Newbie question on backing

Pappadeaux · 02-07-2015, 07:46 AM

"Upgraded" from a PUP to a 23IKSS. Should the "sway bars" be removed from the hitch before backing up the camper ?

dwaynerz · 02-07-2015, 07:58 AM

Depends on your sway bars. If yoy are using the single flat bar style, yes. If you are using the beefier square bar type, then no. However, since you will be disconnecting them anyway to set up camp, or disconnect the trailer either at home or the storage lot you may as well remove them as you will have to anyway.

cpd1343 · 02-07-2015, 07:58 AM

Depends which hitch you have. I don't remove them until I am setting up. I have an E2™ Sway Control Hitch, Round Bar Type .

Pappadeaux · 02-07-2015, 08:36 AM

I have the "e2 hitch" with the square bars. It seems (in my head,at least) that it may be easier to back the Roo without the bars attached.

Happy Vibe · 02-07-2015, 08:53 AM

I have E2 round bars on mine and have never removed them for backing up. In my driveway I have to leave them attached or the jack will hit. Don't know if it is harder to backup with them attached, have not noticed a difference with or without.

Taranwanderer · 02-07-2015, 08:58 AM

With my previous TT, I had the Equalizer, and it was always easier to back up with the bars removed.

Personal preference--see which way works better for you and go with it.

Kaadk · 02-07-2015, 09:09 AM

I remove mine, but it depends on what you have. In my case my anti-sway friction bars are separate from my round WDH bars. If you have something like the equalizer, where your WDH and anti-sway is all in one, you'll probably want to leave them connected.

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ChibullsAN · 02-07-2015, 09:33 AM

I have a roo 21dk with the equilizer 4pt system. Never took them off and I need to almost jack knife the rig to get into my driveway.

thestrangebrew · 02-07-2015, 10:40 AM

I have the Andersen WDH on my 233s and no need to remove it when backing up.

Black · 02-07-2015, 01:23 PM

With a "basic" Husky 1200/12000 WDH, consisting of 2 torsion bars or spring bars and double friction type sway bars.
I like keeping things simple....am a low tech man....and it works perfectly at a fraction of the price.
I take the sway bars off before backing off just to be safe...but never removed the torsion bars though.

**bikendan** · 02-07-2015, 01:25 PM

you would have to raise and lower the tongue twice, to do that.
remember that those are weight bars and they have to be unloaded to remove them.
It 's double the work, for something that isn't necessary.

imafordboi69 · 02-07-2015, 02:39 PM

I have the round bars for my setup and i never take them off. I also have sway brakes on both sides of the hitch and i never take those off either. I can see the setup in my backup camera and i watch for binding but so far i have yet to see any issues.

raspivey · 02-07-2015, 03:11 PM

I've never had any issues backing or maneuvering in general with the spring bars attached. I DID however have issues unhitching at the house once. I have to cut hard at the end to get the trailer put where it goes. The first time I did that, I had a heck of a time getting the bars loose because of the extra load on one side from the sharp angle. Now I overshoot slightly and straiten it up as much as possible. They're much easier to remove when you're in a straight line.

Pappadeaux · 02-07-2015, 05:28 PM

Thanks for your input. I think that I'll try it both ways to see which is best.
Now, On to formulate my next newbie question...

dicky1243 · 02-07-2015, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappadeaux

I have the "e2 hitch" with the square bars. It seems (in my head,at least) that it may be easier to back the Roo without the bars attached.

Not really Ihad an Equalizer brand with big square bars and it made no difference. side note to make it easier to take off bars I put the trl. jack down and lifted the trk. up til bars were loose and took off then lowered hitch down.

Witch Doctor · 02-07-2015, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dicky1243

Not really Ihad an Equalizer brand with big square bars and it made no difference. side note to make it easier to take off bars I put the trl. jack down and lifted the trk. up til bars were loose and took off then lowered hitch down.

I put an electric jack on mine, much easier. Had the power to pick the trailer up and rear end of my TV.

dicky1243 · 02-07-2015, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

I put an electric jack on mine, much easier. Had the power to pick the trailer up and rear end of my TV.

I was wondering if anyone would read my wanderings. Full timer for 5yrs.
in a 2013 Sierra 365saq need my space!

Stormrider151 · 02-07-2015, 08:47 PM

If your using friction sway control then yes you would need to remove the friction bars. I have the reese straightline hitch with cam lock sway control. I leave my bars connected as the weight of the trailer will exceed the rating of my truck without the weight distribution.

JWHybrid2B · 02-07-2015, 11:33 PM

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.

DK-in-SC · 02-08-2015, 12:40 AM

We have an Eaz-Lift wdh with a friction sway control bar. During our PDI the tech said we should never backup with the sway control bar attached. He said bad things would happen if we did... like "lightening bolts coming from the sky" bad, so I always take it off.

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