Husky RH 34715 - User Manual

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All Products limited to Vehicle Tow Rating; see Vehicle Owners Manual

January 17, 2012 See www.huskytow.com

for Warranty Information / Tech Support

Assembly, Installation, Operation and Maintenance

Instructions

RH/LH Friction Sway Control

Part # 34715/37498

Dealer / Installer: Provide a copy of these Instructions to the end user of this product. These

Instructions provide important operating and safety information for proper usage

of this product. Demonstrate the proper use of the product with the end user.

Have the end user demonstrate that they understand the proper use of the

product.

End User: Read and follow all instructions included in this manual. Ask your Dealer /

Installer for assistance if you do not understand the proper use of the product.

Never remove any decals from the product.

 Warning, by towing a trailer, you change the handling

characteristics of the tow vehicle.

 Warning, Short wheel base vehicles may induce sway

when towing a trailer. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

 Any welding should be done by a qualified welding shop.

Installation instructions:

Most weight distributing ball mounts come equipped with a

sway control ball mount attached. If so, attach the sway control ball to

the ball mount using the hole provided. Tighten the sway control ball to

135 ft-lb torque. If no sway control ball mount is provided, then use the

optional ball mount bar (Item #34845 included with LH 37498) and weld

to the ball mount as shown in fig. 1 (Right hand setup is shown).

You will want to position the ball mount bar (item #34845) on the side of

the draw bar where you intend on attaching the friction sway unit to the

side of the trailer.

Note which side of the draw bar the ball mount is on as this will

be the side of the trailer you will attach the trailer frame sway ball plate

on. Measure 24" from the center of the coupler ball socket down the

side of the frame and mark this position. Place the trailer ball plate

against the side of the frame (level). Then transfer the punch holes

from the trailer tongue ball plate assy. to the trailer frame and drill

11/32" holes. Attach the trailer tongue ball plate assy. to the trailer

frame using the self-tapping screws provided. See Fig. 2.

Warning! The sway control CAN NOT be used on trailers with

surge brakes!

DO NOT speed up if sway occurs. Sway increases

with speed. If sway continues, stop the vehicle and inspect all

equipment and trailer loading until the cause has been determined

and corrected. Trailers should be loaded with heavy items on the

floor, in front of the axle. The load should be balanced side to

side. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of gross trailer weight for

most trailers. Insufficient tongue weight or tail-heavy trailers can

cause sway. When towing in slippery conditions, such as wet, icy,

gravel or snow covered roads, the sway control must be removed.

Never paint or lubricate the slide bar.

If the trailer is 24’ or longer, the use of both a right hand (item

#34715) and left hand sway control (item #37498) is recommended.

Warning! Check all mounting bolts and attachment points for

the sway control, hitch and related components every 500 miles, or per the manufacturer’s instructions. Whichever

is more frequent.

RH 34715 SHOWN

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Summary

Product Overview and Safety Information

Dealer;Installer Responsibilities

Guide for dealers/installers on product handover and user demonstration.

End User Guidance

Instructions for end users on manual review and seeking assistance.

Critical Towing Safety Warnings

Essential safety precautions regarding vehicle handling, vehicle types, and welding.

Installation and Mounting Guide

Sway Control Ball Mount

Steps for attaching the sway control ball to the ball mount or welding.

Trailer Frame Ball Plate

Procedure for positioning and drilling the trailer frame to attach the ball plate.

Operational Safety Precautions

Warnings on surge brakes, speed, slippery conditions, and maintenance checks.

Operational Use and Maintenance

Connecting the Sway Control

Steps for attaching the sway control unit to the trailer and ball mount.

Jackknife Clearance Test

Verifying clearance during trailer jackknifing to prevent component damage.

Tension Adjustment and Road Testing

Adjusting the sway control tension via the brake tension screw for optimal performance.

Cleaning and Bolt Checks

Instructions for cleaning the slide bar and periodic inspection of mounting hardware.

Summary

Product Overview and Safety Information

Dealer;Installer Responsibilities

Guide for dealers/installers on product handover and user demonstration.

End User Guidance

Instructions for end users on manual review and seeking assistance.

Critical Towing Safety Warnings

Essential safety precautions regarding vehicle handling, vehicle types, and welding.

Installation and Mounting Guide

Sway Control Ball Mount

Steps for attaching the sway control ball to the ball mount or welding.

Trailer Frame Ball Plate

Procedure for positioning and drilling the trailer frame to attach the ball plate.

Operational Safety Precautions

Warnings on surge brakes, speed, slippery conditions, and maintenance checks.

Operational Use and Maintenance

Connecting the Sway Control

Steps for attaching the sway control unit to the trailer and ball mount.

Jackknife Clearance Test

Verifying clearance during trailer jackknifing to prevent component damage.

Tension Adjustment and Road Testing

Adjusting the sway control tension via the brake tension screw for optimal performance.

Cleaning and Bolt Checks

Instructions for cleaning the slide bar and periodic inspection of mounting hardware.

This document describes the RH/LH Friction Sway Control device, part numbers 34715/37498, manufactured by Husky Towing Products. This device is designed to improve the handling characteristics of a tow vehicle when pulling a trailer by reducing trailer sway.

Function Description:

The Friction Sway Control works by creating friction between a slide bar and a main body, which dampens the oscillating motion of a trailer relative to the tow vehicle. It consists of a main body (1) with a slide bar (4) that attaches to a sway control ball on the tow vehicle's ball mount and a trailer tongue ball plate (11) on the trailer frame. The device has an On/Off handle (2) and a tension adjustment screw (6) to control the amount of friction applied. When the handle is turned clockwise, it increases the tension on the compression plate (5), which in turn increases the friction on the slide bar, thereby reducing sway. Turning the handle counter-clockwise releases the tension, allowing the slide bar to move freely. This is particularly useful when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces, as the sway control must be disengaged to prevent damage.

Important Technical Specifications:

Part Numbers: RH 34715 (Right Hand) and LH 37498 (Left Hand). The RH 34715 is shown in the diagrams.
Mounting: The device attaches to a sway control ball on the tow vehicle's ball mount and a trailer tongue ball plate on the trailer frame.
Trailer Tongue Ball Plate Attachment: The trailer tongue ball plate (11) is attached to the trailer frame using self-tapping screws after drilling 11/32" holes. The plate should be positioned 24" from the center of the coupler ball socket, level with the hitch head if possible.
Ball Mount Bar (Item #34845): An optional weld-on ball mount bar is available for LH 37498 if no sway control ball mount is provided. This bar is welded to the ball mount.
Torque Specification: The sway control ball should be tightened to 135 ft-lb torque.
Trailer Length Recommendation: For trailers 24' or longer, the use of both a right-hand (item #34715) and a left-hand (item #37498) sway control is recommended for optimal stability.
Tongue Weight Recommendation: Trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the gross trailer weight for most trailers to prevent sway.

Usage Features:

Engagement/Disengagement: The On/Off handle allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the sway control. To release tension, turn the handle 3 turns counter-clockwise (or enough for the slide bar to move freely). To engage and apply tension, turn the handle clockwise until the threads bottom out and the handle is parallel with the main body.
Tension Adjustment: The brake tensioning screw (6) allows for fine-tuning the amount of sway control. After initial setup, road test the sway control. If more sway control is needed, adjust the brake tension screw 1/4 turn clockwise and re-test until desired sway control is achieved.
Jackknife Prevention: Before backing up or maneuvering in a jackknife position, the sway control must be removed to prevent damage to the unit, bumper, or trailer frame. Failure to do so can cause the sway control to hit the bumper or trailer frame, or become fully compressed or come apart.
Trailer Loading: Proper trailer loading is crucial for effective sway control. Heavy items should be placed on the floor, in front of the axle, and the load should be balanced side-to-side.
Slippery Conditions: The sway control must be removed when towing in slippery conditions such as wet, icy, gravel, or snow-covered roads.
Compatibility: The sway control CAN NOT be used on trailers with surge brakes.

Maintenance Features:

Initial Break-in: After a 1,000-mile break-in period, remove the slide bar and clean it using a wire brush or steel wool.
Regular Cleaning: The slide bar should be cleaned every 10,000 miles.
Lubrication: Lubricate the threads on the On/Off handle with a drop of oil and apply grease to the inside of the sockets at each end of the sway unit.
Important Cleaning Restriction: Do NOT lubricate or use any cleaning solution on the friction pads or slide bar; use a dry cloth only. Never paint or lubricate the slide bar itself.
Regular Inspection: Check all mounting bolts and attachment points for the sway control, hitch, and related components every 500 miles, or per the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is more frequent. This ensures all connections are secure and the device is functioning correctly.

Safety Warnings:

Towing a trailer changes the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle.
Short wheelbase vehicles may induce sway when towing a trailer; use extreme caution.
Never speed up if sway occurs; sway increases with speed. If sway continues, stop the vehicle and inspect all equipment and trailer loading until the cause is determined and corrected.
Any welding should be done by a qualified welding shop.
Never remove any decals from the product.
Insufficient tongue weight or tail-heavy trailers can cause sway.