Recommendations For Stopping Trailer Sway of Double D Horse Trailer Towed by Ford Expedition

Question:

I have a bumper pull Double D trailer I am pulling with a Ford Expedition. Even without a horse in board, I have significant sway. I have a weight distribution system. The trailer has a dressing room in front. At the recommendation of the hitch store, I inflated my cars tires to 51 which helped a bit. Should I load as much weight as possible in the front of the dressing room to increase tongue weight?

asked by: Kirsten D

Expert Reply:

Increasing the tongue weight would be the first thing I'd recommend trying, but make sure you don't increase the tongue weight to the point where you exceed the capacity of the w/d system you're using.

If that doesn't help, I'd recommend going with a weight distribution system that incorporates a sway control element. The first step in choosing the correct system for your needs is to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

For a moderate to moderately severe sway condition, I'd recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex system, like the # RP66558 for tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs, or for tongue weights between 600-1200 lbs, use # RP66560.

For a more severe sway, a system that literally forces the trailer to stay in line behind the trailer is recommended. Instead of acting against sway after it begins, the Reese Strait-Line system prevents it before it can start. For tongue weights between 200-600 lbs, use part # RP66082. For tongue weights between 400-800 lbs, use # RP66083 or for tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs, use # RP66084.

The systems I mentioned above include the weight distributing shank, but the correctly sized trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or for a 2-5/16 inch ball, use part # 19286.

If your trailer frame is constructed of aluminum, I'd recommend checking with the trailer manufacturer. Some manufacturers of aluminum-framed trailers don't recommend using weight distribution.

I've also linked you to a FAQ article that explains how weight distribution systems work.