#TRAILER EQUALIZER BARS DRIVERS#

Here are five common anti-sway systems on the market: Different systems achieve that in different ways. Their job is to help curb the side-to-side movement of trailers being towed. As trailerable-size boats get longer, larger, and heavier, it makes sense that the same benefits RV haulers have enjoyed from anti-sway hitches are being adopted by trailer boaters. These devices are seeing more use among boaters who tow their watercraft atop a trailer. When the weight has been properly distributed, and the entire tow vehicle and trailer are both sitting level from front to back, the result is smoother towing, decreased wear on the back axle and bearings of the tow vehicle, and better steering and brake control. The combination raises the back of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer so they're more even and there's less sag or 'squatting' of the tow vehicle. Weight-distributing devices use rigid torsion bars to more evenly distribute the weight of the load being towed and use chain or brackets to adjust and reduce the weight on the hitch and transfer it to the trailer axle(s). Long popular with those who tow recreational vehicles, weight-distributing systems are a common feature on trailered campers, but not often seen on boat trailers. No matter why they happen, some likely could have been avoided with a fairly simple piece of equipment. But others, like this one, don't have any apparent causes. Some of these might have been caused by excessive speed, strong wind gusts, uneven roads, incorrect tire pressure, or passing trucks. A review of our GEICO | BoatUS insurance files turned up at least six occurrences in the last year, including Joe's. While accidents that arise from fishtailing incidents don't rank anywhere near the top reasons for insurance claims, they do happen. Even worse, his boating season ended abruptly. Thankfully, no one was injured, but not only did the boat hull have deep gouges from the impact and road rash, Joe reported damage to the tow vehicle, double-axle trailer, both 225-hp outboards, and his fishing rods. Without warning, the boat trailer began to violently sway back and forth, also known as 'fishtailing.' Before Joe could react, the trailer tongue popped off the hitch, and the trailer - and boat - flipped onto its side, skidding into the vehicle. When you’re traveling on the highway and experience rough conditions, this bar will stay steady and prevent the trailer from moving closer or further from the tow vehicle.One beautiful August afternoon, 'Joe' was cruising down the highway outside of San Francisco, headed home after a perfect summer day of fishing, with his boat and trailer in tow. It is a solid bar that can lock into place at whatever length you choose. The adjustable type of sway bar connects directly to the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle. Sometimes chains or adjustable bars are added for greater control or flexibility.Īdjustable sway bars are a bit less common these days, but they are still good pieces of equipment. With this model, the sway bar is built directly into the weight distribution hitch with no need for extra add-ons. Hitch sway bars are made with a pair of sturdy metal arms that connect the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle. The two main types are hitch sway bars and adjustable sway bars.

Most campers on the market today come with sway bars pre-installed, so you don’t need to worry too much about seeking one out.Ĭamper sway bars come in a couple of different forms, but they all serve the same purpose.

#TRAILER EQUALIZER BARS DRIVERS#

Some drivers find that sway bars make it harder to turn, but overall, the extra safety is worth it. They help prevent swaying on the highway and they can even save your vehicle from a dangerous crash or rollover. Sway bars are important pieces of safety equipment for RVs.

They can be installed on vehicles to minimize body roll or on hitches to minimize camper sway. A sway bar is simply a device that stiffens side-to-side motion to minimize it.

Trailer equalizer bars