16' Series Sway bar &/or W.D.S

[Maniac_au]

Hi,
Have been requested to ask on here regarding using a sway bar without using a W.D.S.
Can you do this or is it a prerequisite to have the W.D.S. first.

Car is a Kia Carnival EX
Max. A.T.M.2000Kgs
Max. Ball Weight 200Kgs

Van is a 16-49-10B
A.T.M. 1826Kgs
Empty Ball Weight 157Kgs

Kia do not recommend using a W.D.S. due to incorrect use and people obviously complaining that their car/van got damaged.
Appear to be covering their butts
and passing all onus on to the owner/driver.
That is reversing with them on going over speed bumps etc.

Bill

 

[Griffo]

Most cars now come fitted with sway bars front and rear which help limit side roll when cornering.

I think the issue with the WDS is that it places a fair bit of stress on the tow ball hitch and can cause damage to the mounts particularly if operating near the specs like you are.

 

[straydingo]

From memory, all the sway controllers connect to a WDH hitch. But I suppose they could still be used without the spring bars actually being in place tho....
HR doe say in their blurb "Complete sway control can be obtained by fitting a sway controller. Sway controllers are designed to be used in conjunction with a weight distribution system and prevent trailer sway by restricting and damping the movement between the tow-hitch and the trailer." So probably no benefit without the spring bars in place.

 

[Griffo]

Ah, sway controller as distinct from sway bar (anti roll).

 

[Maniac_au]

Can these be fitted by yourself or do they originally need to be measured up by a fitter?

Bill

 

[Griffo]

WDH are a do it yourself job you just need an adjustable spanner or socket wrench.

Sway controllers?

 

[Bushman]

Sway Controllers are designed to work with WDH.

 

[Maniac_au]

Okay thanks everyone.
it would appear after a fair bit of Googling that both Kia & Hyundai do not recommend a W.D.S. on their standard towbar. However people do use them without issue & the usual benefits.
Obviously with the limits of our current vehicle we will have to take due care on the loading of the van & check the ball weight as well.
Have picked up 600lbs W.D.S. & sway control today will check on fitting them before going away.

Thanks

Bill