Bwell05
Loxahatchee, Florida
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Joined: 07/28/2009
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We just purchased a WDH with a friction system sway control for a new TT.
We pull with a Dodge Ram 2500 QC 5.9 4x2. We have been pulling a 25' Prowler for 4 years with just a WDH and have not had any problems.
We are awaiting the arrival of our new TT, a Jayco 31RKS, hence the new system. I have been reading some of the posts and am now getting concerned we have made a mistake in our purchase. I am seeing posts regarding turning sharply, backing up, etc. and am worried.
I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this situation to know if we will be in trouble with our purchase or if it will work. Thanks in advance for your help.
Chris & Mark
1995 Prowler
Home away from home
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rrupert
NW PA (Oil Heritage Region)
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A Reese Dual Cam system or an Equalizer system would have been better. The friction sway controls by dampening sway. The Reese and Equalizer counteract sway by working to return the trailer and tow vehicle to a straight line.
There are arguments for both ways of controlling sway. I'm sure you will get some opinions on both sides.
Joyce and Rich
2005 1705T HiLo turning into a
2010 HiLo 2310H when Spring Arrives
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milo
4 Corners ....
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I've been towing for 30 + yrs using a friction sway system on a 26 ft'er & now a 30 ft'er and have not had one issue with turning sharply or backing up. I haven't givin it one thought about anything bad happening to the friction bar. Some have told me I gotta unhook the friction bar when I back up, I don't know why?... I haven't bent the bar yet. + I have never had any sway problems other than the occasional semmi trying to suck me in. My philosophy is .... don't worry bout till it happens, then it's to late to worry bout it. 
Happy campin & enjoy your new trailer
Milo & Ottis (Mrs.) 33 fantastic yrs together
Both Retarded teachers (oh! I mean retired)
1 Beagle & 2 Aussie Pups (Mother & Daughter)
2004 F250 6.0 PSD CC 
2007 294RLS Cougar TT (the Summer Hogaan)
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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Joined: 07/03/2008
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When you say you're concerned with your purchase I assume you are referring to the hitch and NOT the TT.
You've just invested how many thousands of dollars in a beautiful new Jayco TT towed behind your Ram 2500. And you hold it all together with a cheapie $35 friction arm????? I agree with rrupert, invest in a quality weight distribution and sway control system such as the Equal-i-zer or Reese DC. 3/4 ton or not, if the brown stuff hits the fan you'll still have 8000+ lbs and 34' of angry travel trailer behind you to contend with. At that moment, you'll know exactly why friction arms are only $35.00.
As an added bonus to the improved and safer towing the advanced systems offer, they do not need to be dis-engaged or removed for backing in or sharper angles between TV and TT.
I'm amazed dealership still sell/setup TTs with friction arms.
Congrats on the new trailer and safe travels.
2009 KZ Spree 324BHS (LX)
2003 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8, 3.73
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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There are better and safer systems available.
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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DutchmenSport
Between Anderson, Pendleton, & Lapel, Indiana
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Only sway control I've ever used is a Reese Friction bar. Used it on both my 18 foot and my 31 foot trailer. Works nice.
About backing up? When we purchased our first trailer, the dealer sold us the hitch and sway bar. The guy that did the walk through told me to never back up with the sway bar on. I never have. I always remove it before backing up. It's no problem removing it and no problem driving without it either. So, when we approach home and I know I'm backing in the driveway, I'll stop at a good spot before getting home and take off the bar. Same in the campgrounds. Before backing in the camp site, just take it off. And parking at gas stations, parking lots,.... same. Remove it if I know I'm going backwards.
So, I ask the guy at the dealers "Why?" And he said, although unlikely, it is possible to break or snap the metal part of the hitch where the little ball is. And if that snaps, it could damage the entire hitch. The hitch itself will break before the bar bends. So, I've never taken that chance and just followed his advise.
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
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2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
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rrupert
NW PA (Oil Heritage Region)
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Has anyone gone from a Dual Cam or Equal-i-zer to a friction sway control? And why?
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samsontdog
Sac. Ca summer, Yuma Az winter
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milo wrote:I've been towing for 30 + yrs using a friction sway system on a 26 ft'er & now a 30 ft'er and have not had one issue with turning sharply or backing up. I haven't giving it one thought about anything bad happening to the friction bar. Some have told me I gotta unhook the friction bar when I back up, I don't know why?... I haven't bent the bar yet. + I have never had any sway problems other than the occasional semi trying to suck me in. My philosophy is .... don't worry bout till it happens, then it's to late to worry bout it.
Happy camping & enjoy your new trailer
I agree with the above post 100 %. I have been towing right at 50 years and never removed the friction bar when turning sharply, backing up etc. I have towed many hundred of thousand of miles
and no problems with the type of tow equip that you describe. I tow a 34 ft TT at the present time
samsontdog 
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MR MAC
BOSTON MA
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I junked my Equal-i-zer after rideing on a bumpy road broke one of the bolts and bent the yoke, went back to my Reese with sway ctl. 900 lbs.Don't feel any diferance. Thinking of replaceing bolts and repairing yoke, but thr reese works fine for me. TV 03 F250 V-10, & Jayco Eagle 28FKS about
ROBERT L MC INTYRE
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mecreature
Indianapolis, IN
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Joined: 09/27/2004
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I use a friction bar. have had good success with it. But I am a lot smaller. It don't seem to sway without the bar.
Bit if I just bought a Jayco 31RKS I would try something else.. JMO
I have eyeballed those Reese Dual Cams.. They look interesting.
* This post was
edited 10/29/09 02:17pm by mecreature *
98 Skyline Nomad 1950 Compact
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