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jamieb1086 · 07-26-2016, 07:47 AM

Hi all -
Newbie with a 2016 FC FB with an Equal-i-zer hitch. I'm wondering how many people remove their anti-sway bars before backing in. I was told this weekend that tight maneuvering with the bars on puts undo stress on the truck frame.

I haven't removed mine yet and while it does make some noise turning while backing in it seems to do ok with the bars on.

Is this good advice?
Thanks
Jamie Bull

Hittenstiehl · 07-26-2016, 08:02 AM

Yes we do this, makes a difference when backing.

AWCHIEF · 07-26-2016, 08:09 AM

Not necessary with the Andersen or Blue Ox systems. The only two systems I have actual experience with.

HowieE · 07-26-2016, 08:14 AM

I can't think of a reason to remove the BARS while backing up. That put no more strain on the frame than when going forward.

It has long been suggested that one loosen the EZ Sway Control Friction Plate before backing but not the WD bars.

xrvr · 07-26-2016, 08:16 AM

Used eazsway for years, never loosened them.

DanB · 07-26-2016, 08:16 AM

I remove mine.

I have enough distractions without the "gunshot" going off at a critical time! Plus it's very common that I'm backing in past 9pm. I would hate to scare someone and make them drop their beer.

CRH · 07-26-2016, 08:19 AM

I have a typical friction type sway bar. I never take it off before backing.

KJRitchie · 07-26-2016, 08:29 AM

Never have taken my Equalizer bars off backing. Keeping the head sockets and ball lubed and bracket jackets is a quiet experience.

Kelvin

aftermath · 07-26-2016, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjritchie

never have taken my equalizer bars off backing. Keeping the head sockets and ball lubed and bracket jackets is a quiet experience.

Kelvin

x 2

mandolindave · 07-26-2016, 08:48 AM

My Rocket Scientist ( literally ) friend directed me into a spot at a rally type situation. The ground was a little mushy…then it rained.

To get out at the end of the event, I took off the sway bar and weight distribution bars. I wanted weight back on the rear wheels for more traction. I got out easily.

The Rocket Scientist said, " Humffff. That was a good idea !"

The moral of the story….Some Mandolin Players, ain't as dumb as they look.

Hittenstiehl · 07-26-2016, 08:50 AM

To clarify as the terms are often used interchangeably.

We remove or totally loosen our anti sway device not our weight distribution bars.

Sometimes if it's late at night the WD bars are a little creaky as far as noise and disturbing neighbors.

Adventure.AS · 07-26-2016, 08:54 AM

After reading some of the responses to the OP, I had to go back to be sure I read the post correctly and saw you were asking about the Sway device, not the WD torsion bars. It has been recommended by Can-Am to remove the Sway control device, but no need to remove weight distribution bars.

leedav · 07-26-2016, 09:38 AM

My dealer told me to remove the bars but it's a PITA. So I called equalizer, and they said if it's set up properly (ie enough room left at the ends) you do not have to remove them. I have the pads under the bars at the trailer end that quiets all the noise. No problems backing

SeaLevel · 07-26-2016, 10:10 AM

If I was backing up a hill into a site I might consider removing the bars, but so far I've never needed to and haven't had any problems.

Rich W · 07-26-2016, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Never have taken my Equalizer bars off backing. Keeping the head sockets and ball lubed and bracket jackets is a quiet experience.

Kelvin

Quote:

Originally Posted by aftermath

x 2

X3

On the Equalizer hitch, the "bars" are called spring arms, they are the weight distribution and anti-sway. The anti-sway is the friction at the hitch head sockets and the L-Brackets. If there's a separate anti-sway device on an Equalizer hitch, mine didn't come with one.

I don't disconnect anything until my AS is in place. I have full time 4WD so no need to put any weight on the TV rear.

ROBERT CROSS · 07-26-2016, 10:30 AM

With the HaHa.....never.

Bob

Kyoshi · 07-26-2016, 11:27 AM

Unless you have to make some extreme turns while backing, I shouldn't think that removing the sway bars is necessary.

rdepas · 07-26-2016, 11:43 AM

Never have removed the bars on my Equal-i-zer hitch when backing up. Been using it for over 10 years. No issues.

m.hony · 07-26-2016, 11:44 AM

It is not necessary to remove the bars on the Equal-i-zer.
I never have removed them and have had no ill consequences.
Removing the sway bar is necessary on systems like the EazLift where the friction sway bar is a separate brake shoe thingy that attaches to a small ball beside the trailer ball on the truck end and a small ball on the a-frame of the trailer.
If you do not remove this type of anti sway bar it will bend.

cazual6 · 07-26-2016, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamieb1086

Hi all -
Newbie with a 2016 FC FB with an Equal-i-zer hitch. I'm wondering how many people remove their anti-sway bars before backing in. I was told this weekend that tight maneuvering with the bars on puts undo stress on the truck frame.

I haven't removed mine yet and while it does make some noise turning while backing in it seems to do ok with the bars on.

Is this good advice?
Thanks
Jamie Bull

This is from personal experience. I was a newbie and I bent my hitch. If you are not comfortable yet and don't know how tight is tight on a turn, then I would recommend you remove them until you become experienced enough to know when to keep it ON and when to take it OFF.