Broken sway bar mount

[roanmountaincampers]

Just returned from trip 4. As I started to back into the parking place I got out to disconnect the sway bar. I found it hanging from the front mount. The rear mount was broken as can be seen in the pic. It would have to have broken in a left turn as it is mounted on the right side. I did have to make a hard left turn but I don't think I should have to unhook the sway bar every time I drive through a town or intersection. What else could have caused this? Hopefully I can replace just the mount.

[bikendan]

can't offer any help but you might want to get away from this type of WDH.
with an Equalizer or Reese Dual-Cam, you won't have this kind of issue backing up. never have to undo anything to back up.
and with the Equalizer, you don't have to drill into the A-frame to install.

just a suggestion.

[shineysideup]

Originally Posted by kb4srn

Just returned from trip 4. As I started to back into the parking place I got out to disconnect the sway bar. I found it hanging from the front mount. The rear mount was broken as can be seen in the pic. It would have to have broken in a left turn as it is mounted on the right side. I did have to make a hard left turn but I don't think I should have to unhook the sway bar every time I drive through a town or intersection. What else could have caused this? Hopefully I can replace just the mount.

What does your sway control look like? Mine is essentially just a big brake pad that squeezes the mating flat metal more and more as the tension lever is turned.

These are adjustable (the bolt on top, not the lever). This adjustment bolt on top is usually to compensate for worn down friction material (the pad part).

If your setup is new, this shouldn't need adjustment for some time. I've used my setup (the same as yours) over the last 4 years covering 15 - 20000 km of towing. I've not had to touch the bolt yet.

Tight is good but it is possible that you had a little too much of a good thing... (IMHO). How much are you cranking on the lever when you set it?

[kingranch]

Rule is make contact plus 1.5 turns

[roanmountaincampers]

Originally Posted by shineysideup

What does your sway control look like? Mine is essentially just a big brake pad that squeezes the mating flat metal more and more as the tension lever is turned.

These are adjustable (the bolt on top, not the lever). This adjustment bolt on top is usually to compensate for worn down friction material (the pad part).

If your setup is new, this shouldn't need adjustment for some time. I've used my setup (the same as yours) over the last 4 years covering 15 - 20000 km of towing. I've not had to touch the bolt yet.

Tight is good but it is possible that you had a little too much of a good thing... (IMHO). How much are you cranking on the lever when you set it?

During PDI the tech said to tighten as tight as possible. This was new in Feb and as I said only 4th time out. I was on a winding mountain road. Could it have gotten too hot and locked up. I haven't touched the bar since I took it off but it doesn't look like it over extended. I will measure the length. It is the type where looks like brake pad squeezing a bar of metal.

[roanmountaincampers]

Took the broken mount off the TT today and took it and the sway bar down to Tom Johnson's in Marion. Their hitch expert said I had it way too tight. He showed me the correct amount to tighten it and then gave me a new mount. No charge. A great dealer that I highly recommend.

[Terier]

Originally Posted by kb4srn

Took the broken mount off the TT today and took it and the sway bar down to Tom Johnson's in Marion. Their hitch expert said I had it way too tight. He showed me the correct amount to tighten it and then gave me a new mount. No charge. A great dealer that I highly recommend.

Glad that this matter has been taken care of. Can you hear a difference with the noise from the sway bar? I can when mine is too tight.

[roanmountaincampers]

Haven't pulled yet. Tech that did PDI said to expect loud "popping" noise and not to be alarmed. Noticed that truck seemed to pull to side after making a sharp turn like left at intersection. Guess that was sway bar not slipping as it should. Learn by mistakes but at least the hitch tech set me straight.

[Rsgtivr6]

Originally Posted by Terier

Glad that this matter has been taken care of. Can you hear a difference with the noise from the sway bar? I can when mine is too tight.

This is why, for the first couple miles, I leave the rear slide window open so I can listen to how she tows. GF thinks I am crazy, but you can tell if something sounds off.

[jcoff2003]

I just had the same thing happen to mine.....guess it was too tight