Friction Sway Bar

LarryJM wrote:

LVJJJ wrote:
waaayy back in the '80's when we towed with our 1965 Chevy Van, I used two anti-sway bars, but after almost losing it when two semi's blew by me on each side on a three lane freeway, going downhill, I bought an Equal-I-zer hitch and have been sway free since then.
Those so-called anti-sway bars are stupidly ineffective, they don't start working until AFTER the sway has started so its hit and miss if they will keep you from crashing. While I recommend an Equal-i-zer there are several other hitches out there these days (however, many of those are Equal-i-zer knock offs so get the real thing) that don't need sway bars. Protect your family and get something that works.

I disagree with just about everything you posted and it appears you don't understand how these systems actually work. A properly adjusted and installed (i.e. more than one for longer trailers) "friction bar" system IMO is just about as effective as any of the other friction based systems (Equal-i-zer, Reese, etc.). They begin operating any time there is a rotational movement of the trailer tongue on the TV hitch ball and NOT as you stated "after sway has started" just like such systems as the Equal-i-zer and Reese do. The biggest advantage IMO of the integrated systems is they as more or less adjustment free except for the "socket pivet bolt torque" on the Equal-i-zer system. Also, there are not the "backing concerns" with them as you need to be aware of with the "friction bar" type system.

Larry

Well I totally disagree with your post. Anti-sway bars are dangerous and don't work in all situations, Equal-I-zers do and have saved my life. Sorry, I do understand how these things work based reality based on 30 years of experience.