Backing in with anti-sway bar?

[FloridaPhil]

Just a quick question from someone new to friction sway control technology. When backing into a parking/camping spot, do you remove the anti-sway control or just loosen it so it is not in effect. It doesn't seem like a good idea to back up with it engaged!

Thanks - Phil

[Terier]

I was told to remove it before backing up for a couple of reasons including avoiding possible damage to it. I speak from experience that it takes much longer to back into a given space with it on. I was lucky I didn't cause any damage to my anti-sway bar before someone clued me in.

[wa8yxm]

The owners manual for a Friction sway bar say to either remove it or loosen it before backing up... I never did.

[FloridaPhil]

I thought it should be removed so that is how I will approach this now. Thanks for the answers, see you on the road soon.

Phil

[TXiceman]

And that is why I use a Reese Dual Cam.....no problems.

Ken

[RVhauler]

Have seen a couple of the frichion type damaged while backing up over the years from not removing them prior. when i had a TT I first used an equalizer brand and then went to a Reese dual cam.

[IC2]

If you take a good look at that anti sway device, you will see that it is made mostly out of stamped sheet metal and can be kind of delicate when a 7000+/- pound truck is shoving a 7000+/- pound trailer backwards and at an angle and it doesn't slip easily. Luckily, I never had a problem when I 'forgot' (CRS) to loosen mine

[RMS]

Towed a 30' Award with 2 sway bars[one on each side] and removed them before backing. Wasn't quite as critical when backing with a single bar.

You will eventually bend it[them] if you don't remove before backing.

[CD]

Originally Posted by IC2

If you take a good look at that anti sway device, you will see that it is made mostly out of stamped sheet metal and can be kind of delicate when a 7000+/- pound truck is shoving a 7000+/- pound trailer backwards and at an angle and it doesn't slip easily. Luckily, I never had a problem when I 'forgot' (CRS) to loosen mine

I have used one for about 15yrs. and haven't removed or loosened it with no problems. (I didn't know you should). I don't see where it is worse to backup then to turn going forward unless you turn too sharp going backwards. When you turn to the right going forward it has to push in. I don't turn sharper going back than I do going forward. If I do I will hit the front of the trailer with PU buper. Don't want to do that.

[butterbean]

Howdy,
Haven't needed one on my 17' with the van, but may need one with PU.. Thanx,
for the eddikashun!!!

[MikenAmber]

We have an Equalizer Hitch assembly and I have never had to remove it while backing our 33' T/T. I was told if a tight turn is required it might be advisable to swing the bars from the tounge.

[Old Blue]

we just loosen the sway control and leave it on the ball,,no friction than just back in,,,this is what we do and never a problem
good luck
Bill

[Superslif]

I was never told to loosen it or remove it, but it only made sense to remove it. If the campsite has a easy turn in, I'll leave it on, just loosen it. But, anything more and I'll take it off and place it in a small box I made to store it. With a short wheelbase tow vehicle, I'm able to make tight turns into sites otherwise reserved for much shorter RV's.

[NRR]

I just loosen the Reese friction bar when I pull into a campground. It does not make noise that way.