Sway control on TV vs. sway control on WD hitch

[newrvguy68]

Hello all. I have a question that I'm hoping someone can answer for me. I recently upgraded to a 2012 Silverado 2500HD and one of the features it has is an anti-sway built into the vehicle itself. My question is this...does the presence of a built-in sway control device on the TV eliminate the need for an anti-sway WD hitch? This is a new feature on a vehicle for me so I am totally lost as to the reliability/trust factor involved when talking about a built-in sway control.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Doug]

Sounds like they use the ABS braking system to help with sway that is detected.
Seems like buying a WDH with anti-sway control would still be an advantage, along with setting your trailer up correctly.

Just MHO,

Best regards,
Doug

[clutch]

X2

[Turn2Racing]

My 2010 F-150 has the factory anti-sway, like stated above I was told it works thru be brake system. I use it along with my WD hitch towing a 298RES. Very little sway for my setup when towing.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by newrvguy68

snip...... My question is this...does the presence of a built-in sway control device on the TV eliminate the need for an anti-sway WD hitch?......

IMO, no.

Take for example the Reese HP Dual Cam WDH with integrated sway control..., which by design is actively suppressing a sway event from becoming a reality.

The incorporation of a sway control device (no matter what kind) with a WDH can only enhance the handling of a TV should a sway event surface.

Bob

[MrKong]

Check the owners manual. I have a Tundra with that built in, but the manual specifically says anything above 3K you must use a WD hitch. I would bet most other manufacturers have something similar.

[dmax_83]

I still use a w/d hitch with sway control with my 3/4 ton, even though it has sway control. The built in sway control uses the truck and trailer brakes in combination with the trucks stabiltrack to help control sway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVwHPXnJjbY

[newrvguy68]

@ MrKong...I realize that you would still require a WD hitch but was curious to know if one with anti-sway built into the hitch would be necessary. I already have a WD hitch but not one with any anti-sway. I wondered if the trucks device was enough to ensure no sway would ever occur.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by newrvguy68

snip....... I wondered if the trucks device was enough to ensure no sway would ever occur.

I'm not aware of any device on the market (including a TV integrated device) that could "ensure no sway would ever occur"...., but I'm willing to learn if there is.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you meant to say will the TV's built-in sway control device eliminate the need for an anti-sway control device attached to/or integrated to the WDH , which is a good question (referencing your original post).

Bob

[BlueHaul]

Personally I would still use some kind of sway control WD hitch. Your truck surely has some sophisticated electronics and probably some old school (but very effective) anti-sway bars attached below which help keep the truck from swaying, but for me, sway control built into the first half of the length of your rig can only be helped by a sway control WD hitch that helps with the back half of the rig. It certainly can't hurt anything, and I'd always rather be safe than sorry.

[newrvguy68]

I have to admit that a person would likely be best to install the WD/anti-sway hitch combo to be extra safe and secure, as some have alluded to in their posts. Thanks for the input folks!

[MrKong]

Something to think about. The brake anti sway only works after it detects sway to correct it. With a proper hitch setup, you are eliminating most sway before it starts, and not after the fact.

Trusting the brake system is putting the cart before the horse.

[David472]

Originally Posted by MrKong

Something to think about. The brake anti sway only works after it detects sway to correct it. With a proper hitch setup, you are eliminating most sway before it starts, and not after the fact.

Trusting the brake system is putting the cart before the horse.

Agree 100%
Also, using the brake system assumes you have good traction to the road. In heavy rain and wind this may not be true. The proper hitch set-up is much less reliant on traction to the road, if at all.

[jdorant]

I have an F150 with the sway built in and also have the WD with anti sway bar. I have experimented with this same question. I find if I am going on a short trip with no highway involved (which never happens unless I am taking the camper for service or to my local dump station) I don't need the sway bars. If I will be on the highway, my trucks anti-sway does pretty well, but the 2 together work great! So I use both.

[JAMMFAM]

This unit also has active anit-sway integrated into the WDH. Check out my signature.[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

[JAMMFAM]

This unit also has active anit-sway integrated into the WDH and no chains to mess with.
Check out my signature.
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