, i never brought fresh water with me before, and this will be my first year pulling an actual trailer this summer when i pull my 172. I wondered about the fresh water tank, So if you shouldnt tow 300 pounds of water with you, then A) where do you fill it?  B) doesnt this seriously impact the ability to use the T.T. as a mobile hotel room? and C) since i will be using w/d hitch with sway control, it won't matter ? I have a fastway E2.


A) Generally you fill it at the CG. Even CG's without hookups, have a drinking water spigot or 7. You fill up on the way to the campsite.

B) Not really.

C) depends on how you are loaded and how the hitch is set up. You can misadjust a WDH and have pretty serious issues also.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 15:58:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86781#86781 Sway. Another question : ok, i never brought fresh water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86777#86777 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 3:30pm

ok, i never brought fresh water with me before, and this will be my first year pulling an actual trailer this summer when i pull my 172. I wondered about the fresh water tank, So if you shouldnt tow 300 pounds of water with you, then A) where do you fill it?  B) doesnt this seriously impact the ability to use the T.T. as a mobile hotel room? and C) since i will be using w/d hitch with sway control, it won't matter ? I have a fastway E2.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 15:30:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86777#86777 Sway. Another question : 1 gal. of water = 8.36 lbs. So... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86776#86776 Author: Bboudens
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 2:08pm

1 gal. of water = 8.36 lbs. So 8.36 x 36 gal is 300.96 lbs. added to your trailer weight.  

I've pulled the trailer with a full tank of fresh water for boon-docking. On the 178 this adds weight behind the axel which is not ideal. I guess checking the tanks bolts should be added to my pre trip inspection. But on the other hand even with an estimated total weight of 3500 lbs. for a load of water, people and camping supplies is only 1/3 of my towing capacity and doesn't out weight the TV itself. Proper weight distribution for towing anything is important the closer the towed weight to the towing capacity of the TV the more of an issues this becomes. There are some great vids on You Tube to highlight this and I'm not just talking out my ass. I do have my class one license. (Air Brake and trailer over 35 ft.)   
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 14:08:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86776#86776 Sway. Another question : We will usually carry a few gallons... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86773#86773 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 12:39pm

We will usually carry a few gallons in the FW tank while travelling. Has never been an issue.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 12:39:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86773#86773 Sway. Another question : Originally posted by Chris... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86771#86771 Author: furpod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:28am

Originally posted by Chris z

Bummer.   I always had full tank in my Bigfoot and Casita for rest stops.  No issue.


They may carry the FW closer to the axle then a 177.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:28:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86771#86771 Sway. Another question : Bummer. I always had full tank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86770#86770 Author: Chris z
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:23am

Bummer.   I always had full tank in my Bigfoot and Casita for rest stops.  No issue.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:23:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86770#86770 Sway. Another question : Chris, I believe water in tanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86769#86769 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:22am

Chris,

I believe water in tanks can cause issues. I carry a small amount in fresh water tank for emergencies, but nothing in Gray or Black. I dump as soon as possible prior to traveling. Each tank can add 250-300 (guess) to the weight and when it sloshes it can have negative impact on sway. Not to mention added weight. This isn't unique to R-Pods, it is part of RVing. I think a motor home handles it better. Also there have been reports of TTs losing their tanks and some of us have added additional bolts to the tank brackets. But again I believe that can be impacted by traveling around with water in the RV, and I don't mean 5 gals or so. The same thing happened to me when I brought Pod home the fresh tank was full and I wasn't smart enough to check, real sway issues.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:22:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86769#86769 Sway. Another question : Lots of things can cause sway.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86767#86767 Author: furpod
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:16am

Lots of things can cause sway. A properly hitched/loaded trailer shouldn't sway.Towing with the tanks full is generally not done, because the "load" can move around, and does affect the balance of the TT.

For rest stop use etc, only a couple gallons are needed. That has never been an issue for us.
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:16:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86767#86767 Sway. Another question : still looking at trying to buy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86766#86766 Author: Chris z
Subject: 9209
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 11:05am

still looking at trying to buy an R pod.   Talking to a seller of a 177, he made me a little nervous.   He said that when he bought it, and going home, the pod starting swaying real bad.  He bought a sway bar and installed but thought his real problem was that there was wTer in the tank and the water made it sway.
I thought, gee, if this is a problem, I am not sure I want one of these.  Wanted some thoughts here.  Maybe he had the hitch too high or not enough weight in front or something.   Do you guys have problems with this?   I would want to use the tanks at rest areas and so forth, for sure.
Thanks,  Chris 
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:05:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9209&PID=86766#86766