Why Do Certain Sway Control Systems Not Allow Backing Up

Question:

Could you please elaborate on the does not allow backing comment. Thanks

asked by: The A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The friction sway control bars like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch # 83660 use a metal bar and friction pads that are tightened and adjusted to control the amount of movement against that force. When you use a system like this, it is made for traveling where the trailer follows the vehicle's movement. When backing up, the trailer is ahead of the vehicle so the system works differently and can cause a trailer to move in a manner that is not in line with the vehicle and thus can be dangerous and cause jackknife. These systems are engineered for an easy remedy for backing up without changing the tension on the bar each time. You simply pull the pin and remove the system. This is an extra step that is not required with other sway control systems, but is not a big deal because the engineers have made it so easy to remove.

I've attached and article to help further.

expert reply by: Jason S