Reduce Sway
So we upgraded from a 26Ft to a 37Ft TT and we have lots of sway now when windy or passed by a semi. We are currently using a WD system with a friction sway bar. We were wondering if we should switch ...
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:
Other than the question of the truck not compatible with the TT (I think this is a big part of the issue) and weights, minimizing sway can involve a number of factors that add up and work together:
- run TT tires at max sidewall psi.
- run next higher load range than the TT came with so the tires can be inflated to a higher psi (65 vs 50, 80 vs 65)
- tires on TV should be LT type
- inflate TV tires to near max psi (I use 80 rear & 75 front)
- get some good HD shocks like Bilstein for the truck
- add shocks to the TT
- ensure TT is level when fully loaded to slightly nose down (I found slightly nose down is noticeably better)
- ensure the TT suspension is in good order - even a new TT can have spring bushings that are totally shot
- ensure there isn't excessive play in the WDH/receiver
- longer wheelbase TV
- ensure that you have the WDH spring bars correctly tensioned to transfer enough weight back onto the steer axle. A trip to a scale can help do this more accurately.
- towing with one or more full holding tanks can throw TW off enough to affect sway & handling (depending on tank location too)
- don't tow at excessive speeds - 65 mph is a good max (watch your tire max speed rating)
- slow way down in gusting winds - a 34' TT can get pushed all over the place due to sidewall area and is hard to control with any WDH
I highly recommend the Reese DC WDH. It has a self-centering pro-active action that the others don't. It is more work to install and set up but is def. worth it. It's what we have and it's great (no sway on a 29' TT) A good overall setup also improves handling on twisty mountain roads at speed when the TT wants to jostle all over the place. Don't get a Hensley or Propride to mask underlying issues.
Thank you.
