Newbie question on backing

[TinkerToy]

I have a Shamrock 21SS, never needed sway-bars but do use load-leveler bars. Trailer stays solid even when passed by large trucks.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by JWHybrid2B

I also have the Equalizer wdh with the square tubes and leave mine connected when backing up with no issues. I get some squeaking from the bars moving as I am turning but that is normal. Like bikendan said, you would need to do it twice if you removed the bars before backing up.

X's 2 by my dealer when it was installed always took off the sway control before backing up....

[Timex]

Only "problem" I have with my setup is that the friction sway bar will grunt and groan if I don't have it set properly. I have been told that if it doesn't make noise it isn't working. But I can back up with no problem. I may loosen up the sway bar as I come into a campground to eliminate the noise when the above problem exists.

[raspivey]

The problem with friction sway bars (and I learned from experience here) is that they can be over extended in both directions if the turn is sharp enough. In one direction, you could just pull the bar out. In the other direction, like I found the hard way when making a tight u turn, the bar could bottom out and bend something. In my case, I just slightly damaged the bracket on the frame.

[bikendan]

That's why integrated sway control WDH's, like the Equal-i-zer, are so much better than the old tech ones with add-on friction anti-sway bars.

[dicky1243]

Originally Posted by Timex

Only "problem" I have with my setup is that the friction sway bar will grunt and groan if I don't have it set properly. I have been told that if it doesn't make noise it isn't working. But I can back up with no problem. I may loosen up the sway bar as I come into a campground to eliminate the noise when the above problem exists.

This hitch is more complicated than the Equal-izer brand hitch that I had.
After driving flat bed semi's with chain down loads i don't want to be around chains that are loaded and could hurt you if you're not especially careful. I have found that it helps to lift up the trl. with jack to releave the pressure on the chains for easy removal. Now i have a 5th wheel real easy now.

[mark0224]

The Weight Distribution Bars are ok to leave on but the Sway Brakes take them off when maneuvering, if you don't and turn too sharp you will damage them they will hit the hitch and bend.

[Pappadeaux]

This is a pic of what I have direct from the front page of the owner's manual. My question is related to the square bar that connects from the hitch to brackets on the trailer frame.

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by Pappadeaux

This is a pic of what I have direct from the front page of the owner's manual. My question is related to the square bar that connects from the hitch to brackets on the trailer frame.

Ok, those are WDH (Weight Distributing Hitch) bars. No, they should not be removed. Leave them on when moving your trailer both forwards and backwards.




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[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Kaadk

Ok, those are WDH (Weight Distributing Hitch) bars. No, they should not be removed. Leave them on when moving your trailer both forwards and backwards.




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X'2, you will take them off when you are in place and set-up.

[Pappadeaux]

Of course, we never had anything like this set-up on our 1,600# PUP. Thanks for your input. We have a lot to learn yet and have found this forum to be extremely valuable.

[bikendan]

Pappadeaux, those square bars, along with the square sockets in the hitch head, are also the integrated sway control system.
I'm sure you can find some videos of how it works, so you can understand it better.

[wicked1]

Just for safety and noise I always remove before backing up