[p]I haven't taken delivery of my 21 BHS yet. The trailer[/p][p]will be delivered with a friction control device in place.[/p][p]Dealer recommends this. From his experience he feels[/p][p]this to be an effective set-up for my TV and TT.[/p][p]Any comments?[/p]
[font size="3"]From a safety and performance standpoint you will be fine. The full sized pickup can get along without weight distribution, but some sway control is appropriate. Many people use the friction anti-sway devices, but I think they recommend disconnecting them when backing up such as maneuvering into a campsite. Member djsamuel tows a 21BHS with a 1/2 ton PU and found the addition of an Anderson WDH improved comfort by reducing porpoising (bounce). Search his posts on this forum.
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Its been years since I towed our trailer that had the friction sway control. At that time we were pulling a 20' AeroCub Hybrid which was considered an "ultra-light" at the time. I dont remember is stats right now but I know it had to be on par or heavier than the 21 BHS. We were towing it with an F-150 4x4 at the time and I dont recall ever feeling like I needed more than the friction control. Although I agree with @charliem that it should be removed while maneuvering. I learned that the hard way after fighting to back into a spot for entirely too long before realizing the sway-bar was preventing it from turning like it should.
The one recommended to me by Andy at CanAm RV in Canada was the Husky:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/13747178785_b19767e864_z.jpg)BTW, this was for my relatively small Ford Flex - does not necessarily mean anything for your larger truck.
I'd start out that way.
I've towed a 16' Camplite 10,000 miles in all kinds of weather, across the great plains with 30mph head and cross winds, and I have neither sway control nor weight distribution.
The only time that I might have needed sway control was when I hit black ice driving at about 35mph with a 20-30mph crosswind. There were lots of cars already in the ditch & there almost was a truck and camper along with them. I don't know that sway control would have help that situation though.
[quote source="/post/7784/thread" timestamp="1426356652" author="@michael"]The only time that I might have needed sway control was when I hit black ice driving at about 35mph with a 20-30mph crosswind. There were lots of cars already in the ditch & there almost was a truck and camper along with them. I don't know that sway control would have help that situation though.
[/quote]I think the type of sway control might make a difference there. Our friction-based, stand-alone sway bar specifically states that it shouldn't be used in icy or wet conditions (in addition to backing). The reason is that it operates by trying to prevent a turn, and in icy conditions that may mean that you won't turn when you want to.
Of course, that may mean it doesn't help you when you want the help the most, so I wonder if other types of sway control techniques exist that may be better suited.