No reverse with WDH?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13467
Printed Date: 04 May 2024 at 2:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: No reverse with WDH?
Posted By: Wirat
Subject: No reverse with WDH?
Date 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!
------------- 2019 R-Pod 191 |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date 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? |
Posted By: Pod People
Date 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 Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
|
Posted By: CharlieM
Date 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.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: offgrid
Date 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. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: 1nana2many
Date 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!  ------------- The mountains are calling and we must go...O.D., Keith & Jody 2016 RP179= O.D. (Olive Drab) 2008 Coachman Captiva 1993 Jayco 1206 popup 2016 F150 Supercrew |
Posted By: Wirat
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 8:40am
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. ------------- 2019 R-Pod 191 |
Posted By: Wirat
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 9:08am
I see, that clarifies it. Thanks! ------------- 2019 R-Pod 191 |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date 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. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date 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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 4:45pm
|
+1 on not backing up with the sway bar on but it's OK with WDH. My brother in law ripped his sway bar ball connection right off the trailer frame. When we picked up our RPod, it was our first travel trailer (previously had tent trailers). The dealership rep that was "training" us had a great suggestion; he said that when we pull into a campground, one of us should always go to register and the other should always take the sway bar off. That way you will never accidentally damage the sway bar set up by backing into the campsite spots! For us, so far so good! :-) ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2020 at 6:26pm
|
If you have a Fastway E-2 WDH and the bar ever comes off while backing, you should probably check the adjustment of the L brackets on the tongue. Likely, they are either too far back or right at the aft limit. Move them a little forward if you can and if it's consistent with the range in the instruction booklet. When we bought our pod the dealer put them too far back. I found this out while backing. I moved them to the correct position and had no further problems. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Mirado
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 6:18pm
|
I use one of these low-end sway bars. I have never removed it when backing into a campsite, and I have never had any trouble with it whatsoever. I know of some users who tighten them W_A_A_A_AY too tight...I can see where that may be a problem. ------------- Miriam and Doug 2015 Rpod 181G Silverado 1500 |
Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2020 at 6:40pm
|
Never had a problem backing with the E2. ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 6:15am
Agreed. I prefer the "low end" antisway bars. They allow me to adjust antisway resistance independently of wdh tension, which many (most?) of the "high end" integrated ones do not. Antisway and wd are two entirely different functions and there is no reason to expect that the proper adjustment for one will be correct for the other. For example, I reduce antisway on slow speed twisty forest service roads and increase it on the freeway. I increase wdh tension outbound on a trip when I have a full fresh water tank and reduce it inbound when the water has been shifted aft to the gray tank. Takes about 10 seconds to readjust antisway on the "low end" systems. Why spend more for less flexibility?
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Woodmiester
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 4:53pm
|
Not to worry! Your not putting anymore stress in reverse than you do going forward. The friction sway control bars are different entirely. You need to uncouple that before you do a turn in reverse. ------------- Swampfox |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 7:03am
|
I'm of the opinion that neither Load leveling nor sway are meant for anywhere except the highway. Reason not to use elsewhere is the tight turns you encounter. Backing up tends to lead to tight turns (as in town driving can). It's those turns that add the excessive pressure and cause issue. Personally only backed up twice with the load leveling hitch in place (just forgot to disconnect) and the brackets shifted. Yes a tight turn into a site. Again, MHO ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 7:53am
I partially agree. The purpose of a wdh is to place more load on the front axle of the tow vehicle and less on the rear axle. So, if you're on a steep, winding, or wet road the wdh can really help with stability and maintaining AWD traction and steering authority. Also braking, because the front wheels of your TV. are the best brakes on the rig. So I always use the wdh unless actually parking or otherwise maneuvering in a tight location. The sway control is another matter. Since it resists allowing the rig to pivot it places a side load on the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That could cause the rear to break loose on a wet or slippery surface. So, I reduce friction from the sway control under those conditions. I'm not going very fast then anyway. I also remove it on winding slower speed roads as its not needed there to prevent sway, so its just creating friction during turns for no benefit. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 12:41pm
|
Somebody should make a remote operated quick release, or remote mechanical disconnect for those things. Whatever you want to call it: a button on the dash (or integrated with the backup lights) that releases friction or reduces it when backing up. Hmmm....patent pending! ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 2:59pm
Better get it in gear podwerks, you just made public disclosure of your idea so you now have one year to file for your patent. And BTW you can't claim your patent is pending until you actually file. First step is to do a patent search for prior art in the field, I'd be happy to take on that task for $400 an hour billed against a $10K retainer. PM me and I'll be pleased to send you over my professional services agreement to review.  ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |