Sway Control really needed ???

Not the semis I have a problem with. I'm usually passing them. It's the wind and the knuckle-head going 90 in a box van that give me fits.

thkimbrell wrote:
Is there anything to help reduce the effects of bow wave and wind. I 2013 26' Salem. It doesn't have shocks. If I installed them would they make much difference?

No. Nothing will get rid of the push/pull effect from passing semis. If you have no sway when they pass, then you are setup very well!

I have personally witnessed in the last 6 or 7 years, 2 accidents with improperly
loaded trailers.

Saw a TV and trailer do 1 and a half turn spin in Nashville. Trailer turned over and lifted the back of the truck off the ground, when it stopped. Had a family in the truck.
Saw another trailer with an old Firebird on a small high trailer backwards. Merged on to the interstate and sway started and flipped Bronco TV and car and trailer.
Sway control would not have helped either one in my opinion.
But I put one on my 3500 GVWR yesterday, and plan on having 10 to 15% on the tongue.
Years ago, I pulled a trailer behind my Motorcycle, so I learned about proper weight distribution.
Just consider the Sway bar insurance.

Is there anything to help reduce the effects of bow wave and wind. I 2013 26' Salem. It doesn't have shocks. If I installed them would they make much difference?

Good post. That was pretty much my experience too when I moved up from popup to HTT. Had the same type WDH and friction bar setup as you and had zero problems and no sway.

I tow a 27' TT with a ext cab truck. When i head out I always use sway control. Only takes a second to through the bar on and im good to go.

On a recent trip, we had some friends following us and when we stopped for lunch i asked them how it looked from behind and they said straight as an arrow.

After towing a PUP for 17 years and FINALLY moving up to a TT last year, sway control was one of the first questions i asked on this forum. I took the advice from the majority and bought an anti-sway bar. They're not that expensive and I love the peace of mind that comes with the fact that im doing everything in my power to tow safe, not only for me and my family, but for the others around me.

Just buy one, you wont be sorry. This is what I use. I love it!

WoodGlue wrote:

Atlee wrote:
For me personally, I'd rather have sway control and not need it, than not have sway control and need it.

Words of wisdom to live by!

It's just too bad that we have to share the roads with people who have no common sense!

WoodGlue

Ain't that the truth. :S

Atlee wrote:
For me personally, I'd rather have sway control and not need it, than not have sway control and need it.

Words of wisdom to live by!

It's just too bad that we have to share the roads with people who have no common sense!

WoodGlue

Terryallan wrote:

And it should not sway at any speed with out sway control. As mentioned above. NEVER hide a sway problem under a sway control band aid. Adjust your trailer to the point that is does NOT sway at any speed, and then, and only then add sway control.

Sway control is only for those times when sway is induced by maneuvering in an emergency situation, like dodging a hazard in the road, or losing a tire. You should not need it any other time.

Case in point. My trailer has -o- sway at any speed. I don't need sway control to drive down the road. Trucks don't bother me, either when passing me, or me passing them. However I do use sway control. You never know when someone will cut you off, a Deer will run in front of you, or a tire will blow. That is what sway control is for.

Ah, the crux of the discussion! Yes, you should use some sort of sway control. The issue here is that it is not a band aid to use to take care of a more serious problem. Get your hitch set up correctly, make sure your trailer is balanced and then use sway control. I agree.

For me personally, I'd rather have sway control and not need it, than not have sway control and need it.