marjim
Weekender RV’er
Retired EE, Vietnam Vet, God, Faith, Family & Flag. St. Louis area
Posts: 99
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Post by marjim on Jan 24, 2021 15:30:57 GMT -5
We have been scouting campgrounds in Missouri during the winter downtime. (Another post) but during some of our visits we saw larger campers with tow/antisway/stabilizer bars and smaller ones (cub trailers and popups) with smaller versions. Yet we saw a big horse trailer and a few midsize campers without. Is there some rule of common sense length whereby a anti-sway bar hookup is absolutely needed? The answer we get is consult your RV dealer and that usually means $500 bucks for hardware and labr and their markup. Adding this system is costly, even if you do it on your own. But the un-connect and re-connect time and effort is about 15-20mins more than usual, especially if you have to do it in inclement weather. (So does clement weather mean sunny?) We have the 190VRB and total length is about 23-24foot going to a RAM 1500. The prior owner had the same truck and towed the camper for 4 years with the truck or a Jeep Cherokee without the anti-sway system. Can you all weigh in on this?  SEE POLL |
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Post by touaregtowr on Jan 24, 2021 20:04:44 GMT -5
We have a 168VRB that loaded is under 4000lb and 21" long. Towing with our VW Touareg (V6 Gas weighing 4700 lbs) we have not felt the need for anti sway bar or weight distribution.   |
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3rdof5
Weekender RV’er
Finally camping season!
Posts: 55
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Post by 3rdof5 on Jan 28, 2021 20:13:21 GMT -5
My previous camper was a 2005 coyote 23ct. 23 feet long and 5000 lbs fully loaded. I never pulled it with sway bars and my 1500 ram sagged abit but handled it ok. By "ok" I mean it was ok for a driver experienced in pulling trailers. The fresh water tank was in the front which added alot of hitch weight when full, which I needed it to be on some trips. I should have had sway bars (weight distribution hitch) and it would have been much more enjoyable and relaxing to pull. When I purchased my new 251vrk I had the dealer install a new weight distribution hitch and even though this trailer is heavier it pulls much better and sits perfectly level. Bottom line, I definitely recommend using one.
Hooking up time isnt that much longer, maybe 10 minutes max total time.
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Post by rucker on Jan 29, 2021 9:23:14 GMT -5
I use a Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch and the extra hook up time is minimal...a couple of minutes once you've done it half a dozen times. I was pulling a ST281VBH...not comparable to the unit you're referring to but, I would imagine the set up time and take down time of the sway bar/WDH is similar.
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Jim
Seasonal RV’er
Ready to Camp!
Posts: 210
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Post by Jim on Jan 31, 2021 13:09:11 GMT -5
My first thoughts are that if you are comfortable while towing and, have no issues with sway or handling issues, you are probably ok without anti-sway setup.
It boils down to personal comfort and safety in my $.02.
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Post by WrkrBee on Mar 2, 2021 9:28:40 GMT -5
A weight distribution hitch, with anti-sway, came with the trailer when we bought it used. We've never had an issue with sway and the sway bar tension is set very low. The weight distribution hitch bar chains are set fairly light, also.
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Post by thewolfgang on Mar 31, 2021 12:48:09 GMT -5
I would say it totally depends on your setup. As mentioned above, some weight distribution hitches come with built-in sway control, others do not. Then the size/weight of the tow vehicle vs. the size/weight of the trailer. I do not use the sway control, as my system has it built-in.
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