Weight Distribution & Anti-Sway Bars - Backing Up?

[mitch5252]

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Although I've been known to hijack a thread or two on occasion ( ), I wanted to start this new one based on a partial conversation going on in the Pineapple Express thread...

I only have experience with my Equalizer hitch, which is weight distribution and anti-sway combined. I understand now that it's overkill for my tiny little trailer, but I wanted to be REALLY safe on the road - for both myself and others.

Anyway, I had heard that you are not supposed to back up with regular anti-sway bar(s) on, but thought it was supposed to be okay for the Equalizer. But now I'm thinking I'm wrong (SHUT UP, VICKIE!) about that...

Any thoughts? (my quick Google search was fruitless...)

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[Forestgal]

Mitch, I have the friction-type of sway bars that aren't incorporated into the WDH. Don't know if it makes a difference or not. If you check out RV.net I'm sure you'll find waaaay more information than you ever wanted about the topic there.

Laura

[mitch5252]

Mitch, I have the friction-type of sway bars that aren't incorporated into the WDH. Don't know if it makes a difference or not. If you check out RV.net I'm sure you'll find waaaay more information than you ever wanted about the topic there.

Laura

Yeah, that'll be my last resort - always too much testosterone over there - a question like that will start a pissing contest.

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[dpf]

I've been given some excellent information on rv.net from some men and others have been real jerks. You have to sift through the pertinent information and the smart ass condescending remarks. Last spring I posted asking why I couldn't get the antifreeze smell/taste/color out of the lines in the 5er after disinfecting and continual flushing. I had said that it was our fourth rig and I'd never had the problem before...should have been a good hint that I wasn't exactly a rookie. Received many helpful hints including the one about low point drains which I didn't know existed that fixed the problem. One man replied "You do have enough brains that you're not using regular antifreeze don't you" He was the moderator! I thanked the those who posted with useful civil responses and then sent him a rather testy PM and informed him that I was under the impression that someone who is a moderator was suppose to be helpful not rude. He locked the thread within 15 minutes...must have been afraid that I was going to blast him on the forum too.

[sharon]

Maybe call the manufacturer of the bar and ask them? Most companies have a tech specialist just for questions and problems. Just an idea.

[Birdie]

Mitch, are you talking about backing up into a spot, or a few feet or how much distance. I know with my rig and car we are talking no more than 6 inches or you will break the hitch and maybe the car. So how far are you wanting to backup?

[Bethers]

I always knew trucks and trailers and trucks and 5th wheels could back up. Learned something new in these threads that with some of the equalizer bars, you also can't. That was news to me. I see them do it all the time. I'd go to the manufacturer and get the lowdown -

Like Birdie- I simply know what I can do with my rv and car. And my rule is DON'T BACK UP lol - like she says, maybe 6 inches, and I'm told if perfectly straight it wouldn't be a problem, but since when do I back up perfectly straight? I simply don't intend to do it.

Again, find out with your specific products - interesting info! And then SHARE. Cuz others will learn.