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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Posts: 505 		Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Tow bars
    Posted: 27 Apr 2026 at 7:02am
Two things to remember is a weight distribution hitch (WDH) does exactly as the name indicates. It distributes weight between the tow vehicle and the trailer so that the rig, both tow vehicle and camper, are level when towing. Not all WDHs have sway control. When I towed our 179 with a Nissan Frontier, there were many times I was loaded to the max and maybe beyond the weight capacity of the Frontier and the Rpod was loaded equally as fully. I used a Fastway E2 WDH which also had sway control built in to keep everything level.

A sway bar, or friction bar, is just that. It keeps the trailer towing smoothly but does not do anything to distribute weight. 
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3439 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Apr 2026 at 4:01am
Originally posted by gpokluda

You will also need to be mindful of how you load your camper and make sure your tongue weight is somewhere between 10-12%.

Amen to that!  This is something that is often ignored, resulting in trailer sway.  Using our 177 as an example:  loaded weight is 2940 lbs x 10% minimum weight needed on the a-frame (tongue) would be 323.4 pounds needed.  Using a Shurline tongue weight scale - it reads 340 pounds, more than the 10% needed; the result is no trailer sway, regardless of weather or road conditions.

Any friction bar works attaches in the same way.  A plate is attached, normally bolted, to the a-frame of the trailer and another plate is bolted together with the ball/receiver on your tow vehicle.  The friction bar attaches to these two points by using a couple of clips.  The only thing that must be done is BEFORE backing up, release the pressure on the friction bar, otherwise it will be permanently ruined. 
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."
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kevinkirk51 View Drop Down
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Posts: 15 		Post Options Post Options   Quote kevinkirk51 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Apr 2026 at 7:37pm
Thanks. I pull with a GMC 1500 4x4. I had a 2500 and just traded for the 1500. I had some sway with the other truck and camper seemed to be searching for a path if that makes sense. Of course it was worse at 75 mph than at lower speeds. 
Any more input would be great. 
I cant tell how that Curt friction bar works. what does that attacth to. 
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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Posts: 505 		Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Apr 2026 at 7:48am
Building on what jato said, it somewhat depends on your tow vehicle as well. Like he said, if you have a unibody tow vehicle, does not have a body that sits on a frame, you will want to avoid a weight distribution hitch but use a friction bar that will prevent sway. Sway is the enemy. You will also need to be mindful of how you load your camper and make sure your tongue weight is somewhere between 10-12%.
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3439 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 2026 at 5:16pm
If you are referring to weight distributing hitches (WDH) that is up to you.  Many swear by them or at them as they have been known to destroy the front end of the r-pod by separating the aluminum structural members that hold it together.  If you own a unibody vehicle, avoid these at all costs. 

For myself, I have never used one.  Our fully loaded 177, prepared for a 30 day journey with 36 gallons of water (tank behind axle) weighs in at 2940 lbs.  With over 53,000 miles on it our tow vehicles have included: '94 F-150, '08 and '13 front wheel drive Explorers, '11 and '17 F-150's.  We have towed through snowstorms and blizzards, sleet, hail, cross winds in excess of 25 mph, and of course, heavy rainstorms without incident.  We do, however, utilize a Curt friction bar.
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."
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kevinkirk51 View Drop Down
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Posts: 15 		Post Options Post Options   Quote kevinkirk51 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Apr 2026 at 1:11pm
I have an R-Pod 17. Do I need tow bars etc.
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