Will Length of Trailer Cause More Sway and Will Weight Distribution Help Prevent or Reduce Sway

Question:

Looking to upgrade to a 28-30 foot camper. I drive a 2007 Ford Expedition and was curious to know if the length of that camper would come into effect with my driving safety. The dry weight is 5600 pounds but I am more concerned about the length. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated before I make a purchase.

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

A longer trailer can lead to the increase chance and severity of trailer sway. If you experience sway then the best thing to do in the short term is slow the vehicle down until the swaying stops. In the long term I recommend using weight distribution that comes with sway control.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. Since the dry weight of your trailer is 5,600 pounds it will presumably weigh more once it is loaded and ready to tow. I have included a link to our help article on determining tongue weight.

There are weight distribution systems that come with sway control and there are basically 2 types of sway control; one prevents sway from starting and one reduces sway that has already started. I prefer a system that prevents sway from starting because if it doesn't start it won't ever be a problem!

There are a few systems that can prevent sway. First my top recommendation is a Reese Strait-Line systems such as # RP66084. It uses dual cam sway control to keep the trailer straight while towing so it won't sway. This system is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. For a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. I have linked a video review of this system for you.

Blue Ox has the SwayPro systems such as # BXW1000 rated for up to 1,000 pounds tongue weight. This system limits travel of the spring bars at the chains and at the head to prevent sway. The 19286 ball will also fit this system. I have linked a video showing how this system works.

And we have a friction type in the form of the Equal-I-zer hitches, # EQ37120ET, rated for up to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. It limits movement of the spring bars at the ends and at the head but does not use chains. It comes with a ball. I have linked a video review of this system as well.

If your tongue weight falls outside of the ranges of the systems above let me know and I can make other recommendations.