Quick question about a product.

AussieChris · Newbie

Quick question about a product.

macka17 · Guru

Tell them to take that complex bit of kit back and swap for the Standard H.R unit.
2 x bars. 2 x chains. and on top of chassis plates

They won't have a problem then.

what is all that extra complexity supposed to do?.

PeterD · Guru

macka17 wrote:
2.. Tell them to take that complex bit of kit back and swap for the Standard H.R unit. 2 x bars. 2 x chains. and on top of chassis plates

1.. what is all that extra complexity supposed to do?.

1.. That "extra complexity" is a twin cam anti sway device. It is a much better device than those friction anti sway devices. Read about it here. With the amount of time you have been on forums I thought you would have been full bottle on it.

2.. If they don't or can't fit the twin can then the shackles to connect a chain directly to the bars should have come with the kit. The twin cam is just an add on to the standard round bars in the kit.

PeterD · Guru

AussieChris wrote:
They recently purchased a Hayman Reese sway control unit like the one pictured below but their van has I believe they are called an 'under truss bar' fitted under the front which will stop certain parts of the system being fitted and wondered if anyone had a similar issue and how they got around it or could they not fit the system at all because of the under truss.

Who was the chassis manufacturer? My van has barrup strap under the draw bar similar to this one. (Actually it is the one on the caravan behind the new drawbar I have pictured) You can get this Bolt On Fit Kit that fits that type of Barrup strap. Without a picture of the drawbar you are referring to, an accurate description of it or the chassis manufacturers name I can't advise if that kit will fit your van. It did fit my van OK.

Those twin cam anti sway devices are very effective. I suggest you see if you can assist your friend in fitting it and not dismiss it as Macka suggested.

ps I managed to get a picture of the barrup strap on the drawbar when edititng

Barrup Strap..jpg

-- Edited by PeterD on Tuesday 13th of September 2016 11:55:27 AM

woofta and precious · Senior Member

Every now and then I have a full bottle!

AussieChris · Newbie

PeterD wrote:
Who was the chassis manufacturer? My van has barrup strap under the draw bar similar to this one. (Actually it is the one on the caravan behind the new drawbar I have pictured) You can get this Bolt On Fit Kit that fits that type of Barrup strap. Without a picture of the drawbar you are referring to, an accurate description of it or the chassis manufacturers name I can't advise if that kit will fit your van. It did fit my van OK.
Those twin cam anti sway devices are very effective. I suggest you see if you can assist your friend in fitting it and not dismiss it as Macka suggested.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Peter the chassis manufacturer on the folks van is I believe Preston, I had a look at the kit you suggested and I'm not even sure there is enough of a gap to slide that kit between the A frame and truss, picture below to show what needs to be bolted to the frame and the truss that is in the way. :)

PeterD · Guru

Yes I see the barrup strap projects further forward than mine. Looks like they may have to return the twin cam part of the deal unless they can get the strap shortened a little.

macka17 · Guru

Sorry Pete.

They may be ok on smaller centre suspension rigs.
But with rear set suspensions. (Roadstar etc).
They that well balanced regarding sway (Just like a semi tray)
in the 20 odd yrs I never had a problem with any sway in any circumstances.

Unless the driver is really doing the wrong thing. double blowout etc.
I'd say they unnecessary.

I've swerved all over the road dodging huge potholes at around 110km's
with the rig under full control.
Several others with us One ripped axle pins off chassis.,
and one rolled. Both Lost control, with centre axle rigs.(Regal and ??)

The 2 of us with rear set susp.(Roadstar and Compass)
just wove between them then pulled up to a stop.
Police were just arriving to set up barriers, but we already there.

ALL vans should be that configuration. It IS a lot safer.
And as long as you stay on inside line when trucks passing

they shouldn't suck you in if he stays on his side.

I'm sorry. But I believe it more important to educate drivers to tow correctly
and KNOW what happens when things go wrong.
Than stick all these things on your rig.

Do that AFTERWARDS if necessary.

Never having had a centre axle rig in over 40 yrs
I'm not up on what they may need to aid control of.

But as long as tug heavier than tow. most of the problems are negated.
with a sensible educated. driver.
I've always found that the 750 HR rig.
with tensioned chains. Alleviates a lot of any sway that may try to start.

You know from old forums that I've always pushed the rear set susp as being a lot safer.
and still do. Along with weight inequalities. t'ween tug and tow.
The more the safer.
Better balance + more education ==

MUCH safer rigs on roads. with or without all the extra's.
Concentrate on that first.

-- Edited by macka17 on Wednesday 14th of September 2016 03:04:11 PM

AussieChris · Newbie

Hi Guys

Just to let people know in case they have similar issues.

According to the chassis manufacture the truss underneath is just skid bars and it was safe to cut a section off to fit the sway unit.

PeterD · Guru

Chris, who was the chassis manufacturer who told you that the Barrup strap was "just skid bars?" According to Barry Davidson of CABCAR they provide much strength to the drawbar. See the strap under his replacement drawbar in the picture above.

Some chassis manufacturers don't appreciate the extra strength they provide to the drawbar. You see some where the major upright piece is mounted anywhere but the front cross member of the chassis (where it is actually needed.) I do however agree that the front end of the Barrup strap can be shortened, after the main area that needs strengthening is under the front chassis cross member.