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Old 10-22-2016, 09:22 AM   #1
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Single axle sway control

Hello,

I have a new JayFlight SLX 174BH being pulled with. 2011 F150 EcoBoost 4X4. We recently took a 1100 mile trip and everything was great until we headed to Amarillo TX from the Oklahoma panhandle and had a 20-30mph crosswind. We had a 10-15mph crosswind driving across Oklahoma and the trailer was leaning, but stable. My trailer was all over the road even after slowing down to 50-55mph. I was wanting to get some opinions on sway control for my setup. I figure the single axle is probably not helping the sway. I have looked at friction bars which look like they should help. I talked to my dealer who said with the light weight trailer, a WDH may not really be needed. They recommended the SwayPro by Blue Ox. The price is pretty high, but the reviews look really good.

Thank you for your help
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Old 10-22-2016, 09:53 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zache57 View Post
Hello,

I have a new JayFlight SLX 174BH being pulled with. 2011 F150 EcoBoost 4X4. We recently took a 1100 mile trip and everything was great until we headed to Amarillo TX from the Oklahoma panhandle and had a 20-30mph crosswind. We had a 10-15mph crosswind driving across Oklahoma and the trailer was leaning, but stable. My trailer was all over the road even after slowing down to 50-55mph. I was wanting to get some opinions on sway control for my setup. I figure the single axle is probably not helping the sway. I have looked at friction bars which look like they should help. I talked to my dealer who said with the light weight trailer, a WDH may not really be needed. They recommended the SwayPro by Blue Ox. The price is pretty high, but the reviews look really good.

Thank you for your help
Our dealer said the same thing when we bought our 195RB Baja. I opted to go with an Andersen No-Sway hitch, more for the anti-sway than the weight distribution. I also liked it's lighter weight and simple hook-up. We've used it for 2 seasons and about 10K miles with excellent results. In fact, on our way back from Utah last month we ran into the back of a strong storm with winds comparable to what you describe with no trouble. I do think you'll find that a WDH w/integrated sway control will be more effective than just the add-on friction bar.

As I've only used the Andersen I can't comment on the Blue OX but I'm sure others will chime in with their experience and input regarding that hitch and others that you might want to consider.
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TT: 2015 Jay Flight SLX 195RB Baja Edition, Andersen No-Sway (Traded in)
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Old 10-22-2016, 01:50 PM   #3
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I just got back from Colorado and experience side, rear and head winds pulling my 195rb with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. My Andersen coped very well and I had no sway events even with passing trucks and buses. When my brackets got loose I did notice sway but as soon as I tightened them back up it went away. On off at stops is great. Much better than my old hitch that had bars.
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Old 10-22-2016, 02:55 PM   #4
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You do need to get the sway under control. I'd suggest you start with the basics before you buy anything:
First...
What is the payload capacity of your truck? With a fully loaded trailer, your tongue weight will be about 500lbs = 3500lbs x .15 Then you have to add in people and other stuff in the truck or truck bed. You weren't overloaded, were you?

Next...
When hitched and fully loaded, your trailer tongue should be level or an inch or so down. You may need to adjust the hitch to achieve that.

Then...
Are your tires (TT and TV) inflated to the maximum shown on the sidewall? Doing that will minimize sidewall flex and often helps to reduce sway.

From here you will 'go down the rabbit hole' regarding hitches and anti sway.

A WDH will transfer load off the rear axle onto the front axle. That counteracts the front end feeling 'light' to help restore handling (With 500 lbs tongue weight, imagine 2, 250lbs guys sitting your your truck's tailgate). Most WD hitches incorporate some method to dampen sway in their design and others have add-on friction devices.

If you ask, you will probably get a ton of responses about what hitch others in the forum are using.
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Old 10-22-2016, 03:02 PM   #5
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Thank you for the information. I made sure to check all tires were properly inflated before leaving all camping spots. With a light wind of no wind, it will pull at 65mph with no issues.
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