Friction Sway Control uses friction to resist pivotal movement and thereby works against the effects of induced sway. Yes, I did say free! I used 2 friction sway control bars with round bar Pro Series WD hitch. Friction Sway Control - How do you Adjust? - The RV Forum Community To improve your safety, youll need to know how to use anti-sway bars on a travel trailer. Reese 83660 Friction Sway Control - Value Sway Control - Reese-Hitches.com Making adjustments on an RV with two sway control bars involves exactly the same process. RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Beginning RVing: Friction Sway Control Bars Use of Sway Controls with surge brakes is not recommended. Once released, the bar should slide easily. I am not an RV technician or expert. I bought a new Curt ( Equalizer knock off) hitch when I bought my new Wolfpack toyhauler. Youll need to loosen the sway bar, then take it out. Make some certain adjustments to improve the performance and unhitch it safely. The degree of "stiffening" or friction is adjusted to suit various trailer weights and towing conditions. Each bar on the side keeps the vehicle steady amidst heavy winds and rocky roads. Install the recommended number for your needs! Sway control begins with matching tow vehicle and trailer, tow capability with trailer length and weight. Tighten the bolt that squeezes the sway bar frame to the bar to achieve maximum friction but still allows the bar to slide within the frame of the assembly. Load the trailer heavier in. This step can sometimes be intimidating, but with the right tools and a little patience, it may be much easier than you think. To reduce caravan sway when it suddenly occurs, be sure to do the following: Driving Downhill Manually use the electric trailer brakes. Should You Grease Your Friction Sway Control Hitch? Equalizer - YouTube Also in windy conditions, especially with no load on the trailer, the wind will move the trailer. Sway increases with speed. JavaScript is disabled. Beneath the on-off handle, you'll see the brake tensioning screw. That being said, I now have a swaybar and hitch and 2 1000lb spring bars that are looking for a home. Friction sway . We always had it since day one with that trailer so I can't tell you if that makes a difference or not. Loganandthehobo@gmail.comLogan is my truck and the Hobo is my trailer. I know about the adjusting items, but what is tight or loose? Move heavier items to the front if needed. The ball bolts onto a tab next to the primary hitch ball and allows the sway control and hitch connection to pivot as necessary for proper turning. Well cover the parts that make up a sway control, tools needed for the job, the steps involved, and some alternative sway control options to consider. 2003 National Tradewinds on a Country Coach chassis. Total:1,430 (members:37, guests:1,393), https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution-Hitch/Reese/RP45FR.html, Turn signals work but brake lights dont. Release the tension on the slide bar by turning the on/off handle. The cams prevent sway but unlock when the trailer needs to turn. Place the slide bar socket over the hitch-mounted sway control ball and the other socket over the trailer-mounted ball. How To Install A Husky Friction Sway Control Before you begin, you need to make sure you have a ball mount with a sway control tab. That was white knuckle :/ So I added a second bar which helped but was still not very good until I read up on WD hitch set up and set it up myself. My videos are primarily for (my) entertainment. Sway was not a problem after that. When it comes to RVing, sway is best saved for the hammock. $92.53 Sold by: Canada Direct - Often Ships Same Day! Most weight distribution hitches come with this tab (two tabs, in fact) already equipped. For a hitch with sway bars, the unhooking process can be a little complex. Road test again and repeat (if necessary) until proper sway control is achieved. . b. Friction sway control bars are cost-effective but interfere with the trailers ability to turn, so they need to be removed when backing up or driving in slick conditions. I know that Friction Sway Control is a limited amount of sway control, but my question is with the adjustment arm on these devices, how do you know how tight to tighten to have it work properly? Your sway control unit should come preset with the right amount of tension for an average load. Use a wrench and the included nut and washer to securely torque the sway ball into place. Offers long lasting durability. How to Use Anti-Sway Bars on a Travel Trailer Properly Wheel Bearing Greases for Travel Trailers, Are RV Outlets the Same as House Outlets? However, we recommend starting with the factory settings. Pro Series Friction Sway Control | 4wheelparts.com The handle allows you to engage or disengage tension on the sway control unit. Allows free and easy vehicle and trailer interaction. Summer RV Gear: Don't Hit The Road Without These I How To Reduce Dust And Allergens In Your RV. Tongue weight should be about, 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight for most trailers. $149.73. PDF Item: 83660 - Reese If its very windy, it may not be a good day to travel. They can be purchased together as part of the kit or as separate components for replacement or repair; That is an awfully heavy trailer for a weight bearing hitch system. In addition to working in the industry, Rob has been RVing since 1993, which is when he purchased his first camper. Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular tow vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer. How to Setup Curt Friction Sway Control on Trailer | etrailer.com RiversideTrailer is reader-supported. But how to use anti-sway bars on a travel trailer? We ship your order directly to your choice of one of our 1,250+ ShopHitches Network Dealers. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. With our selection of quality brands and expert advice, we help boost your vehicle's performance and make a statement on or off the road. Starting with the factory preset tension, road test the sway control. However, once the unit is installed, it can easily be detached whenever you unhitch your trailer. You answered what I was curious on, how well it prevents sway. You will need to adjust it as needed. After talking with Etrailer and reading the installation instructions I have it set up the way is should be. The load should be balanced side-to-side and secured to prevent shifting. All Rights Reserved. I ask because Costco sells right hand side, I can buy 2 if they don't solve issue, easy to return. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Should I tighten it as much as I can, then rewind half a turn, or leave it at that position? If youre looking for an alternative solution to trailer sway, the products below provide an upgrade over the classic sway control kit. This ball comes with a metal base and gets bolted onto your trailer frame. I experienced sway issues last summer, that I want to limit before we start our travels this year. Insert the threaded stem of the ball into the hole of the sway control tab on your weight distribution hitch or ball mount. However, you want to leave a little room for movement, so backing off half a turn can also suffice. It has integrated sway control. Another question is on right hand and left hand friction bars.Can you use a right handed bar on left side? with a wire brush. They should have a fair amount of life in them. Now it's time to take your fifth wheel out onto the highway to test it. Next, unlock the ball latch and take down the tongue jack. Stop with the trailer and tow vehicle in a straight line. Its operation is simple and uncomplicated. Our 2018 Passport weighed 5200 empty and towed it with our F250 super cab long bed and we had a Reese wd hitch with a friction sway bar and we didn't notice any real sway at all. They use the RV weight to prevent the vehicle from moving from side to side. Or do you need professional help? Sway Control Friction Arm Bars - How They Work - YouTube But if it were applied that much all the time, you wouldn't be able to turn. But I do agree that you should remove the bar before backing up. Always consult the manufacturers Owners Manual. Sway control units dampen trailer sway caused by crosswinds and traffic. The sway control balls can actually stay in place permanently. Okay, so Im Philip Lopez. Heres the Reason, How to Switch Propane Tanks on RV: 6 Easy Steps. $81.48. 4. From that experience I started researching how to properly adjust friction sway control bars and couldn't find specific step by step instructions; even on installation instructions of new bars. Improves stability and increases towing safety. . Remember not to overtighten! Step 5 - Attach the sway control bar onto the ball. Watch how to install sway control in this video. The most common causes of sway are gusts of wind, drafts from passing semi-trucks, turns on curvy roads, and imbalanced loads in the trailer. Leading causes of sway. There are basically two ways to adjust the ones I have.. First there is the lever you use to loosen or tighten. By choosing the right weight distribution or sway bar system for your trailerand taking steps to prevent sway before you leave homeyoull be on track for a great trip. Then do another test. Feeling your travel trailer sway from a gust of wind is scary, but there are products and strategies that can help reduce sway and keep your RV aligned. Why do I need to loosen before backing up? Feel free to email me with any comments, suggestions, and questions. Driving Uphill Speed up a bit until you notice that the swaying has stopped. Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and . Heavy items should be placed on, the floor in front of the axle. Slow and steady steering will help straighten your trailer and tow vehicle. Too little tongue weight. You will need to perform a series of road tests with the loaded trailer. https://www.rvupgradestore.com/v/vspfiles/assets/pdf/34715_Installation.pdf 0 0 Report it Comments (0) | New Comment Answer this question View More Product Details We may earn commission on your purchases from these links. You can increase the resistance by tightening the tension screw. Insert a cotter pin through each socket and ball to secure them in place. If you want to be sure of the adjustments, do a road test: The bottom line is, its your call. But how do you judge that? Most authorities recommend adding a second if the RV is more than 26' long. What help they gave was wrong I found out later after a 70 mile trip home in bad cross winds that had the DW and I both white knuckled all the way home. Then you will either make it tighter or looser my turning the handle in 1/4 turn increments. I'm in the Ann Arbor Michigan area if you are close. Husky Towing Products: RH/LH Friction Sway Control Part#34715/37498. Instructions for a Reese Friction Anti Sway Bar # RP26660 Friction sway control bars can be added to any hitch, and use friction to prevent the towed vehicle from swaying and bring it back into alignment. To attach the control bar, first grease the sockets at each end and apply a drop of oil to the handle mechanism. Set both bars to the same tension so your trailer will handle identically during left and right turns. Even a small amount of sway can be exhausting for a driver, forcing constant steering adjustments. Getting the right adjustment is the flaw in a friction control system; there is no good way to judge (in my opinion, of course). Wind the on-off handle three turns counterclockwise to release the bar's tension, then place the other end on the puck-shaped "ball" on the trailer's tongue. Sway Controls - Eaz-Lift Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device Again, the sway control should at no point obstruct your other towing equipment. I'm going to install 2(two) bars on the trailer, because I learned that my trailer's weight suggests that more than one is recommended. counterclockwise until all tension is removed from unit. If this is not enough sway control, then adjust the brake tension screw 1/4 turn clockwise. The whole notion that a little friction pad can & will "control sway" on a several thousand pound trailer is nonsense. Anti-sway bars can be installed on the vehicles frame or on the hitch and tongue. If the trailer actually begins to sway, that friction pad would have to clamp tightly at that time, applying like a brake. REESE | 83660 | Weight Distribution Sway Control, Friction Sway control bars from Husky and other manufacturers can help keep sway within safe limits, but they might need adjustment to work properly with your own towing setup. It provides the attachment point for the other end of the sway control bar. Now, other RVers like to leave the anti-sway bar fairly loose to minimize noise. Measure from the center of the coupler, along the trailer frame. I appreciate the info. Sway was not a problem after I got WD set up right. How Should a Friction Bar Sway Control System be Adjusted The open end of the slide bar attaches to the hitch-mounted sway control ball. Keep heavy cargo in the front and on the floor. Not arguing that it's wrong.just wanna understand. These are generally a little more expensive but can save hook-up time and storage space when not in use. This is where you'll make your adjustments, in very small increments. Do you have the skills and tools necessary? The trailer-mounted sway control ball should be placed 24 back from the trailer coupler. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and seldom loses a pocketknife anymore. If the trailer's GTW is between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds, a two-point sway-control unit (one on each side of the trailer) is recommended. I made the mistake in tightening it just a little too much and it. Ken, my friction sway control had the Draw-Tite brand, but I think most bars are made the same. Why We Should Use Solar Panels for RV? I do not suggest this. You can use an electronic tow control monitor which automatically brakes the towed vehicle with the proper amount to stop sway. I have a friction sway control bar. My experience. SWAY CONTROL CANNOT BE USED ON TRAILERS WITH SURGE BRAKES. It is 37ft with a dry weight of 8700 lbs. Use any information I provide at your own risk. After making each incremental adjustment, road test your towing setup until the proper sway control is achieved. Only had one trouble with a sway problem, but that was my fault for not tightening it up right. 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This article has links to products that were carefully selected by our editors. Start by adjusting the screw just 1/4 turn clockwise, assuming you found a need for more control. Start by adjusting the screw just 1/4 turn clockwise, assuming you found a need for more control. Friction Sway Control - How do you Adjust? - The RV Forum Community Our weight-distribution hitch eliminates swaying. I know I have to remove them before backing up, which is a pain, but maybe worth the savings. It will also help to reduce any sway almost immediately. Even with the best sway bars, stabilizers, and careful packing, youre bound to encounter sway. In the instructions, which I have linked for you. Assembly, Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions - Husky Tow Why is is different in reverse? Tightening the screw will provide greater resistance to the side-to-side motion, and loosening it will provide less. I am worried that if I tighten the arms down then it will make the problem worse (because the arms will not fully adjust). This allows the tow vehicle to ride more level and have more control because the proper weight will be on the steering tires. Friction based systems use clamping force on a friction material to resist any change in trailer angle. Once your new sway control is installed, road test it without changing the factory settings. Clean Your RV On A Budget: Natural DIY Cleaning So Fifth Wheels | Travel Trailers | Ultra Lites, General Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Discussion. All Rights Reserved. The Equal-i-zer doesn't use add-on friction sway bars. Posts: 4,171. For large. Friction Bar Sway Control Question - Forest River Forums Make sure you dont exceed the. Place one socket over the sway control ball, which resembles a smaller version of the hitch's towing ball. Basically, you will drive with the trailer loaded to determine if more or less tension is needed. Load the trailer heavier in. ??? 12 Tips for Towing Your Trailer Properly. 3. Youll need a sway control unit, some lubrication, a marker, and a screwdriver. This will allow you to lift the tongue and take out the weight bars. I always made sure my lower adjusting screw was set so the upper handle could be "bottomed out". All of the music in my videos is written and performed by me, I have been playing the guitar for about 32 years. There is no set amount the nut needs to be tightened on a friction sway control bar like # 83660. Larger or heavier trailers or broad-sided trailers may require the use of two sway control units. An anti-sway bar isnt recommended for travel trailer with surge brakes because they lack the sensitivity to adjust like electric brakes. Part No 83660. We used a friction bar for many years with trailers up to 28 ft. but, when we got our Windjammer, it was too much for the swaybar and we went to an Equalizer setup. This is a question of "feel," so take your time and give the trailer's handling your full attention. A good rule of thumb is 60 percent to the front, 40 percent to the back. 3. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. The bolt (7) below is for adjustment only. The result is a smoother and more level driving experience. Depending on your hitch, tow vehicle and trailer, for example, it might interfere with your ability to back the RV into place; and it also limits your trailer's maneuverability on short, routine trips around or in and out of town. Below are the factors that cause your travel trailer to sway. Do not speed up if sway occurs. If your trailer handling is too stiff and you want less tension, adjust counterclockwise. Sometimes, an adjustment is required to ensure the proper amount of sway control for your vehicle-trailer setup. It attaches near the hitch and hooks onto either side of the trailer. There are many things that can affect trailer sway, from weather and road conditions to the way you load your cargo. Copyright 2023 - Riversidetrailer. There are several common types that all work a bit differently and come at varying price points. PDF INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS - CURT Group OrderHub Consider your load distribution. Husky RV trailer sway bars must be adjusted each time they are reinstalled. Popular brands include Reese, CURT, and Camco. 10 Things We Learned About The RV Lifestyle As A F Is It Safe To Use Armor All On RV Awnings? Im into RV maintenance and system upgrades. You might also opt for a second bar if your trailer is unusually heavy for its size, or at the other end of the scale if it has broad, wind-catching sides and is relatively light. I am not sure how to go "private" on the contact, but, if you are interested, let me know.

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