"Remove sway-bar before backing in"...who does this?

scottraycraft · 05-07-2015, 06:35 AM

Ive read about this a few times. Does anyone do this?
When you back in, in theory, your trailer shout NOT be jackknifing...it should really be any more extreme than a turn...but in reality sometimes a tight spot you could be coming pretty close to jackknifing (without hitting the tow vehicle of course) and wouldn't want to be fighting the sway control

Barnaclepete · 05-07-2015, 06:42 AM

I have an equalizer brand and never disconnect it until I unhook. no issues.

Iraqvet05 · 05-07-2015, 06:43 AM

I have a Fastway E2 (Equalizer clone) and never disconnect to back up.

tnchuck100 · 05-07-2015, 06:45 AM

This applies to those who have a separate sway bar.

Everyone who values the camper and their tow vehicle removes the sway bar before backing.

If you are backing and exceed the sway bar travel something is going to give. Damage WILL result. Either to the trailer tongue, the hitch, or, at the very least, the sway bar itself.

I usually remove the sway bar while at the check-in station.

BCx213 · 05-07-2015, 06:47 AM

Due to the location of where I have to park my TT iat my house and sometimes at some camp sites, I will remove my WDH bars to be able to turn in sharper. It puts too much strain on the bars and I am sure on the frame of the TT and often makes it very difficult to remove when I am at too much of an angle.

scottraycraft · 05-07-2015, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnchuck100

This applies to those who have a separate sway bar.

Everyone who values the camper and their tow vehicle removes the sway bar before backing.

If you are backing and exceed the sway bar travel something is going to give. Damage WILL result. Either to the trailer tongue, the hitch, or, at the very least, the sway bar itself.

I usually remove the sway bar while at the check-in station.

I have pro series...2 weight distribution bars and a separate sway bar...

good idea removing the sway bar at check in...

jenoble99 · 05-07-2015, 07:35 AM

Equalizer brand hitch here, bars are not removed until we are parked. I used the sliding friction bar with our popup. It was removed before backing in to a spot.

Scoutr2 · 05-07-2015, 07:39 AM

I saw a guy back his popup into a tight spot without removing the friction-type sway bar. The sway bar was bent so badly it was destroyed. Lesson learned - the hard way.

my toys · 05-07-2015, 08:30 AM

I remove mine. Every camper. Every trip. Easy enough while filling water tank or at check in.

TWP723 · 05-07-2015, 08:35 AM

I've gotten into the habit of disconnecting before backing into sites. Only because, we had to with the pop-up because of the sway controller. Although, the last time I went camping, I did not. Mainly, because it was a pull-thru site!

DocBrown · 05-07-2015, 08:42 AM

I take it off. It's takes seconds to remove. I have to get out anyway to get a full visual on where I want to back in.

Touch N Go · 05-07-2015, 09:58 AM

I agree with BCx213. Very well said.

ALJO · 05-07-2015, 11:12 AM

Never removed the sway bar with backing up the TT. When properly installed it touches the frame just under 90 degrees. The 1 1/4 ball still would be in the way.
If you are that close you're doing something wrong with backing up. Just re-learn to properly back up. Some automobile associations have classes available. Don't be ashamed to go to them.

MarkeMark · 05-07-2015, 11:32 AM

I do on an as needed basis like the time I got a site on a very narrow service road, lots of nearby trees, and a steep, rutted driveway. My rig just seems more responsive to directional inputs with the bars off and it easier on the equipment.

tjpolsin · 05-07-2015, 01:02 PM

For those of you with a REESE trunion-style WD hitch, be aware of the old style hitch head design. The trunion bars hit the threaded shank of the ball during extreme turns (jackknife while backing).

My WD bar busted out and damaged the socket in the hitch head - TWICE!

REESE stepped up and replaced my hitch head for free with a new design. The relief on which the ball sits is now higher and the bars now clear the threaded shank.

I have the strait-line sway control set up and don't have any issue (now) with a jackknife condition while backing. I would have to make full contract between TV and TT before the WD bars fell out of the strait-line brackets.

Again, for you RESSE trunion bar owners, check to see if your bars will make contact with the ball shank.

Tim
2008 26BHS
2010 RAM 2500 CCLB

ruswms · 05-07-2015, 02:56 PM

I also have the equalizer brand sway control. Up until now, I have not removed them before backing into my sheltered park. However, the radius of turn is very sharp and I think removal of these bars would make it easier to back without the added resistance the bars put on my truck and the trailer frame. There is so much popping and creeking going on when I back, I think I will start removing them before hand.

Bucko06 · 05-07-2015, 04:30 PM

It just depends if your bar has a small length of travel. The equalizers have a very long travel But you can still bend the bar retaining pin. Other types have much less travel and are more susceptible to damage. It is best practice to remove for sharper backing up.

Paintinfool3 · 05-07-2015, 04:36 PM

I remove my sway bar but not my equalizers

fmichaels · 05-07-2015, 06:34 PM

I remove mine every time ... after my wife reminds me

UPCamper · 05-07-2015, 07:15 PM

With the older friction style sway bars, yes, disconnect it. Can't explain the difference in physics for backing vs forward. What I can say is I was with my father in law once and he forgot to, made a backing turn (nothing extreme) and we heard a loud bang. Turns out it was the little ball that WAS on tongue to hold sway bar had blown off. Always heard about it but this is he first and only time I have experianced this.

UPC

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