I have a sway control question. Simply put, do they work and are they worth it? We are towing about 2900lbs and using a mini-van. Sway wasn t TOO bad last season, but it wasn t too good either. Do they really make much difference? Any suggestions on brands? And about what can I expect to pay for this new toy? Any input is appreciated. Thanks[:D]
syoungbloodYes it works I use it on my Niagra. But you need to have the hitch to use it with
Do you use a WDH system or just a tow bar.
IF you just use a tow bar then you will need to get a adapter for the tow bar.
If you have a WDH then it should have a little ball for the sway control bar.I use a reese friction sway control bar. Good luck
syoungbloodDo you have electric brakes on your Viking trailer? I think electric brakes are required. If you have class III hitch with weight distribution you have a choice between friction sway contol and dual cam. The friction control attempt to control sway once its started. The dual cam works to prevent sway from starting.
Rambling Wreck
syoungbloodOurs makes a difference! We are still pretty new to popup camping. We got the Mesa last July. Our dealer wouldn t let us off the lot without the sway bar. For us, it s added peace of mind. Ours is an EazLift Sway Controller. Also if you don t have a brake controller for the Viking, you may want to check into that. I have felt the push of the Mesa at times on my truck. When I use the controller, it makes a difference. We have a Prodigy(sp) Voyager which works fine.
For me, having the bar just makes sense and gives me a little more comfort when towing. It doesn t fix sway but it does help keep it under control if you find yourself in a sway situation. For example, on windy days and big trucks going by very fast, I ll get a little wiggle for a split second. Also the time I packed wrong, I was a little shaky but okay until I was able to find a good area to stop and repack.
syoungbloodTo get a standard sway bar and ball for your draw bar it will cost around $100 installed. I don t think there is much difference in brands.
syoungbloodWouldn t leave home without it! Last Fall I was towing the PU up the highway at 70MPh or so and it was swaying a bit..... not bad, but enough to notice. I realized I had forgotten to tighten the friction control on the Reese unit. I pulled over, tightened it down, and the rest of the trip I hardly knew I was pulling anything. I paid about $80. Installation was 6 large screws to attach the sway ball plate to the the PU, and an adapter plate which mounts under the ball of the TV. Worth every dollar and minute it took to install.
syoungbloodHere is where I purchased ours.........
http://www.reese-hitches.com/sway_controls.htm
syoungbloodI probably shouldv e clarified. The Viking has a Tekonsha Electric brake control. We are using a standard 1 ball tow bar on the t/v. It is turned upside down to get the height right since it s on a mini van. Thanks for the reply s so far.
syoungbloodScott,
As other have said here - I wouldn t tow without it, and I have a small pop up with a large tow vehicle.
To echo TheWallRocks, thre have been times I forgot to install or tighten the sway bar and can feel it in the towing.
Take a look at my [link=http://www.title-3.com/Sway.htm]Sway Web Page[/link] for more information as well as some photos of my installation.
Additionally, on the bottom of the page is a link to the Department of Transportation document " TOWING A TRAILER, Being Equipped for Safety"
Good luck