Backing with a sway bar

[waynefi]

I have heard that you shouldn't back up with a sway bar attached. What exactly is the issue? I can imaging that if you jacknife the trailer it would try to shorten the bar below it's minimum length. Is that the only issue?

[Hannibal]

Lynnmor wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
The instructions do say to remove it while backing. They also say to loosen it in rainy or slick conditions. May prevent the TV from turning correctly

Being able to reduce friction is a good thing that is not available in the over-priced brands.

Water is an effective lubricant. I would think water would automatically reduce the friction of the Equalizer 4 pt or Reese dual cam. I use a dab of grease on my L brackets anyhow to keep them quiet so it's already less effective.
Threads like this make me wonder. Are the candy bars as effective as the Equalizer and dual cam with the difference being convenience of not having to remove anything? Are they noisy?

[ScottG]

I have never unhooked the bars reversing. Anything you can do going forward, you can also do going backwards.
I think they write that into the directions so someone jackknifing a trailer wont dent their bumper or damage the hitch.
Simple answer; Dont jackknife!

[HuckleberryHunt]

Ivylog wrote:
" it can result in bending it or breaking the ball it pivots on" only if you jackknife the trailer which you can do when backing up but can't when pulling. I never removed mine as I can back up without jackknifing the trailer.

Before switching to the 4-point Equalizer I used this system for years. Like Ivylog, I'd take it off if doing any technical backing, but if just backing straight up, or relatively straight, I'd leave it on. Do what you're comfortable with. Guess an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in most cases.

[Kavoom]

I use a Fastway E2 (cheaper version of Equalizer)and that is a selling point that you do not have to remove. https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch

[jerryjay11]

I guess it depends on the type of sway control you use. I have a Curt TruTrack that uses bars that slide on a hanger and have never had any problems backing. It may pop off the balls, but pops right back on without any damage. I suppose if I jackknife to the point the camper hits the back of my truck I may bend a bar. Though that is a bit far fetched.

[Lynnmor]

Terryallan wrote:
The instructions do say to remove it while backing. They also say to loosen it in rainy or slick conditions. May prevent the TV from turning correctly

Being able to reduce friction is a good thing that is not available in the over-priced brands.

[Ivylog]

" it can result in bending it or breaking the ball it pivots on" only if you jackknife the trailer which you can do when backing up but can't when pulling. I never removed mine as I can back up without jackknifing the trailer.

[bikendan]

2edgesword wrote:
I've been doing it for years on two different trailers using two different types of hitches (Reese and Equalizer) and never had any issues.

the OP is talking about a add-on friction antisway bar, which the Equal-i-zer doesn't have.
old tech add-on friction antisway bars should be removed when backing since it can result in bending it or breaking the ball it pivots on.

[Fordlover]

I've never read to remove bars while backing an Equal-i-zer brand (and never had an issue with mine, a selling point IMO), but yep, I've seen a few bent friction type sway units over the years.

[Terryallan]

The instructions do say to remove it while backing. They also say to loosen it in rainy or slick conditions. May prevent the TV from turning correctly

[Dick_B]

No issues with my Equal-i-zer either. Maybe just lucky.

[2edgesword]

I've been doing it for years on two different trailers using two different types of hitches (Reese and Equalizer) and never had any issues.

[wrgrs50s]

It's just the risk of bending it. I never took mine off. I just pulled forward and repositioned if the angle was getting too close to a 90.

[stallsmi]

I bent one backing into my driveway. The insert was bent so badly I could not repair (unbend) it. Luckily I had a spare.0

[mat60]

It may also extend it to far. I just installed one at home and Im going to check mine out soon.