How to Select Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 28-Foot Car Hauler Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Many of the weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) systems we offer include a shank, the part similar to a ball mount that fits into your hitch receiver and that holds the WD head assembly. For instance, the Blue Ox Sway Pro # BXW1500, which is rated for TW from 1000- to 1500-lbs, includes a shank that allows height adjustment from 8-inches of rise down to 2-inches of drop.

We also offer WD/SC systems without shanks, allowing you to separately select the right one. The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Shank # FA92-02-4315 provides 8-inches of drop when used with round bars. All separate shanks are shown on the linked page.

The key to choosing a WD/SC system is knowing the fully-loaded trailer's actual tongue weight (TW). WD/SC systems need to be tuned to that TW figure to ensure they work as intended without creating weird handling from the trailer. You can easily measure your TW using scale # e99044. Keep in mind that in addition to the trailer's own TW you need to account for the weight of anything in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, such as a tool box, loaded cooler or generator. This cargo weight acts just like trailer TW and so it must be accounted for.

One you know your actual total TW figure you can choose a system. Ideally your total TW will fall near the middle of the system's operating range. I linked our main page for WD/SC systems; you can select Shank Not Included by clicking on that filter.

expert reply by: Adam R

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