Hey guys or gals, opinion needed please

Submitted: Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:35
ThreadID: 22574 Views:2079 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
This Thread has been Archived
G'day, Have just purchased a 17ft poptop van and torshun (spelling?) bars were recommended for stability. I can understand the need on a large van but I would have thought they wouldn't be needed on a 17ft. Please advise..... Thanks
Yep, you guessed it, a female...........Judy (You could also tell me how to spell the things !!!)
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: flappa - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:45

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:45
I'm assuming you are referring to the bars that go between the vehicle and the Caravan.

After seeing a small 14ft van go over after getting a HUGE sway up . . . ANY caravan I own will most definently have anti sway bars attached.

Its not only about the sway of the van , I think they also refer to them as weight distribution hitches.

It allows weight from the van to be spread towards the front wheels of the towing vehicle. It stops the bouncing effect which can be very severe and cause loss of steering.

Yes , I would put them on a 17ft van , it will make it fair nicer and safer to tow.
AnswerID: 109244

Follow Up By: Tarester - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:55

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:55
Thanks Flappa, A girl needs to know these things !! Much appreciated
0
FollowupID: 365929

Reply By: Member -Dodger - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:46

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:46
Tarester,
Yes you will probably need the load distribution bars to help with the towing of the van. They assist with the tendancy of some vans to sway and also help to put the weight carried by the rear wheels of your vehicle to the front wheels. All a little mystifying but they are very beneficial to towing.
Most vans require some sort of weight distribution hitch regardless of size.
See MSN caravanners forum.
groups.msn.com/caravanersforum/_homepagemsnw
The above site should be of some help.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Cheers Dodg.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 109246

Reply By: trendy - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:56

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:56
I agree with flappa, any caravan towed behind my car has and will continue to have these anti sway bars fitted. They also take up some of the tow ball weight which is beneficial in so many ways. Less stress on your vehicles suspension, better steering control and better braking for starters. Even small vans can get a sway up in strong winds and these bars will help heaps. IMO you may not need the Hayman Reese distribution bars depending on your tow ball weight. I have towed with sizeable loads and tow ball weghts with only these sway bars and have never felt I needed anything more. Happy and safe caravanning Judy.
Regards Trevor.
AnswerID: 109247

Follow Up By: Tarester - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:59

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:59
Thanks Trev, Yep me and my four-legged friends and just discovered FREEDOM !!!! Judy
0
FollowupID: 365930

Reply By: Tarester - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:56

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 16:56
Thanks to you also Dodg. Will check out website...... Appreciated...
AnswerID: 109248

Reply By: D-Jack - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 18:02

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 18:02
By the way, it's 'TORSION'!!!!
AnswerID: 109260

Reply By: Steve - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 18:41

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 18:41
mine's a mere 15 footer but I wouldn't be without the torsion bars. Don't know if you're a big girl or not but they take a bit of grunt to get em on. Once you've been on the motorway though, and a semi-trailer whooshes by, you'll feel a slight sway with the bars on. That's all. Most of us have seen vans being towed without them and they suddenly start swaying all over the place. Get down to your van supplier. They don't cost a fortune particularly if you don't go for the full Hayman Reese system. The half-moon block for your tow-bar and 4 torsion bars'll do the trick. Happy vanning.
AnswerID: 109270

Reply By: Member - Luxoluk - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:16

Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:16
Hi Judy
Horses for courses is really what it's all about. If you are driving a 3 tonne truck with really heavy leaf springs then the chances are you will need very little if any support. If you are driving a suzuki swift then you'd be better off powering the van and towing the vehicle behind!! Independent suspension such as Commodore is a real nightmare trying to set up. Solid rear axle such as (was/is) in the Falcon is preferable. A 4wd with leaf rear springs is probably the better pick for towing rather than a coil spring set up. Obvoiusly there are limitations here for those who want the vehicle for other attributes such as wheel articulation etc. Best advice is to get advice from experienced caravan people. It's taken me 20 years to get mine right!! Cheers
AnswerID: 109287

Follow Up By: Tarester - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 21:26

Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 21:26
Thanks to you all for replying. Am trying to get a second hand D shaped thing but not having much luck. New one comes complete with bars (which I don't need) and is about $170..

Regards, Jud. (Towing with Nissan Patrol 1992)
0
FollowupID: 366285

Reply By: dingbat - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 22:20

Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 22:20
Judy
I have purchased a new D shaped thing on its own for about $50, try Caravan Accessories(I think they are the actual makers) in Kogarah-Sydney Suburb-on 0295883400 or any caravan dealer who sells Caravan Acessories products and look for part no 40330120, these part numbers are pretty standard throughout the industry. I presume the van already has the brackets on the draw bar to accept the rods, part no40330130, with the rods being part no 40330100.
As far as I am aware here in the ACT these bits are available separately and should be at any decent caravan dealer.

goodluck and enjoy
ding
AnswerID: 109714

Sponsored Links