How to Reduce Sway When Towing a Trailer With a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

I have a 2013 silverado 1500 CCab 6.5 ft bed with a factory tow package. I pull at cruiser 27.5 travel trailer using a hitch that has weight equalizer bars. My hitch weight is ~ 500 # and the trailer fully loaded is about 7,500#. Both of these capacities are well within what Chevy says the truck can handle. My question is about sway. When I get over 60 mph the trailer begins to feel very unstable and a start to get sway. I load carefully and balance so I do not think I can blame the load here. I have been looking at your offerings for stabilization and anti-sway but could use some advice. Perhaps the sway is simply part of the travel trailer - but - if there is a product that works with the trucks suspension system to make the trailer more side-to-side stable Ill buy it in a heartbeat. My next trailer with be a 5th wheel and I will move up in truck capacity, but I am not ready to do that yet. thanks.

asked by: Pat

Expert Reply:

I have a couple of recommendations for you. A truck suspension enhancement system will help reduce sag and will help with sway especially if you are close to the maximum towing weight limit of your truck. If you are not close to the weight limit, adding suspension enhancement systems will enhance driving stability. I recommend the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System # TGMRCK15S for your truck. These will help stabilize and level your 2013 Chevrolet Silverado.

However, if you do not have an anti-sway bar nor an anti-sway system with your weight distribution system, adding one of these will be the best way to reduce sway while towing your trailer. If you have a notch on your weight distribution system for an anti-sway bar, I recommend the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660 for your trailer. As your trailer wants to sway, this bar will stay stiff keeping your trailer from moving as much.

To add an anti-sway system you will have to replace your existing weight distribution set-up entirely with a weight distribution and anti-sway control system similar to the Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37061ET. This system will not only distribute the weight of your trailer, but keep your trailer from swaying.

I attached an installation video for the Timbren Suspension System on a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, which is the same process as your 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. I also attached review video for the Equal-I-zer weight distribution system and an installation video for the Reese Sway Control bar you may find helpful. I also attached a help article on common weight distribution questions you may want to check out as well.

expert reply by: Sarah H