Sway bar for 2017 320s Outback

Alan57

Just purchased a 2017 320s Outback and using a 2015 Lexus RX350 with tow package, rated up to 3,500 lbs. The specs on rvusa.com show dry weight of 1,848 and hitch weight of 140. I experienced excessive sway when hitting bumps in the highway or from wind at overpasses. Especially so at speeds of 60-65 mph. It was empty and I assume it will handle better when loaded, but I anticipate no more than 300 lbs of gear in the camper. I had not intended on filling the water tanks as I do not plan on using kitchen sink or bathroom, but am reconsidering to get more weight. I am considering a sway bar or weight distribution sway bar due to everything being so light and the tow vehicle being small. Thoughts and recommendations are appreciated. Suggestionson brand/model and experience from anyone currently using one also appreciated. 

Grumpy_G

A trailer as light as a T@b 320 does not need a weight distributing hitch. In fact if you read the owners manual of your vehicle it will likely tell you not to use one, and the trailer isn't designed to be used with one either. A sway reduction device might help, if indeed you are experiencing sideways rear sway. Rear up and down motion is not sway but porpoising. I'd also think that a 2015 Lexus has trailer sway control but I'm not familiar with Toyota/Lexus vehicles. The tow vehicle might benefit from new shock absorbers though. 

MuttonChops

Does the RX350 tow package (or standard) include a 'car computer' trailer anti-sway feature?

If it does . . . wait on buying extra equipment.

Even if the RX350 does not have extra towing features; if my rig I'd drive/tow some to see how the TV and 320 play together.

Most owners have zero sway issues with these trailers . . .
If you get sway 'remove foot from accelerator, don't brake - -  just let your speed reduction and 'calm' steering correct the issue.  Then you should start sway bar research.

Alan57

MuttonChops - The tow package includes heavy duty radiator, transmission, oil cooler, and only available in F-sport which has stiffer suspension, No sway control. The way you describe to react is exactly what I did each time. Thanks to both for the advice. 

AnOldUR

@Alan57
In a sway situation, lightly applying just your trailer brakes with the manual control is a good way to bring it under control.

Alan57

Thanks to all for the feedback. Very insightful. I am going to double check the tongue height, load up the water tanks, put in my camping gear and see what happens. I am new to camping and trailering, so guessing if no one else is having this issue, it is most likely something I have or have not done. It’s a tight 90 degree turn to back into my drive and I really don’t want to deal with disengaging the sway bar here and at campsites.  

Horigan

@Alan57, From your Lexus manual:  "If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required."  Toyota is the same.  Get a sway control device installed so there's no risk of insurance not covering an accident.

Alan57

Horigan, thanks for that information.  I bought the Lexus used and it did not come with the Owner's Manual.  I made an offer for one on eBay.  If you able able to post a pic of yours on the towing section it would be greatly appreciated.

Horigan

@Alan57,  I pulled your manual online.  See page 306.

https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM48D65U/pdf/OM48D65U.pdf

ckjs

Alan57 said:

…. The specs on rvusa.com show dry weight of 1,848 and hitch weight of 140.

Have you measured the actual hitch weight when loaded for camping? The usual recommendation is that it be 10%-15% of the trailer’s weight. Our CSS handles much better after rearranging things and getting a ~220 lb reading from a bathroom scale under the hitch point. It was pretty bouncy when the weight was only 195 lb. 

rfuss928

My first thought when reading the OP was "check your tongue weight".  Running near the 15% load works best with these light trailers.