Selecting Friction-Style Sway Control Unit for Use with Reese Weight Distribution System

Question

Question:

I am thinking of adding the Reese friction sway control kit to the pro series weight distribution hitch that I currently have . It will be used to pull a 21 1/2 foot travel trailer Weighing in at 5000 pounds loaded with my 2016 Nissan fronttier crew cab 4 x 4 . My question is, is one of these friction sway friction sway kits enough?

asked by: Hector A

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Expert Reply:

The rule of thumb for friction-style sway control units is that one is generally sufficient for trailers under 6K loaded weight and under 26-feet in length. A cost-effective sway control unit like # 83660 can be added to a weight distribution system to provide additional control when the trailer is hit by wind gusts and air blasts from passing vehicles. Since your Reese system has two sway control tabs on the head assembly you can always add a second unit on the other side of the trailer frame. The second unit simply installs upside down and it will operate perfectly when installed in this manner.

Review and installation videos are linked for your reference.

Do please note that this type of friction sway control device must either have its tension released or be disconnected from the WD head before backing up your trailer. Otherwise the friction unit could be damaged. There are WD systems that use integrated sway control/sway prevention rather than this type of add-on system. These integrated systems do allow backing up the trailer without having to take any additional steps.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

We don't offer a product like the EAZ Lift sway control adapter you mentioned, but if you don't care for the idea of attaching the ball to the trailer frame using screws, you could certainly have the ball/plate included with the #83660 kit…

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Answer 2

A weight distribution system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds is certainly enough for 920 pounds of tongue weight. But you also have to factor in what the tongue weight would be with the trailer loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded…

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Answer 3

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 4

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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Answer 7

The hitch ball angle adjustment on weight distribution systems is designed to provide more or less distribution of the tongue weight on your trailer hitch to the trailer and vehicle axles. If you adjust the ball angle farther away from the towing…

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