Anti Sway Hitch?

[TG Twinkie]

Can you buy an anti sway system that is not part of a WD system? With my rig I don't feel I need the weight distribution system and have the ability to adjust the suspension on the TV to make the hitch height correct, but would like to have an anti sway system, just in case.

[moosetags]

Don't be so quick to discard the weight distribution function. Even though you are able to adjust your tow vehicle's suspension to level the trailer, not transferring some of the tongue weight load to the front axle of the tow vehicle can be dangerous. Insufficient weight on the front axle of the tow vehicle can cause reduced responsiveness of the tow vehicle's steering and braking functions.

Brian

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

Can you buy an anti sway system that is not part of a WD system? ...

yes

the PP or pull rite or old orange blob.

even the ancient friction adjustable OUTRIGGER sway dampeners qualify.

but the ancient systems are not really very good at sway elimination.
________

IF the underlying question is...

are there ANTIsway hitches that don't RELY on the w/d bar TENSION for 'antisway'...?

the top choice is clearly a PP.

the w/d is a totally separate function on the pp,

than the inherent sway ELIMINATING design of the 4 bar/pivot point projection.

so the w/d bars can be tensioned JUST ENOUGH to keep the hitch head upright/level...

but without transferring w/d forces into the tow vehicle.

u can read about this here, or on their website or in the sticky thread under hitches...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html

now, having answered the question, without regard for PROPER rig setup,

i agree with moose' that being SURE the front/steering axle is properly loaded for control is important.

that might require SOME w/d tension and clearly should include WEIGHing the rig and each axle...

before and after hitchin' up the trailer.

cheers
2air'

[Josie28]

2005 internationa 28 ft how can i ben the propane lines to put on dual cam sway contro on ?l

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Josie28

...how can i...l

read some of these threads in the hitch section....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...-up-43568.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f232...tly-33350.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f232...use-28204.html

there are many other references to repositioning the lp lines for almost ALL brands of hitch'n gizmos.

cheers
2air'

[Happycampers]

Josie, I went back to the edge of the trailer and cut the copper line and went from there with a flexible rubber hose to the regulator.

Marvin

[Airstreamer67]

TG Twinkie, the answer to your question is yes, there is such an anti-sway system that has been successfully used for 50 years or more and is still an excellent choice. At least, it has been for me.

Take a look on ebay or at Harbor Freight and you can find friction anti-sway bars for about $50 each. I've been using this type of anti-sway system for the past 35 years from coast-to-coast without the least hint of a sway event. I currently use two of them (total cost about $100) on my 27-foot trailer because the manufacturer recommends the use of two, one on each side of the A-frame, for trailers over 25 feet long.

I am fortunate to be able to say that I've got the resources to afford the $3000 anti-sway systems. Only, I never, ever have been in a situation that my present system did not work extremely well. I will add that I always make sure that my tow vehicle and trailer are well-matched so that even without an anti-sway system hooked-up, there is no sway under normal towing conditions. My friction anti-sway bars are for unusual conditions, and I've never felt the need for anything else.

[TG Twinkie]

Thanks, my rig is very well matched. I too am looking for something that will help in one of those unusual situations.

[Journalist]

Make/model of tow vehicle?

[TWaugh]

I too did not need the weight distribution with my F150 and 71 Caravel.

But, with the single axle I wanted some sway control, so I opted for the the Reese trunnion bar with sway control. I have some weight distrubution adjustment available as well as friction sway control. Easy setup and its a snap to hookup and unhitch. I have gone on several long trips since I installed it and the truck and trailer ride like a matched pair going down the highway. Before I installed it I had some single axle sway when traveling on single lane highways. If anyone has driven in WV on a highway like WV Rt 9 you know what I'm talking about. You can meet yourself going around some of the curves. I didn't want the expense and overkill of the trunnion and cam sway controls so this worked out great!


Here's the link to the Cequent- Reese webpage for this type of control.

Weight Distribution - Reese

BTW, I think its a stock item at Camping World.

[TG Twinkie]

My TV is a '98 Dodge 3/4 ton extended cab pickup with full length box. The truck weighs 5900# with a full tank of gas and nothing in the box. The total weight of the rig ready to go is 11,400#, so it's a well balanced setup. The truck is only 3 feet shorter than the trailer. I also have air bladders on the rear axle, which I only have to inflate slightly to make the trailer ride level, it's kind like an air ride system for the whole rig.