Sway Control vs. Weight Distribution System for 3,000 lb Trailer
Question:
Keeping hitch weight on a 3000 pound trailer to around 12 and a sway vs using a weight distribution
asked by: DRAKE N
Expert Reply:
So let's start with keeping the hitch weight (tongue weight) of a 3,000 lb trailer to about 12 percent, and the way to adjust the tongue weight of any trailer is simply to redistribute the weight. For example, if there is more weight near the front of the trailer, the tongue weight will be higher but if you redistribute the load to the rear of the trailer the tongue weight will decrease.
As far as a sway control system vs. a weight distribution system, the general rule is that you want to use a weight distribution system if your trailer's loaded weight is more than 50 percent of your tow vehicle's weight.
If it is not, then you can go with a friction sway control unit, the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. With this you will also need the Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 1-1/4" Ball Mounts # RP26005 or for 2" Ball Mounts # RP26003.
If your trailer's loaded weight is more than 50 percent of your tow vehicle's weight, or you are experiencing sag, then a weight distribution system with sway control is highly recommended. The correct system is chosen by your total tongue weight, which is the tongue weight of your loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. For a 3,000 lb trailer when loaded, if your tongue weight is about 12 percent I highly recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0600.
I have added links to video reviews as well as a link to a help article on weight distribution I highly recommend taking a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Reese
more information >
Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 1-1/4" Drawbars - Class II
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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