Why Can't I Reverse With A Curt Friction Sway Bar On The Weight Distribution System?
Question:
What does it mean you cant reverse with this distribution kit
asked by: Cedric W
Expert Reply:
On the Curt MV Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control # C17063 the Friction Sway Control # 17200 portion of the hitch must be removed before reversing with your 2017 Heartland Prowler. You can actually reverse in a straight line with the sway bar attached but the turning is what can't be done in reverse.
The sway bar uses friction material like brake pads that push on the steel bar to slow movement. When you are reversing you generally are trying to move the camper and a lot of steering input is used. This constant input will cause the bar to bend or break off the mounting balls as to much pressure is exerted. With these type of sway bars I only recommend installing the bar when you know you are getting onto the highway or driving on long straight roads. Many backroads and state parks will have a lot of twisty roads that will cause the same effect on the sway bar and it can break going forward as well.
I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37140ET as a far better system to use. This hitch has a lifetime warranty versus the one year you get with the Curt. The sway control is built into the weight distribution so that there are no extra parts to remove and it is safe to use when you need to drive in reverse or on tight roads. This system has the same weight rating of 1,000-1,400lbs of tongue weight and 14,000 maximum trailer weight as the Curt.
A 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 is needed to install the included 2-5/16" hitch ball and I recommend using the Sway Bracket Jackets # EQ95-01-5150. These nylon spacers will sit between the steel L brackets on the trailer and the weight distribution bars to reduce noise when you are maneuvering. This will also reduce wear and tear on these parts for the life of the hitch.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 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
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Sway Bracket Jackets for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt MV Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round Bar - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Does Not Allow Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: SilverBack RV Sewer Compartment Hose w/ 3" Swivel Fittings - 2' Long - Black Poly
- Shop: Replacement Control Module for Lippert Ground Control 3.0 Leveling System - Prepped 5th Wheel RV
- Shop: Replacement Touch Screen Control Panel for Lippert Ground Control TT or Lippert OneControl - 5"
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Will Curt C51108 Echo Pass Through 12-Volt Power to Maintain Trailer Mounted Battery
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Curt MV Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round Bar - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Q&A: Weight Distribution for a 9,700 Pound Travel Trailer and 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Is There a Way to Determine How Much Tongue Weight a WD System Removes
- Shop: Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Search Results: curt weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: How to Bleed Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T2385200 Review
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch