What kind of anti sway bars ?

[WysteriaMistShelties]

I have a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi- getting a 2019 2922KS- We have always used Equalizer hitches and extended ball extenders so we can open up the tail gate . What does everyone suggest? Haven't picked our trailer up yet and will be hauling long distances and want to be safe and secure. Thanks

[Larryjb]

Most of us recommend the use of an equalizer, but I don't think many have experienced any need for antisway.

[Bill]

First we need to be sure we know the difference between sway bars and spring bars. Spring bars are part of many weight distributing hitches (WDH). They distribute hitch weight, but by themselves, don't do anything for sway. The Equalizer brand (with a capital "E") is actually a combination of anti-sway and spring bars, so if you are using one of those, you are good. But the word "equalizer" (small "e") is usually a generic term used to indicate any WDH.

You have a reasonably long truck, and with the hemi, the towing capacity is spec'ed at a bit more than 5000 pounds minimum (usually much more), depending on a bunch of things like what kind of cab, bed length, transmission, etc. So you may not need either a WDH or spring bars. Again, if you have an Equalizer and know how to adjust it, you don't need anything else.

One thing to check is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the rear axle. This is the maximum allowed value of the total weight on the rear axle. It includes the rear axle weight of the truck itself, most of the weight of the cargo you put in the bed, and the hitch weight of the TM. Hitch weight of a loaded TM generally runs 400-500 pounds, so if that causes you to exceed the GAWR, you will need a WDH. Again, an Equalizer is an excellent WDH for this situation.

Incidentally, Trail Manors are designed not to sway. This is done by moving the axle back toward the rear of the trailer. This increases hitch weight from the commonly-mentioned 10% of the trailer weight, to something like 14%. The result is that Trail Manors don't really need any kind of sway control as long as you don't have a very small, short vehicle - although if you want to add any kind of sway control, that is fine.

This is more than you wanted to know, I imagine. You might learn more if you look up the online Towing Guide for the 2017 Ram 1500, and find your particular truck in the listing.

Bill

[Larryjb]

On, and congratulations on your 2019! These are the 2nd year of the SD factory so many of the growing pains should have been sorted out with the new factory.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by WysteriaMistShelties

I have a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi- getting a 2019 2922KS- We have always used Equalizer hitches ...

Just out of curiosity, did you tow a different trailer in the past? If so, what was it? I'm curious about why you happen to have an Equalizer, which is an excellent hitch but quite expensive.

Bill

[kjfatl]

We have a 3124 and I have noticed some sway. Interestingly, sway seems to be worse with the 40 gallon fresh water tank, locate between the wheels and the tongue is empty.

[kjfatl]

I noticed the same thing. I'm unlikely to use the fresh water, so I drained the tank and noticed more sway. This makes sense since it pushes the center of gravity toward the rear of the trailer. Next time I go out I will 1/2 fill the tank and see what happens.

I also raised the tire pressure from 60psi to 80psi. For my 3124KB Trailmanor says to use 60lb for the tires and 80psi for the spare and 60psi for the tires. For the same unit built a month later they say 80psi for all. Since they are load rated E tires and tire blowouts tend to happen with lower tire pressure I hope this will reduce the chance of tire blowouts. On the other hand, it may increase sway.

[Shane826]

It will also increase the bounciness of the trailer, leading to screws working loose inside.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by kjfatl

We have a 3124 and I have noticed some sway. Interestingly, sway seems to be worse with the 40 gallon fresh water tank, locate between the wheels and the tongue is empty.

What tow vehicle do you have? The shorter the wheel base, the more likely that you may have swaying, especially when big trucks pass, driving at higher speeds and/or in high winds.

If the water tank is empty, it would have little effect on swaying. If the water tank has water in it, it should reduce swaying as it adds to the tongue weight.