|
|
11-30-2015, 07:27 AM
|
#1
|
1 Rivet Member
1969 21' Globetrotter
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 8
|
What are sway bars and do I need them?
Hello. I just got my tow vehicle and 1969 Airstream Globetrotter. It's all original except for new air conditioner and updated pvc plumbing (so far) and in the manual it states it weighs 3330 dry. I am towing with a 2016 Nissan Frontier with a full tow package and 4x4. However, I still am unsure what sway bars are and if I need them. I travel mostly alone and it scares my family (it's only been a couple months) so I want to get lots of safety features to ease their concerns. I just don't know if I need sway bars- or even what they are.
|
|
|
11-30-2015, 07:37 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
|
What kind of hitch so you have? You need more that just a simple ball and receiver bar. You need some kind of weight distributing hitch. Some have sway control built into their design but are more expensive. The simple sway conrol is a friction bar that resists the trailer's tendency to sway or fishtail when being towed.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
11-30-2015, 08:15 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
|
The traditional approach to towing has long been to have a hitch that one moves some of the tongue weight of the rear axle of the TV and places it on the front axle of the TV and the trailer axles. That is weight distribution. Built into most WD systems is second function., Sway Control. In it's simplest form that is to have the end of the WD bars, with an offset built into the bars, resting on a saddle suspended from the trailer tongue. While traveling straight the WD aspects of the hitch are functioning. However when the trailer is moved off center to the TV, wind or passing truck the bars are forced of the saddles and produce a force that wants to recenter the bars back on the saddles. It is a damping force that is used to reduce the sway and stop it from becoming an oscillation.
I mention that this has been the traditional approach and worked well with historically lighter and softer sprung TVs. I would suggest you look at a newer approach, the Andersen WD hitch. It has taken a different approach to the age old problem while incorporating some advantages to use and effectiveness. Now there will be several posters here that will jump in and say this does not and can not work. However I would suggest you contact a local Airstream unit in your area for possible first hand information on both systems.
For an over kill discussion on the Andersen you might look here.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ead-92131.html
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
|
|
|
12-01-2015, 07:02 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
|
Yes, you need some method of sway control. Suggest you spend some time researching the Hensley, ProPride, Equil-i-zer, Reese, Anderson and Blue OX designs. The Hensley and Propride are reported best but a bit heavy($1500-2500). The Equilizer is reported to be a good performer, but must be set up properly and is a stiff connection ($500). Some feel the AS trailers should not have a hitch that transfers shocks from the TV to the Trailer, but there are a lot of satisfied EQ users. The Reese is also reported to be a great hitch, but is subject to the need for correct setup as well ($500). The Anderson is unique as it is a chain tension system and does not use spring bars. It is easy to set up, but may not transfer enough weight. It is supposed to provide good sway control ($500). The BO is relatively easy to set up and provides a flexible TV to Trailer connection($500). The springs provide the sway control too. There are also a lot of clone hitches with similar designs and variable performance at less cost. There are simple bar systems that use auto disk brake pads to provide friction to control sway. Additionlly there are new electrical sway control systems that work with a bar/spring system and pulse on the brakes to dampen sway when it goes beyond the programmed range.
Do a Google search on WDH (weight distribution hitch) and sway control trailer hitch. A lot of options will be identified. This subject is HOT as everyone has their opinion. Do your research. Your best find is an unbiased local with experience setting up a wide variety of hitch types. If after you have gone through all this, and find that you can't make heads or tails of the tech.......buy a Hensley Cub and have a Hensley rep install it. You don't have to go that way, but you do have to understand how a hitch works to adjust it correctly. I'm betting you can do this and find a solution that is safe, effective, and affordable.
Good Luck and happy/safe travels. Pat
|
|
|
12-01-2015, 09:03 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
|
Hensley or ProPride.
As a ProPride owner for over 2 years, I can say it has made towing easy for myself and my wife. She loves the way she can just "drive the truck" and not worry about the AS following her.
In recent trip I was unable to drive and she was able to take up the task... Cautiously, of course, but did not have a migraine when we arrived at our destination.
Other times I had to take evasive maneuvers and the ProPride kept the AS aligned behind us ... And whe steering back into the road there was no sensation of pulling hard to the left into oncoming traffic.
Having towed with "ball" only, WD hitches with and without "sway control", there is no comparison in the technology and I my opinion, safety margin added by a ProPride... And I understand the Hensley is the predecessor to the ProPride so results are similar in the handling.
since you are new to towing, check out YouTube for the "sway control" and WD hitches. Then try this link for a model example that helped me understand why the ProPride hitch works..
http://youtu.be/v2otJAgYiTo
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
|
|
|
12-01-2015, 10:25 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cwf
Hensley or ProPride.
As a ProPride owner for over 2 years, I can say it has made towing easy for myself and my wife. She loves the way she can just "drive the truck" and not worry about the AS following her.
In recent trip I was unable to drive and she was able to take up the task... Cautiously, of course, but did not have a migraine when we arrived at our destination.
Other times I had to take evasive maneuvers and the ProPride kept the AS aligned behind us ... And whe steering back into the road there was no sensation of pulling hard to the left into oncoming traffic.
Having towed with "ball" only, WD hitches with and without "sway control", there is no comparison in the technology and I my opinion, safety margin added by a ProPride... And I understand the Hensley is the predecessor to the ProPride so results are similar in the handling.
since you are new to towing, check out YouTube for the "sway control" and WD hitches. Then try this link for a model example that helped me understand why the ProPride hitch works..
http://youtu.be/v2otJAgYiTo
|
Ditto.
If you want to tow like the trailer isn't there, go ProPride or Hensley. The only issue with my Hensley is that I sometimes find myself going too fast....
Brevi tempore!
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
|
|
|
12-01-2015, 10:44 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
Agree with the Hensley/ProPride design. Much easier and safer towing experience.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
|
|
|
12-01-2015, 11:14 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
|
I do find that with a ProPride you have to watch for the AS to track to the center of a turn much more than on the ball. Really watch your mirrors with it. That said, having towed with other hitches before this, I won't leave home without it. It is as others have said--the trailer just tracks behind you without sway or push from passing big rigs, and wind is no longer a sway inducer. And yeah, it's a bit disconcerting to notice that you are at or above the speed limit going across Texas. I finally had to set cruise to keep it reasonable.....
Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 10:29 AM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Taos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 566
|
Definitely go with sway bars. It makes the TV and the trailer a single unit, it rebalances weight, is adjustable, and really does prevent and control trailer sway which both makes driving at 65 -75 MPH much more comfortable but it also saves wear on tires and nerves
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 10:33 AM
|
#10
|
E Pluribus Aluminus
2008 34' Classic S/O
1967 22' Safari
2005 30' Classic
Land Of Enchantment
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,300
|
Geeze...
With a 1969 21’ Globetrotter, you don’t need a Hensley hitch nor a propride... A Reese, Equalizer, etc. weight distribution/anti-sway hitch will work just fine.
No need to spend $2-3K on a hitch for your 21 footer, Lindsey...
__________________
.
Jaxon
WBCCI 7005 * AIR 9218
The trouble with trouble is it always starts out as fun...
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 10:40 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
I would say sway control is absolutely necessary- at least the type that hooks to a small ball beside the trailer ball on the truck end and a small ball on the trailer tongue on the trailer tongue.
Weight distribution may or may not be needed on a light trailer. Does the trailer compress the rear suspension of your pickup? Yes? You need weight distribution. No? You don't need weight distribution, but still need sway control.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 10:48 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kdickinson
Definitely go with sway bars. It makes the TV and the trailer a single unit, it rebalances weight, is adjustable, and really does prevent and control trailer sway which both makes driving at 65 -75 MPH much more comfortable but it also saves wear on tires and nerves
|
Don't confuse sway bars and WD bars. Although they are combined on some hitches.
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 11:18 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LindsayRocks
Hello. I just got my tow vehicle and 1969 Airstream Globetrotter. It's all original except for new air conditioner and updated pvc plumbing (so far) and in the manual it states it weighs 3330 dry. I am towing with a 2016 Nissan Frontier with a full tow package and 4x4. However, I still am unsure what sway bars are and if I need them. I travel mostly alone and it scares my family (it's only been a couple months) so I want to get lots of safety features to ease their concerns. I just don't know if I need sway bars- or even what they are.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by avionstream
Don't confuse sway bars and WD bars. Although they are combined on some hitches.
|
Ditto on the need to keep various functions separated in one's mind.
Lindsay, your 2016 tow vehicle (TV) may have sway control built in already, since it has a full tow package. This would be the first bit of information you need to establish. If your TV does have its own sway control, you may not need additional sway control in your hitch set up.
Which brings us to the weight-distributing (WD) aspect of trailer hitches. Most trailer set ups benefit from SOME kind of WD hitch. The possibilities are endless, as are the opinions about the best brands, as this thread illustrates (with plenty more to come probably!).
I have a Ford Van towing a 20' Flying Cloud (5,000 lbs. wet), and have a Reese WD hitch (800 lb. bars) (without sway control cams built in because my TV also has sway control). My old 25' AS and Ford Club Wagon had a similar Reese hitch with heavier bar ratings, but with the sway control cams, as the trailer weighed about 7,500 lbs. loaded.
This article gives a good basic overview, with the WD hitch noted near the bottom:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tow_hi...ributing_hitch
Good luck!
PS -- You should have some good RV service centers near you, maybe even an Airstream dealer, and these would be good places to visit for further advice and guidance.
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 11:38 AM
|
#14
|
3 Rivet Member
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1971 27' Overlander
1973 31' Sovereign
Griffin
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 166
|
You definitely need sway control. As light as these campers are, they are prone to sway with the wind... Or when other large vehicles pass..
I've just finished the renovation of a '78 AS... I got a lot of parts off of wrecked, salvage ASs... They aren't pretty when they've rolled over...
ANY kind of Rv hitch with a sway bar is MUCH better than none... I bought mine off Craigslist.
Good luck and "Happy Trails".
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 11:39 AM
|
#15
|
4 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
Huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 260
|
I use an equalizer however my first choice was Anderson. Then noticed the following note on their website. Copy & Paste:
NOTE: Currently the Atwood 88007, 88010, 88555 and 88600 couplers are not compatible with the Andersen WD Hitch (all other Atwood couplers are fine).
I have a 2015 Sport Bambi & Anderson was not compatible with my coupler. Was afraid to use it after reading reviews with the Airstream coupler on my 2015 Sport.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
Ron
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 11:48 AM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
|
Minor HIJACK
Welcome aboard, clearly you are new to Airstream RV'ing.
May I suggest that you join the local WBCCI - which in your area should be the FCU (four corners unit). By all reports they are a very active, very good Airstreaming club. Go to the SEARCH function and on the Google Search line put in FCU Rally and you'll probably get a good preview of what the club is all about.
They welcome new members gladly and many will assist you with the 5000 or so questions that normally come up in the first couple of months of ownership.
Here's one of my "keep it simple" fixes - toilet paper roll unrolls while traveling down the road. Take it off the roller, squish it flat, put it back on the roller where it will be available but not roll easily. When you arrive at the destination and park, re-squish it at 90 degrees from the original squish so that it'll roll again.
Happy Trails - Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 12:42 PM
|
#17
|
1 Rivet Member
2008 19' Safari
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 19
|
Any thought on the newer electronic sway controllers such as the Tuson sway controller? (works with selective trailer braking).
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 06:52 PM
|
#18
|
PSU1981
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
|
Opinions on the equalizer system?
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 08:40 PM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
1980 31' Excella II
1973 31' Sovereign
Noonan
, New Brunswick
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 48
|
It depends on a lot of variables. Tongue weight, tires, loaded trailer weight. I have added air ride suspension on my truck. I get a better ride with my trailer with out the weight distribution bars. Also do not utilize sway bar breaking system. It is what you are most comfortable with. Every serious operator of a towed vehicle should get a tongue weight scale. This will aid in properly loading your trailer and will give you a better tow.
__________________
WBCCI #6722
Ham Radio VE9NKD
|
|
|
12-02-2015, 09:33 PM
|
#20
|
E Pluribus Aluminus
2008 34' Classic S/O
1967 22' Safari
2005 30' Classic
Land Of Enchantment
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,300
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PSU1981
Opinions on the equalizer system?
|
I had the Equalizer hitch on my ’03 23’ International and it handled the trailer flawlessly... on my ’05 Classic (30’), it was OK... (wasn’t the same EQ but one with a higher tow rating). I often thought a Hensley or a Propride would have been swell, if you get my drift. I never felt that I was loosing control but it didn’t feel as secure as it did on my 23’. Could have been the set-up and adjustments...
On my 34’ Classic, I have a Reese Straight Line hitch and it feels very secure in over 4K mile towing through the Cumberland Gap from Rhode Island to the coast of Texas.
The EQ hitch was a good hitch, noisy at times, but a good hitch system.
__________________
.
Jaxon
WBCCI 7005 * AIR 9218
The trouble with trouble is it always starts out as fun...
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|