R22 Discussion Group

On Dec 5, 2019, at 10:12 PM, Goodness <spreadgoodnews at gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

S/V Dynamic Equilibrium’s trailer has had an anti sway damper mounted on the trailer hitch for 25+ years.  The below attached picture shows this anti sway damper available from Harbor Freight.  The device mounts between the tow bar hitch on the tow vehicle and the trailer tongue.  The black body has friction material (i.e. brake pads) that clamps down on the silver part on the right.  Clamping pressure is adjusted by turning the black handle on the top of the black body.  The silver part is attached via a small extra ball joint on the tow bar alongside of the main hitch ball on the trailer hitch.  The black body is attached to the trailer tongue via another ball joint alongside of the hitch.  As the trailer sways, the silver part slides in and out of the black body.  The clamped friction material turns the rotational momentum of the trailer into heat, thus damping out the swaying.  This is absolutely the solution to worry free trailering!  It completely eliminates trailer swaying due to crosswinds, semi truck shock waves, sudden turns, road hazards, tire failure, etc.  It even helps prevent swaying if there is insufficient tongue weight, although it is still good practice to have at least 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue.  It turns trailering into a relaxing experience.

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The only downside, is that you must remember to remove the anti sway damper before close quarters maneuvering in the boat yard or at the launch ramp.  The anti sway device does not tolerate being jack knifed if the trailer must be turned very sharply.  Normally, this is not an issue; but, you need to be aware of the anti sway device before attempting a sharp turn.

I was able to move S/V Dynamic Equilibrium sufficiently far forward on my trailer such that the rudder and outboard motor can be left in place while trailering.  Raising the motor to the top of the mount and lashing it in place prevents movement.  There’s enough “stuff” to rig and unrig while trailering without having to mess around with the motor and the rudder.

Here’s a weight distribution tip: The 15 gallon water tank weighs ~125 lbs when full.  This tank is up in the bow under the V-berth.  So, if you are having issues with insufficient tongue weight, try filling the water tank.

I don’t recommend trailering with anything in the holding tank.  Although it would add more tongue weight, there is too much risk of a nasty, smelly spill due to sloshing!

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Mitch Mitchell<mailto:mitchpadl at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2019 8:44 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailering with outboard

That’s a great idea Bob!

Sent from my iPhone

687DF483B1C343598D78F6F4D9ACBBB7.png

The Rhodes 22 Discussion Group

ROGER PIHLAJA

Trailering with outboard