Weight Distribution and/or Sway Control for a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 8,400 Pound Trailer

Question:

Hello! I have a 31 foot Salem travel trailer that I pull with a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500. I have the 342 gears, that allows me to tow up to 9100lbs. The trailer dry weight is 8400lbs, which is kinda pushing the max tow capacity but have no problems with the actual pulling part. I have a single EZ Sway controller with weight distribution installed on it that the dealer I bought it from said was more then enough to control the sway, but I cant control the sway at speeds over 55 mph. I am literally white knuckle driving! I have seen my model truck pulling the same size trailer with no problems. What sway control system could I possibly buy to stop the sway??? Thanks for your time.

asked by: Jon G

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have the bar style friction sway control like # 83660. These are only effective on trailers up to 6,000 pounds. Since your trailer is heavier the system can't keep up with the amount of sway. You would need to use 2 of the bar friction sway control units or go with a different weight distribution system.

I recommend the new Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 which controls sway at the bars and the head for superior sway control and weight distribution. I have linked a video demo of this system for you. The only thing needed is a properly sized ball, # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

Also make sure that the trailer is being towed level and that the tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. A trailer off level or with too little or too much tongue weight makes it more susceptible to sway.

expert reply by: Michael H