Sway Controller ? for longtime towers
When we bought our first TT about 5 years ago, we were warned during our walk-through that we should always remove the sway bar prior to backing with the trailer. Even if we were backing just a little...
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Ah! I think I figured it out thanks to those Reese install instructions mentioned above! Yes, under most normal conditions any turn made with trailer and tow vehicle can be made forward and backwards.
BUT... I have NEVER heard of anyone jack knifing a trailer moving forward, no matter how sharp the turn. The sway bar is positioned in such a fashion, that even at the tightest turn, either direction in a forward motion, the bar will not "bottom out".
BUT! Going backwards, it is VERY VERY possible to jack knife. A jack knife will cause the bar to bottom out (backing either direction), because going backwards it IS possible to turn the angle of the camper and tow vehicle MUCH more than going forward. If the jack knife occurs and the bar hits the frame of the camper .... well .... there goes the "dog ear", there goes the ball on the trailer A frame, and there goes the bar itself. Makes sense now.
So, if you NEVER jack knife, sure ... you can back up. But you know .... that one time you "think you knew it all?"..... well! You just may be kicking yourself.
I'm glad I switched hitch systems and don't have to worry about it now!
BUT... I have NEVER heard of anyone jack knifing a trailer moving forward, no matter how sharp the turn. The sway bar is positioned in such a fashion, that even at the tightest turn, either direction in a forward motion, the bar will not "bottom out".
BUT! Going backwards, it is VERY VERY possible to jack knife. A jack knife will cause the bar to bottom out (backing either direction), because going backwards it IS possible to turn the angle of the camper and tow vehicle MUCH more than going forward. If the jack knife occurs and the bar hits the frame of the camper .... well .... there goes the "dog ear", there goes the ball on the trailer A frame, and there goes the bar itself. Makes sense now.
So, if you NEVER jack knife, sure ... you can back up. But you know .... that one time you "think you knew it all?"..... well! You just may be kicking yourself.
I'm glad I switched hitch systems and don't have to worry about it now!
