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Joined: 31 Jan 2020
Location: Florida
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: No reverse with WDH?
    Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 7:08am
I have been looking in to a weight distribution hitch (WDH) for my R-Pod and it looks like I will probably order a new one. I am seeing a lot of information that you cannot go in reverse with it attached, not even one foot. Not even straight back?

Can someone explain if that applies to all brands and types, or if that only applies when you have the separate "sway control bar" attached? 

I think I am going to buy the 6,000lb Fastway one that appears from posts here to be an appropriate one: Fastway 94-00-0600 e2 6K GTW Round Bar Weight Distributing Hitch 12” Shank

Can you go in reverse with that one? I don't see a separate sway control bar with it like some of the other brands have.

Thanks!
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 7:49am
Where are you reading you can't back up? I have never seen such a warning for a WDH. Backing is an integral part of towing.

Are you sure you are not confusing anti sway with weight distribution?
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Posts: 1066 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:31am
I can definitely back up with my Equalizer WDH/sway control unit without any issues.I can't speak for other brands or setups. I have the 6000#unit with 600# bars. I have used it with 2 different RPods(173/179) for over 8 years
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:37am
The reverse problem is associated with flat anti-sway devices of the friction type that connect from a separate ball on the TV hitch mount to a ball welded on the trailer frame. These low end devices buckle and must be removed before backing up. Since they are often added to pure WDHs they have become associated with WDH in the public mind. Combination WDH/anti-sway hitches like the Fastway E2 and others by Equal-i-zer, Curt, Reese, Eaz-Lift do not have this problem and may be left connected while backing.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:37am
A wdh can limit how sharp you can turn because the spring bars can reach the end of their available travel. That applies both forward and reverse. But you can certainly back up as long as you’re not trying to turn really tight. If I’m backing into a tight campsite though I generally try to release the bars first. Puts a lot less stress on the system that way.
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Posts: 62 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:37am
We have two different WDH/ANTI-SWAY hitches for two different RVs and we have never had any issues with backing up with everything attached. Unless, of course, if you count when I was still learning to back up a trailer, but that had nothing to do with the hitch! Embarrassed
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:40am
Originally posted by furpod

Where are you reading you can't back up? I have never seen such a warning for a WDH. Backing is an integral part of towing.

Are you sure you are not confusing anti sway with weight distribution?

I wouldn't say confused as much as seeking clarification on how they work while backing. Some WDH list as providing only weight distribution, then some say they prevent both, (Andersen for example) and then I see some with a separate sway bar that gets attached. That's why I posted "or if that only applies when you have the separate "sway control bar" attached? " in my question.
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 9:08am
Originally posted by CharlieM

The reverse problem is associated with flat anti-sway devices of the friction type that connect from a separate ball on the TV hitch mount to a ball welded on the trailer frame. These low end devices buckle and must be removed before backing up. Since they are often added to pure WDHs they have become associated with WDH in the public mind. Combination WDH/anti-sway hitches like the Fastway E2 and others by Equal-i-zer, Curt, Reese, Eaz-Lift do not have this problem and may be left connected while backing.

I see, that clarifies it. Thanks!
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 3:56pm
I use the Fastway E2  600/6000 Wdh. I've done almost 90 degree turns backing, with no problem ever. I never really looked to see how close the end of the spring bars gets to the brackets. I was told when I bought the Wdh that you CAN backup with it, and never gave it a second thought. 
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 4:02pm
When we had our accident a few years ago, we hit ice with a crosswind. I think the Equal-i-zer bars helped prevent the accident from being worse as there was a definite imprint of a bar in the bumper. It stopped the trailer from swinging around even more and causing more damage to both the trailer and the tow vehicle which, at the time, was a 2016 Ford Escape. Now we tow with a Hensley Cub hitch. The way it is articulated means I can make some pretty tight turns with it.
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