Maiden Voyage - Camp Hatteras (hopefully no sway)

[monstertrap]

About 3 weeks ago we purchased a 2002 Niagara.  When I was bringing the unit home I noticed some sway.  The Niagara is longer and wider than the Rodeo I am pulling it with so I was more than a little worried.  First thing I did was purchase a friction anti-sway bar.  It seem to help some, but it did not eliminate the problem.  Next thing was to check the tires (should have been the first).  The previous owner was towing the pop-up with only 34 psi in each tire (65 psi max).  I increased the pressure to 58 psi and it has made a dramatic difference.  It has created a little bounce in the pop-up, but appears to have eliminated the sway.  It also made a big difference in acceleration.  With the tires at 34 psi it was really working the V6 (4500 lbs tow rating).  I also just added a roll-out Carefree Awning.  We will leave tomorrow to go on our maiden voyage to Camp Hatteras - about 4 hours away.

[knoxdude]

I think the Niagara has the same size tires as my 2002 Utah.  If so, you'll want to run the max... 65 psi all the time.  There should be a sticker on the side of your camper with VIN #, and weights.  It's near the front on the drivers side.  It also lists the recommended pressure.  We had a 2002 Sun Valley and it carried 50 psi in the tires.  The bigger, heavier trailers require heavier load range tires and more pressure.  Double check to make sure no one has switched to a different load range tire if you bought the camper used.  Also, if you were towing the Niagara home empty, chances are your tongue weight was a bit light.  Once you load the front storage compartment, you'll increase tongue weight and should reduce sway even farther.  Just make sure you put the heavy stuff in front of the axle.  Also, sway tends to show up more at higher speeds.  Make sure of the towning capacity of your Rodeo.  4500 lbs sounds kind of high for an SUV of that size with a V6.   That's a big heavy pop-up!

Have a good trip to Hatteras.  I wish we lived closer.  Never camped there in a pop-up, but as a kid, we use to go there once or twice a year in my parents travel trailer.  Take plenty of bug repellant!!!!

Lynn