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Old 05-28-2021, 09:35 AM   #1
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Road Master Active Suspension to eliminate sway

We own a 19FBS and tow with a 2021 1500 Silverado with 9600lb tow capacity and tongue weight capacity of 960lbs. Without understanding how heavy it was we had the dealer install a Husky Centerline WDH.

We try to watch the weight we carry and follow the 60/40 rule in loading the trailer. Tongue weight is at 720lbs when fully loaded for camping (minus water) with two propane tanks and two batteries.

The issue is we still have some sway on the highway traveling at 60-65 MPH when semis pass. Would a Road Master Active Suspension Help.
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Old 05-29-2021, 05:30 PM   #2
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Didn’t mention TT GVWR or average camping weight. Tongue weight percentage?
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Old 05-29-2021, 05:57 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fastjohn View Post
We own a 19FBS and tow with a 2021 1500 Silverado with 9600lb tow capacity and tongue weight capacity of 960lbs. Without understanding how heavy it was we had the dealer install a Husky Centerline WDH.

We try to watch the weight we carry and follow the 60/40 rule in loading the trailer. Tongue weight is at 720lbs when fully loaded for camping (minus water) with two propane tanks and two batteries.

The issue is we still have some sway on the highway traveling at 60-65 MPH when semis pass. Would a Road Master Active Suspension Help.
I would take it to a CAT scale before I spent money on a RAS. Poor weight distribution will still result in sway.

I have a RAS and it improved my ride but that's on an F150 that doesn't have a rear sway bar. It greatly reduced wheel hop when driving unloaded. It's easy to install but don't bother without more information.
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Old 05-30-2021, 08:18 AM   #4
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Wt is 3900 per the sticker but of course that does not include propane tanks, batteries or loaded for camping. I have never weighed it.
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Old 05-30-2021, 08:40 AM   #5
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Wt is 3900 per the sticker but of course that does not include propane tanks, batteries or loaded for camping. I have never weighed it.
Follow the process with three weights described in the page I linked to (and in many other posts on this forum). If everything's within specs, your tongue weight is between 10-15% and the height of the front wheel well when hitched with WDH engaged returns to the height before hitching (or very close), then look to additional solutions like a RAS.

My RAS improved my towing experience but, as I said, it improved my overall driving experience even when not towing. Adding a rear sway bar may have done the same but the RAS also contributes some lift. Using it precludes the need for Sumo Springs or Timbrens.

Edit: When weighing, be sure the trailer and tow vehicle are loaded as they would be when traveling, including family in the truck, stuff in the bed, and whatever you load in the trailer. Use something for ballast if needed to simulate that.
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TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars

Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)

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Old 05-30-2021, 09:39 AM   #6
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no trailer doesnt ever not sway. come to the texas panhandle "via Amarillo" you havent experienced sway like we have. tongue brake helps a lot but it still sways now and then. waste if money trying ti eleminate sway .get "WINDY" APP. travel at calmer times. it works to a extent.
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Old 05-30-2021, 03:31 PM   #7
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I suggest that you check out the ProPride hitch, propridehitch.com. All of the users claim that it does eliminate sway. I purchased one, but have not traveled with it, yet.
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Old 05-30-2021, 08:32 PM   #8
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From my understanding, the RAS will help with up and down movement of the tow vehicle. This is usually called porpoising.

Sway is yaw movement (side to side). When towing on a ball, pressure on the back of your trailer will cause it to try in pivot on the trailer wheels. This pivot puts pressure on the ball and causes the TV to yaw in the opposite direction. If this movement amplifies and continues, you have out of control sway. Hitches that mount on the ball attempt to control this movement by absorbing the energy turning it into heat. It can be done by two pieces of metal sliding over each other while under tension or some type of spring.
There are two currently available hitches that do not follow this design - Propride and Hensley. Both are based on a patented design by a guy named Hensley though he doesn't work at either company. These hitches cause a bumper hitched trailer to act more like a 5th wheel which because of where the hitch is mounted are more stable and resist sway better.
Major downside to both hitches - they are expensive.
Here is a U-Tube from Hensley hitches that shows how they work. Personally, I think Propride currently has the better version of these hitches. Both can be purchased used, many who have them move the hitch to new trailers when they upgrade and only sell the hitch when getting out of RVing or move to a 5th wheel or a motorhome.
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Old 05-30-2021, 09:37 PM   #9
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I have the RAS installed on my F150 but I installed it to assist with rear end sag when I'm fully maxed out on payload. Honestly I don't think RAS will do much for you to reduce or eliminate sway.
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