weight distribution/sway or not
TV is a 2014 Tahoe with HD tow package, 8,000 lbs tow rating, pulling a flagstaff microlite 23' empty weight is 3630, been told I do not need a weight distribution/sway bar, would like to other opinio...
Forum Discussion
Anaro,
Backing up with the friction sway control is fine as long as the bar does not compress enough to hit it's limits. If a bar is installed correctly, then the chances of that happening is fairly slim as long as you do not jacknife the trailer. The sway bar does not care if you are backing up or going forward. It will compress and expand just so far either way.
You can find the limits of the bar by backing up, first with a left turn and then a right turn and having somone walk alongside to watch the bar and stop you when the limit is just about reached.
When backing to the right, the bar will compress and reach a point where farther compression will cause the metal parts of the bar to meet. That is when you stop and take notice of where the truck/trailer angle is.
When doing a left back (normal back in procedure from drivers side) the control may hit the A frame coupler in it's middle and cause it to bend.
This angle may be a bit less than the other side.
There are some pictures on the forums by JBarca which shows this contact. If I find them I will come back and post a link. Have to go to dinner right now.:)
Barney
Hope this has helped clarify my previous comment. :)
Edit: Found at least one of the posts by JBarca with the pictures of the problem that can come with tight turns with the friction sway bar. They will help explain what I tried to say above.
Friction sway bar picture post by JBarca
Barney
Backing up with the friction sway control is fine as long as the bar does not compress enough to hit it's limits. If a bar is installed correctly, then the chances of that happening is fairly slim as long as you do not jacknife the trailer. The sway bar does not care if you are backing up or going forward. It will compress and expand just so far either way.
You can find the limits of the bar by backing up, first with a left turn and then a right turn and having somone walk alongside to watch the bar and stop you when the limit is just about reached.
When backing to the right, the bar will compress and reach a point where farther compression will cause the metal parts of the bar to meet. That is when you stop and take notice of where the truck/trailer angle is.
When doing a left back (normal back in procedure from drivers side) the control may hit the A frame coupler in it's middle and cause it to bend.
This angle may be a bit less than the other side.
There are some pictures on the forums by JBarca which shows this contact. If I find them I will come back and post a link. Have to go to dinner right now.:)
Barney
Hope this has helped clarify my previous comment. :)
Edit: Found at least one of the posts by JBarca with the pictures of the problem that can come with tight turns with the friction sway bar. They will help explain what I tried to say above.
Friction sway bar picture post by JBarca
Barney
