Sway Control for A frame?

[Cyndilee]

Do any of you need to use a sway control for towing an A frame? I plan on doing some cross-country trips eventually and just wonder if I need one, or if the campers follow well enough that I won't need it even in a stiff wind...

My tow vehicle is a 2012 6 cyl. Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with a tow package. My new little cabin on wheels in a Flagstaff T12RB - dry weight of 1888 lbs. Manual in the truck says to get a sway control if the trailer weight is 2000 lbs or more.

What do you seasoned A-framers out there think?

Thanks everyone for the wonderfully useful advice and information. Love this forum!!

[gregory]

Hi Cyndilee, welcome to our little group of Aframers.

DH and I do not use an anti-sway device with our Aframe, but then, we tow with a full size van...so that probably doesn't help you much.

Maybe try it without for a couple of local trips. If you see the need, can't you add it later?

Something else to consider is a weight distributing hitch. With your Tacoma's longer wheel base, on of those may not be necessary either.

Sorry to be of so little help. Hopefully someone with a similar set up or experience will chime in.

Deb

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by gregory

Maybe try it without for a couple of local trips. If you see the need, can't you add it later?

that above is good advice
don't really think you will need one
no reason to buy anything until one truly thinks
yes
I want one of those for future trips

Mountainman

[Jeep4Two]

I've towed my A126 with my short wheelbase 2 door Jeep Wrangler out on the open road. No noticeable sway for me. I have a WDH but don't see the need for sway control.

My A126 is 1924 lbs dry.

I would imagine you won't need it. I'm with the others. Get it out there and see how you feel. If after a trip or two you are uncomfortable you can add it.

[Slowp]

I pull my Chalet with a Ford Ranger and have no problems with any wobbling.

[RenFaire Camper]

My longest trip so far has been 250 miles through the Texas hill country towing with a FORD Ranger I've not had any issues even in a 30mph wind we had like today.

[IndyRC]

Hello Cyndilee,

I tow with a Tacoma similar to yours, except it's the access cab instead of the double cab. I have the A127TH, the one with the toy hauler deck on it. Currently I do not have sway control or a weight distributing hitch. I'm new to this and have only towed it a few times, with the longest being a little over 500 miles one way. I have had zero problems with it. It tows great. However, I do plan to get a WDH that will have sway control built into it.

[sallyforth]

I towed our A124 this past weekend to Garner State Park from Austin (174 miles one way) with no problems. I have a Rav4 V-6. I averaged 18 miles per gallon at 65. I did pay particular attention to tongue weight. I bought a 400 lbs spring bathroom scale to measure the weight. I kept the tongue weight at 310. I had to move the propane tanks to just behind the axle for travel to achieve the correct weight and balance. I do not know my total weight but I'm sure it's north of 2200 lbs.

[thehamguy1]

We've pulled our A128 over 17,000 miles with never a sway problem. Our Silverado 1500 has the standard trailer hitch but no special shocks or anti-sway equipment. Keep your camper and truck tires up to the correct pressure and I predict you'll never have a problem with sway unless excessive tongue weight lifts the tow vehicle's front end up. In that case a WDH will most likely fix it. Bet you won't even need that!

[ko777]

I too don't have any sway issues pulling my A128S which is front heavy because of the storage box. My front tire well raises less than half an inch after hook up but when pulling my rig at night, drivers are flashing me thinking I have my high beam lights on; will cops pull me over because of this?

[OldCoot]

It only takes one incident and you won't forget. The friction sway controls are very inexpensive (Harbor Freight) and relatively easy to install. I'd put one on regardless of whether anyone else has one. In fact I have a new one I carried as a spare that I will give you if you pay shipping. (That is if I can find it)

[Cyndilee]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I'm going to wait and see how it tows without sway control. I can always add it later. I just didn't want to get somewhere and regret not having it. If none of the rest of you need it, I doubt that I will need it either.

[Cyndilee]

Oops! Maybe I spoke too soon! Thanks Old Coot. My son tells me the same thing, but he hauls a 32' toyhauler with an F150. Have to wait until the nasty snowbanks subside before I can even pick up the camper. Hopefully soon!

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by Cyndilee

I'm going to wait and see how it tows without sway control.

smart call

Mountainman