Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Difference Between a Trunnion and Round Spring Bar

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Difference Between a Trunnion and Round Spring Bar

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8246
Printed Date: 30 Oct 2025 at 8:38pm
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Topic: Difference Between a Trunnion and Round Spring Bar

Posted By: Alloy89
Subject: Difference Between a Trunnion and Round Spring Bar
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 12:26pm

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and shopping for a RPod 172t and have a few questions on what's best for this camper, the e2 trunnion in or round bar weight distribution/sway system? I will be towing with a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE with the 3.3 engine.

Also are there any 172t owners out there and If so do you have any words of wisdom on this model? Thanks in advance for the help, Tony

Replies:

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 1:21pm

As I understand it, a trunnion flexes less than a round bar. If the TV has a real frame, a trunnion might be better because the bars are further off the ground, so there's less chance of a scrape on the pavement when you hit a dip. If the TV is a unibody, the extra flex of the round bar may act as a shock absorber to help prevent damage to the body panels.

Posted By: M0tl3y
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 1:43pm

Round bar, to my understanding, is on WD hitches only. Whereas Trunnion bars are both WD and anti-sway.

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The 178 club

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 1:57pm

Originally posted by M0tl3y

Round bar, to my understanding, is on WD hitches only. Whereas Trunnion bars are both WD and anti-sway.

Both round and trunion provide WD and sway control. Trunion may have a bit more ground clearance, but neither is a problem. Round bar is a bit cheaper and entirely adequate.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: Alloy89
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 2:15pm

Thanks for the feedback! What model do you guys use? Like I said my tow vehicle is a 2017 Santa Fe with a 3.3 engine rated to tow 5000 pounds.

Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 3:42pm

And look at the Andersen hitch, which is an entirely different principle - uses the compression of hard polyurethane -like on the down movement , and the relaxation of the chain on the up movement. Supposedly less rebound.

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 3:59pm

E2 600/6000. Probably the most popular WDH with RPOD owners. I towed a 172 for thousands of miles for 1.5+ years with a Pilot. Still using the E2 on a larger TT/TV combo.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 3:59pm

I use a round bar on my 3.5L V6 Highlander, also rated 5000 pounds.