Is It Okay to Back Up With a Weight Distribution System That Uses Torsion Bars

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Question:

I have recently purchased a travel trailer 28 feet and legs. I will be using torsion bars while towing. Ive never used them before but I have been told not to back up with them on. Is this something I should actually be worried about ?? Thanks

asked by: Luke

0

Expert Reply:

The only Weight Distribution (WD) systems that we have listed on our site that you shouldn't back up with incorporate the use of a friction sway control like the Reese # 83660. You can backup, but the friction sway control must first be disconnected otherwise you will damage it.

If your system is just using trunnion bars, like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 does, then you should not have to worry about it.

In this case it would be best to check with the manufacturer to see what they say since I do not know what exact system that you have. If you have a WD system from one of the manufacturers that we carry, just let me know which one it is and a short description and/or picture of your system and I can let you know one way or the other.

Keep in mind that your WD system should have a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your setup falls in the middle of. You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Since a properly loaded trailer has a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer you will also want to stay within those parameters as well.

I have attached some helpful articles that you can reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Dennis H.

5/15/2020

Is there a upgrade mount you can use to replace the Friction Sway Control on the standard Reese weight distribution system that has the chains instead of the trunnion bars ?....ty

Reply

Chris R.

5/19/2020

Unfortunately there's not a good way to convert an existing friction system to a chain-style setup like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 mentioned above. Your only option will be to replace the entire system.

Reply

Dennis H.

5/19/2020

@ChrisR ty....what I have at present is the Pro Series Weight Distribution Kit With Friction Sway Control - 1,000 lb(Part #: 49903)...it is a good set up but I'm just not too crazy about the friction sway control, I know I can add another control to it for more stability but I'm a 1st time user with pulling my travel trailer...thx again for the input

Reply

Chris R.

5/22/2020

@DennisH Thanks for the info! If you want to upgrade to a system with improved (and easier to set up) sway control, I highly recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET. This setup uses a 4-point sway control system that will drastically reduce any side to side movement you're experiencing during travel. It's a pretty simple, no-drill installation with its clamp on frame brackets as well.

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Answer 1

When using the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control #C17499, which is a great system for your trailer weight and vehicle, you will initially setup your system just like you would a ball mount. So you will measure from level…

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Answer 2

The number 15 fuse in the engine bay fuse box is responsible for the trailer parking lamps. For future reference, the owner's manual will tell you where all the fuses are located and what they do.

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Answer 3

The biggest difference between an Equal-I-Zer friction style sway control and a system like a Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control #RP26002 is that the friction style is passive and the dual cam is active. What is meant by that is that the…

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Answer 4

Yes; when using a weight distribution hitch while towing with your 2019 Ford F-150, using the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFR1504E will help with stability. The weight distribution will help with leveling, but the Timbrens are going…

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Answer 5

The rear suspension enhancement system I highly recommend for your 2020 Ford F-150 is the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFR1504E because these jounce springs will improve your truck's handling and performance, offering your…

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Answer 6

You can back up with the Curt Weight Distribution system part #C17500 that you referenced as long as you are backing mainly in a straight line. Some systems are more strict on this than others, but basically you don't want to end up in a jack…

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Answer 7

The Reese Weight Distribution Systems like part #RE44FR will allow you to reverse without having to disengage the spring bars. That said, you need to make sure you are doing so at a relatively straight angle meaning you can't put the trailer at…

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Answer 8

The Rear View Safety Extendable Monitor Mount #RVS-1419 is not compatible with your Furrion FOD43TA-BL. We do, however, have some universal monitor mounts available from Voyager. The #VOSHD6MNT which is 6" tall and holds up to a 7" monitor…

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Answer 9

When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded…

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Answer 10

With weight distribution systems like the Curt TruTrack part #C17500 you can back up as long as you are going mainly straight. If you are going to jackknife the trailer you would need to disconnect the bars.

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Answer 11

Yes, for 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 we do have several custom fitting tow mirror options like the Longview Custom Towing Mirrors #LO54FR. However, I recommend the CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors #CIP38MR out of the other options. Reason being, that…

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Answer 12

The warning for backing up weight distribution systems like the #C17322 that you referenced is because of the friction sway control system that is included. As long as you aren't jackknifing your trailer when you are backing up you should be…

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Is It Okay to Back Up With a Weight Distribution System That Uses Torsion Bars

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