Anti-Sway Bars Needed?
I drive a 2011 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew Cab. Just bought a 2016 Keystone Outback Terrain 210 TRS to replace my old Jayco Skylark. I'll need a new weight distribution hitch, but am wondering if I'll n...
Forum Discussion
I commend the OP for trying to be safe as well as all the members here for trying to be helpful and as safe as possible while operating these rigs on the same public highways as we all drive on. I'll bet everyone here wishes more people would be more professional in our hobby.
I agree as others have said , with operators control being the key factor regarding trailer sway.
I really don't know if we need sway control or not..... but I don't think using sway control is a bad idea. I have a friction sway bar and sometimes use, sometimes don't. I notice no difference. That doesn't mean its right or wrong.
Using a good WDH with integrated sway, allows you to back up longer distances with tighter angles opposed to the 'friction type' of sway bar, that you might have to disengage before backing at tight angles , but both will work . Either way, if you feel comfortable using it, then you are doing the right thing.
A bow wave from an overtaking bus or tractor trailer is to be expected due to unequal air pressure that pushes and pulls on your TT then your TV .
Don't let it scare you, expect it and flow with it , don't try to over correct it. Experiencing that does not mean you are having a sway problem.
***Having your tow vehicle and trailer properly aired up with a balanced load and your hitch adjusted properly , should tow fine.
If not careful on wet surfaces, hydroplaning will occur before trailer sway if your rig is in total balance.
Slow down on wet surfaces. At over 55 mph, you're riding on a bead of water. ( research tire safety and hydroplaning)
4x4 Dodgers post as well as others made me think about what I have practiced and made excellent comments regarding control.
Lets face it, driving a Prius is not the same as driving a truck trailer combo.
Learn the forces in play and always pay attention while being the captain of your ship.
IMO, your best weapon is your ability to control your vehicle by not panicking when reacting to a force that feels foreign to you.
"feel different forces and how a rig reacts to them."
Know what to expect by practicing it might be in order for all of us.
Setting up some cones in an empty parking lot of a closed business might NOT be a bad idea. It gives you the chance to push your rig under a controlled environment as well as your comfort level. Increase your speed gradually as you practice to learn how the rig reacts . That way, you have a good idea of what to expect if/when you encounter something.
You practice how to brake, avoid objects and control becomes second nature and improves confidence on the road.
** With your rig, practice driving around an object while keeping control . Practicing that could save you from crashing into something because you will automatically react from your own training to avoid an object rather than crashing into it.
Often, I travel during the night to avoid traffic . I have come upon and been the first person on scene of fatal accidents where drivers locked the brakes and skidded into something. When all they had to do was take pressure off the brake and drive around the fixed object , totally avoiding the accident.
My point.... practice how to keep control of our rigs , in an emergency it will and take away the element of surprise and may save your life.
I agree as others have said , with operators control being the key factor regarding trailer sway.
I really don't know if we need sway control or not..... but I don't think using sway control is a bad idea. I have a friction sway bar and sometimes use, sometimes don't. I notice no difference. That doesn't mean its right or wrong.
Using a good WDH with integrated sway, allows you to back up longer distances with tighter angles opposed to the 'friction type' of sway bar, that you might have to disengage before backing at tight angles , but both will work . Either way, if you feel comfortable using it, then you are doing the right thing.
A bow wave from an overtaking bus or tractor trailer is to be expected due to unequal air pressure that pushes and pulls on your TT then your TV .
Don't let it scare you, expect it and flow with it , don't try to over correct it. Experiencing that does not mean you are having a sway problem.
***Having your tow vehicle and trailer properly aired up with a balanced load and your hitch adjusted properly , should tow fine.
If not careful on wet surfaces, hydroplaning will occur before trailer sway if your rig is in total balance.
Slow down on wet surfaces. At over 55 mph, you're riding on a bead of water. ( research tire safety and hydroplaning)
4x4 Dodgers post as well as others made me think about what I have practiced and made excellent comments regarding control.
Lets face it, driving a Prius is not the same as driving a truck trailer combo.
Learn the forces in play and always pay attention while being the captain of your ship.
IMO, your best weapon is your ability to control your vehicle by not panicking when reacting to a force that feels foreign to you.
"feel different forces and how a rig reacts to them."
Know what to expect by practicing it might be in order for all of us.
Setting up some cones in an empty parking lot of a closed business might NOT be a bad idea. It gives you the chance to push your rig under a controlled environment as well as your comfort level. Increase your speed gradually as you practice to learn how the rig reacts . That way, you have a good idea of what to expect if/when you encounter something.
You practice how to brake, avoid objects and control becomes second nature and improves confidence on the road.
** With your rig, practice driving around an object while keeping control . Practicing that could save you from crashing into something because you will automatically react from your own training to avoid an object rather than crashing into it.
Often, I travel during the night to avoid traffic . I have come upon and been the first person on scene of fatal accidents where drivers locked the brakes and skidded into something. When all they had to do was take pressure off the brake and drive around the fixed object , totally avoiding the accident.
My point.... practice how to keep control of our rigs , in an emergency it will and take away the element of surprise and may save your life.
