We have a Hayman & Reese 600 lbs weight distribution hitch fitted , we are still finding the caravan sways a bit when being pass by big trucks, have been told we can fit a H&R friction sway controller, it has the bracket on the hitch for it. Has anyone got that extra fitted on ther rig and does it make much of a difference?.
I have a set of these but have not used them, just the bars.
Think it was an idear that went out of fashion.
Wind from trucks in both directions will always be felt,
When a truck pulls out to overtake the wind from the front of truck hits the side of your van & tries to push it to the left, this inturn tries to steer the car.
Best fix is keep some power on as they overtake, but alow them to get around as quick as posibile. Power on will help keep the tug & van in a straighter line. Same when you meet them.
Ever watched a road train when you meet them, they will slow a bit on approach & then power on as they meet you, this is the same trick as it keeps their trailers in a straighter line.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
Thanks Jim great advice , being new to caravaning we have experienced a bit of sway on the roads from big trucks and were not sure how to deal with it.
Were told about the friction sway controller but you have helped us put our minds at rest with your experience/advice and saved us purchasing that product.
What you said is very logical.
(Not HAD that excitment with a road train YET !!!!!!!)
(Not HAD that excitment with a road train YET !!!!!!!)
Michael
It will come one day, the best advice if possibile is to just get off the road & let them go, dont try to argue with them especialy on single lane roads.
Due to the size of them & the configeration they will not drop one side off the sealed surface as this will cause uncontrolable swaying of the trailers & a possibile roll over.
If that doesn't get you the rocks will. Many have tried & come off second best. If you have time talk to them on the UHF & state your intentions for a happy outcome.
Same on hwy's with semi's/B-doubble, talk to them particually when they are behind you, let them know that you have seen them & will let them around ASAP & have a better relationship.
JC.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
We have not got a UHF radio yet Jim, that will be our next item on the list. Any suggestions? Getting off the original subject I know but I just thought I would ask ?. Don't even know what channels truckies etc use.
Been running a uniden for many years & appear to be a good brand.
They have now all changed from the old 40 channel to a new 80 channel, much more compact units.
Trucks run channel 29 between sydney & brisbane & 40 every else, dont know why the difference.
Caravaners often advertise on the back of their rigs that they are on ch18, & 40 , but I have yet to here them on 18.
Two ways to run the radio, open channel scan, scans all channels in a few seconds, just set it on either 29/40 depending where you are & it will give priority to set channel, or can set group scan of the desired channels you wish to monitor with the selected channel given priority again.
I often run the open scan on the quiter roads as this will let you hear of any one that is using the radio as groups often avoid the bussy channel. Have often heard crop spraying planes talking to base & farmers on property, handy to know who's around if their is an emergency in outback areas.
JC.
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Be your self; there's no body better qualified ! "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"
g.day michael, we have had the friction control on out rig for over three years now and wouldnt go anywhere without it.i t takes the sway out of the trip and if fitted correctly will give you the peace of mind that comes with proper use of the sway control.you can see the difference it makes if you give the steering wheel flick with the control and without the control.
ASyou can see i am a believer and i give the same advice to other vaners when we are in van parks. Hope this helps.
Thanks David appreciate your input ,makes us rethink the idea of getting one. Especially since you have used one for a few years and noticed a lot of difference. Michael
I have had one fitted on our caravan for two years. I found it beneficial when towing. It maintains a steady towing line which provides that extra sense on security and confidence. I did find it takes time getting familiar with, particulary when turning at speed. It has a tendency to hold the straight line
It is easy to fit yourself (Comes with instructions). The attachment on the towing hitch should to be professionaly welded.
If you have time talk to them on the UHF & state your intentions for a happy outcome.
Same on hwy's with semi's/B-doubble, talk to them particually when they are behind you, let them know that you have seen them & will let them around ASAP & have a better relationship.
JC.
JC.
Excellent advice JC, we have the UHF tuned to channel 40 all the time, truckies appreciate it when you let them know your intentions, it makes life safer and easier for all concerned, sure you get a bit of profanity now and again, no big deal.
On the other hand I have found channel 18 to be a total waste of time, bit of idle chit chat now and again, never anything of value.
-- Edited by Santa on Thursday 28th of February 2013 10:08:41 AM
We have just purchased a Coromal 22 ft Princeston van and I am at 6 & 7 as to what to do re WDH. Dealer said to try the van and see how it goes. Other say yes you need WDH, whilst other say no need. Have not as yet take it for a shakedown due to all the floodding in the S.E. Qld region.
We have just purchased a Coromal 22 ft Princeston van and I am at 6 & 7 as to what to do re WDH. Dealer said to try the van and see how it goes. Other say yes you need WDH, whilst other say no need. Have not as yet take it for a shakedown due to all the floodding in the S.E. Qld region.
Would appreciate some feed back on my situation
Jay&Dee
More details on your rig required for a definitive answer. # Vehicle. # Van details. # Laden weight of van. If you don't know, then the ATM of the van may help. # Ball weight of laden van. Ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
