Anti Sway/Torsion Bars
Submitted: Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 19:53
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Kym & Kym (SA)
Hello,
Have just bought a new Jayco poptop Expanda 16.49.2, less than a week old, looking forward to getting out there and using it.
On the "A" Frame, Jayco have a (seriously) welded angle bracket which supports a jerry can frame to hold 20 litres of
water, (feature normally offered on Outback models). This is located where the ezy lift torsion bar bracket needs to ideally sit on the "A" Frame to make the chains vertical.
Weight of van (as per specs) is 1380kg (unloaded), length 16 foot.
Have towed vans before, but always with torsion/anti sway/levelling bars.
Before I get out the angle grinder to relocate jerry can bracket, do I need torsion bars for this van or have Jayco done this consciously?
Cheers
Kym (SA)
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:00
Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:00
Would be best with bars
If you dont need it cut it off or relocate it to a better place on the bar.
AnswerID:
389743
Reply By: Kym & Kym (SA) - Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:10
Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:10
Thanks Graham.
I am thinking that is the way to go, just looking for a second opinion and/or experience from others before I hack into a brand spanker.
Cheers
Kym
AnswerID:
389745
Follow Up By: Kym & Kym (SA) - Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:42
Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:42
Cheers Barry.
All sounds sensible stuff. Two caravan retailers suggested the weight was "just on the edge" of whether bars were required or not. I do agree with the safety/handling and weight issues you raise.
The jockey wheel bracket is also on the outside of the A frame which means it cannot be in place when the bars are on. Thinking of either relocating this also or adding a 2nd bracket (on the inside of A frame) to get around this.
I would not have thought I am not the only person who would have attempted fitting bars to this van yet everything seems to be in the way!
Kym
FollowupID:
657499
Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 22:33
Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 22:33
Have got Jockey wheel brackets on both outer sides of my A frame and the dont interfere with bars.
But then its not a Jayco.
Perhaps you could adjust it a bit lower 4 links is absolute minimum.
FollowupID:
657514
Reply By: Member - barry F (NSW) - Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:17
Monday, Nov 02, 2009 at 20:17
Yep, I would agree with Grahame. Place 1000 to 1500 Kg or more on the rear of any vehicle & its relative weight, by way of tow ball weight, the end result has to be that you lighten the weight on the front axle, thereby interfering with vehicle steering & braking capabilities. & that includes the heavy weights, Cruisers & Patrols!! LOL
Weight equipment on the tow vehicle, should, in my opinion, be the law & it frightens me to see vans & the like without this safety gear & the dangers it imposes on the user & other road users. Just my two bobs worth. Cheers
AnswerID:
389746
Follow Up By: DIO - Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 07:39
Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 07:39
Place 1000 - 1500 kg or more on the rear of the vehicle.....WHAT !!!!!!! That's 1 - 1.5 tonne. Surely can't be correct advice ?
FollowupID:
657532
Follow Up By: Member - barry F (NSW) - Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 09:30
Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 09:30
Hi DIO, my answer read ........ & its relative weight by way of tow ball weight"
Cheers
FollowupID:
657543
Reply By: ozjohn0 - Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 09:12
Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009 at 09:12
With an unladen weight of 1380kg you would expect to be around 1680+ when loaded. Check the ATM on the vans compliance plate as this is the legal maximum weight when loaded. The usual recommended Ball Weight (Weight on tow ball) of 10% of vans overall loaded weight, that's 160 - 170kg.
You'll certainly require a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch). The 2 bar Sheeps hook type are good for a tow ball weight up to 80kg. The 4 bar type for a ball weight up to 120kg. So you'll probably have to go for something like a Hayman Reese 550 WDH which can handle ball weights to 250kg. It's a once only expenditure as they will suit most vans and vehicles you're ever likely to have. Depending on the tow vehicle the 550 WDH may also be a legal requirement as many vehicle manufacturers now require that a suitable and approved WDH (Load Levelers) be used. safe vanning.
ozjohn.
AnswerID:
389790