WDH or sway bar
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4570
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 6:04am
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Topic: WDH or sway bar
Posted By: ahefner
Subject: WDH or sway bar
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2014 at 11:31pm
| I have a Nissan xterra with a 5000lb tow rating and going this weekend to pickup my 178 and I'm wondering if I should get a weight distribution hitch or a sway bar? I will have a 700 mile drive from the dealer with the trailer. |
Replies:
Posted By: bodie55
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 12:37am
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We chose an E2 hitch, which has both. Easy to use and makes us feel safe. Not that we have anything to compare it to, as the pod is our first pull-behind toy...
------------- Bay Area Crew 2013 178 Beach Pod F-150 SuperCrew ...sempre in viaggio sul mare... |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 10:12am
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Mabe hook up to the pod at the dealers and test drive it. You will get a feel of the trailer and can determine if you need a wdh or sway bar. If you think you may need one buy at the dealer or here by rv supply like camping world. We use a sway bar mainly because when the fresh water tank is full we get a little sway , other than that the pod tows great. We are towing with a ford f150 v/6 Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 10:28am
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I wonder if the fact that your F150 may have a longer wheelbase and is heavier than the Xterra,that may be the reason you aren't affected with sway as much? I am not an expert, but I do believe that having read many of the towing comments over the years, the longer wheelbase of the tow vehicle and it's weight seem to be a big factor. I leave it to the campers who have more experience to correct me. In any event, enjoy your Pod. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 12:46pm
| I talked to a local rv'er / co-worker here and he said diffinately get one. Its a lot better to be safe than sorry and with the shorter wheel base it will help out a lot. |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 1:42pm
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That's exactly my feeling on the subject. I wouldn't be without it pulling our 178 with a Wrangler Unlimited. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 2:03pm
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For info on the factors that induce sway, see the link in my signature. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 6:41pm
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Hey Guys, Do you think we'll ever close the WDH/Sway debate? Let's hurry up. Then we can take on tires  ------------- 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: ahefner
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 6:57pm
| I've been reading both sides of the debate for almost a year and figured I would chime in and see if there was an answer yet. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 7:15pm
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The answer is ...it depends. I'm on record as strongly recommending WDH and sway control unless your TV is a diesel freight train. But, the conversation go on........ BTW, the train tracks do help with sway  ------------- 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: Craneman
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 9:41pm
Absolutely Bob, I'm sure the truck makes a difference. But I just talked to so people a week ago towing with a Honda suv ( not sure of model ) towing without a wdh and sway bar and said they didn't have any problem. Oh well good luck in you quest. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 11:46pm
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What about the tires? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 8:10am
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Tire pressure in the TV and trailer are also a factor, also covered in the Pod manual (link in my sig). Both need to be near or at max for 2 reasons. One is to prevent sway since sidewall flex amplifies a small sway into a big one very quickly. The second is that tires are only rated for their maximum carrying capacity at their maximum inflation. I keep the pod at max psi, and the truck within a few psi of the max rating. I've learned that ride comfort dramatically decreases by adding those last few pounds which is why I keep it a few psi lower. Since that isn't an issue for the trailer and most campers are pushing their weight ratings when fully loaded and with full tanks, the pod always gets the max. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: outermostpod
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 9:51am
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Since we seem to have deviated slightly from WDH questions - maybe this is the best place for this question! My pod tires are inflated to the max (I think it is 35 psi if I recall correctly) as written on the sidewall - and they still seem squishy (technical term). I know some bulge is normal on radial tires but they seem too soft. Is this normal? |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 12:24pm
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The tire pressure for your pod is 50 PSI. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 1:16pm
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<The tire pressure for your pod is 50 PSI.>
Which is also listed along with the VIN number, weight, etc on the street side front corner of the trailer. Look at the yellow sticker. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: outermostpod
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 2:07pm
| would the pressure differ between what it says on the yellow sticker vs the tire itself? I'll have to check this out when I get home. |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2014 at 5:00pm
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The sticker should also tell you size & ply rating of the tire, that the camper requires. I know our Coleman has that. I haven't checked the Pod's sticker for that. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 1:05pm
| Since I started this debate again I thought it only appropriate to chime back in. After driving 740 miles back home from the dealer and facing 30 to 50 mpg winds on the hi-way I was very thankful I had the e2 hitch. I really feel like it made a huge difference on the ride back home. |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 9:07pm
Which hitch did you get? i.e. What size? TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 11:35pm
| got the 600lbs rated one. |
Posted By: bodie55
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:49am
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E2 600/6000... ------------- Bay Area Crew 2013 178 Beach Pod F-150 SuperCrew ...sempre in viaggio sul mare... |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:54am
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I got the 400/4000# Equal-i-zer because I will never buy another RV. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 7:52am
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I hope not marwayne, you would lose 500 man-hours worth of mods! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 8:16am
I was looking at the 400/4000 but they didn't have it in stock and I was there. So the 600/6000 was the next choice 
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Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:22pm
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We went with the 500/5000 Blue Ox per the dealers recommendation. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 9:19am
Blue OX has a good reputation in WDHs ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 3:01pm
 ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 01 May 2014 at 8:03pm
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I'm always puzzled by the recommendations of a sway bar no matter what. I currently have in my yard 8 trailers, I kid you not. I have owned probably 20 or more in my life and have NEVER had sway with a properly loaded trailer. Period. The only time I had bad sway problems was with my 10,000 lb capacity dump trailer. Picked up a load of crushed stone and the loader operator dropped it a little too far back. A 10,000 lb load of crushed stone isn't a very big pile, a full load to the brim in the trailer, 12x6x2 would far overload it. Stopped at the nearest hardware store, bought a shovel and spent a very unpleasant half hour in summer heat shoveling stone forward. Sway gone. That rig weighs in at 23,100 lbs leaving the quarry, 10,000 is the truck the dump trailer is 3100 and the load 10,000. Even a 10,000 lb truck does not stop sway, proper loading does. |
Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 01 May 2014 at 8:45pm
I'll remember to bring a shovel to move the gravel in my R-Pod. Then I can throw the shovel at the strong gusting side winds to stop the sway. Since the side walls of the trailer act as a sail, I'll keep with a my E2.
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Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 7:02am
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I agree with Boomertype. Throw some 7'tall walls on that dump trailer, then drive it in 40mph gusting cross winds. I bet you won't be texting & driving.
I have towed cars & trucks with a tow truck since I was 17. I have hauled trailers even longer. Only ever had uncontrollable sway once; when a zero turn mower rolled back in the trailer. Exciting. I have had my Coleman Columbia popup trailer push me around all the way across Iowa on more than one occasion. The first time that I used a WDH with sway control was in 30 mph winds with our Pod. (same tow vehicle) It was MUCH more manageable than a folded down popup, that weighs less than half the weight. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 8:36am
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I tend to agree with both points of view. I've never had sway problems and I've never used a sway bar or a WDH and I've towed a lot of different trailers. I pay attention to how the weight is distributed on the trailer, which is hardly ever a difficult proposition and can be very easily accomplished with the r-pod without the use of a shovel. Maybe, but I doubt it, I'm better than average at pulling trailers. There is a mindset one should be in when pulling a trailer, in my opinion. If other people don't realize that or think that pulling a trailer should be no different than not pulling a trailer, those people are likely to run into issues -- again, my opinion, and I really don't think there are many people that dumb. Never having used a sway bar or WDH, I certainly can't fault people who do. They seem to serve the intended purpose and apparently they satisfy people as to their worthiness. That's great. If you feel you need them or are more comfortable with them, by all means use them. They don't come without costs, in dollars, weight, and inconvenience, but again, many people seem to find them worth it and even necessary. If I ever try pulling with a WDH and sway control I may become an instant convert, I don't know. I've toyed with the idea of getting a 600# E2 or something similar just to try it. If I don't like it I figure I can sell it as "like new" and maybe it will cost me $100 for the experiment. We'll see. I'm getting ready for an 800 mile (one way) trip and back with the pod. Maybe I'll add the E2 to the expenses for this trip. I made the same trip last year with zero issues though, so it's a tough sell for me. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 10:14am
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You'll notice an improvement in your ride quality, if nothing else. You are literally adding an extra suspension system at the pivot point. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 2:46pm
| A good friend of mine used this analogy - AntiSway/WDH is sort of like a seatbelt, you may have never needed one yet, but when you do, you will be glad you have one. All it takes it the wrong conditions to make them worth every penny. Some folks find the ride is improved, and I think that's a plus right out of the box. But when that event occurs that and you survive because of your seat belts, you wear them every moment. Seat belts have saved my family, someday a WDH/antisway system could save your life and maybe someone you love. |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 2:53pm
Never needed a sway control.
Reason- massive tongue weight being a toy hauler with all RV stuff in the front 10 ft or so...
Look- I never said a sway control was a bad idea. (Although it is in icy or slippery conditions)
I merely wonder why some people blindly state it is a must with NO knowledge of how a particular trailer tows.
I have a sway control, bought it probably 10 years ago on sale. Still in the box, as I said I've never needed it- the minute I do it comes out and gets installed.
I also own, and use, 2 different WD hitches, one with 1000 lb bars and one with 600 lb bars. I am a big fan of WD hitches and as techntrek says they generally improve the ride. But I've never needed a sway control on one.
I stand by my original statement- a properly loaded trailer has NO need for a sway control, WD hitch or not.
Carry on
 |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 02 May 2014 at 6:03pm
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I stand by my original statement- a properly loaded trailer has NO need for a sway control, WD hitch or not.
I agree. But, I have a 2"lift & 33" off road tires on a vehicle that has a 104"wheelbase. All of those items work against stability. I'm sure, given my years (& miles) of towing experience that I could haul that 3000 lb trailer most anywhere safely. Heck I once hauled a tandem axle car trailer, overloaded with staw bales, with an Elcamino using a bumper hitch 35 miles. Not smart, but I was young. Got it home without scratch, as safely as possible. That said, after using the WDH with sway control built in, I am a believer. But as you said, its not for everyone. But I think it would be very helpful for someone with less experience or a more marginal tow vehicle. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 May 2014 at 2:32pm
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The proper loading of a trailer (in other words, tongue weight) is only one factor that influences sway. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PID=29812&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual#29812 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PID=29812&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual#29812 ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: BUFFALO GALS
Date Posted: 12 May 2014 at 7:44pm
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apparently, I am the most stupid. I can't figure out how to post anything. Please help me. e-mail: lchase8@maine.rr.com ------------- HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS CHASER |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 May 2014 at 9:12am
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I just sent you an email, not sure what issue you are having since your post appeared above. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 13 May 2014 at 6:16pm
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I lied--Kind of. In the blow over messages, I stated that after my accident several years ago that I have used a WDH, but no sway control since. I should have stated sway control on the WDH or trailer. My Tundra, like many trucks is equipped with a built in anti-sway system that is enacted automatically whenever the truck or trailer starts to sway, AND to add to my lies, I installed a Toyota Racing Development sway bar on the rear suspension of my truck. So, I guess my sway control is just handled in a different manner. Sorry for my accidental prevarications. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 13 May 2014 at 8:49pm
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I also have an Xterra. We tow a 172. It barely makes a change on vehicle height. I've pulled it over 10,000 miles with absolutely no problems. Could use a little more horsepower. No WDH. ------------- 09 RP172 09 Nissan Xterra Ron,Kathy, Coco 11yr Choc Lab |
Posted By: Old Hippy
Date Posted: 27 May 2014 at 8:15pm
| Not sure if this helped me make up my mind ...but it did make me feel better hearing that many people feel they don't need an extra wdh or sway control added. I've only towed my pod twice no more than 100 miles at a pop ..but have had no problems at all .(knock on wood ) lol Will see what happens after my trip up rt.395 to Lee Vining ! Long uphills and lots of desert wind ! |