[A/S] Sway - #3

["Tuna" <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Various hitches and their accessories dampen or prevent *trailer* sway -
none of them address the problem of *vehicle* sway, directly. A vehicle that
lacks wheelbase length and/or weight for the trailer under tow can lead to a
situation where the tail wags the doggie, just as in an out-of-control
trailer sway situation.

I have been in that situation once or twice, and can attest to the fact that
everything was going fine, cruising at highway speeds when all of a sudden
circumstances changed and things went from 'fine' to 'extremely dangerous'
in a matter of seconds. In my own opinion, cost *shouldn't* offset safety
considerations, but sometimes does; 'expensive' is a relative term, after
all.

I've never used a Hensley Arrow hitch, but if i found a used one for the
price of my Reese/EZ-lift style weight distributing hitch, i'd buy it in a
new york minute, especially if i were towing a trailer weighing 7,000 lbs or
more/25' long or more... however, i tow a number of sizes/types of trailers
with a variety of tow vehicles, and require the flexibility of a standard
type weight distributing hitch.

Knowing the *actual* weight of one's fully-loaded rig - both together and
individually is (again, in my opinion) *essential*, but often only
estimated. It may take an hour or two to take one's loaded rig to a truck
stop, and weigh the puller and trailer together, unhitch, reset the scale,
and weigh the trailer and vehicle separately, but is (arguably, i suspect)
just as important as having a top-of-the line hitch and brake controller.

Tuna
'48 Airstream 19' 'Trailwind'
'81 ('79) Dodge 'Champion' 19' B-Van
'84 Alii Kai 15' boat and trailer
'99 Plymouth Prowler with 8' luggage trailer
'83 Burro 13' Travel Trailer
'99 Parker 24' flatbed equipment hauler