Friction Sway Control vs. Weight Distribution and Integrated Sway Control for 20-Foot Trailer
Question:
I just purchased a trailer that is 20.6 ft long and fully loaded weighs 4000 lbs. Do I need a sway bar?
asked by: Steve M
Expert Reply:
When a trailer weighs more than half the weight of the tow vehicle, quite likely in the case of your 4000-lb trailer, there will typically be a need for sway control.
There are two types of sway control, the stand-alone friction bar style like # 83660 and those shown on the linked page, all of which use controlled friction to help stop trailer sway, and the integrated type of sway prevention that comes with weight distribution systems (WD/SC). These systems both equalize the load on the tow vehicle axles (moving trailer tongue weight forward onto the front axle) and also prevent trailer sway by keeping the trailer in line with the vehicle.
Friction systems can certainly provide a handling improvement as compared to nothing at all, but even with two of them installed on the trailer they will not provide the same overall handling improvement that comes from an integrated WD/SC system like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control, part # EQ37060ET, which would work for a trailer like yours with tongue weight in the range of 500-lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: sway control
- Search Results: reese
- Search Results: reese sway control
- Shop: Curt RockerBall 2-5/16" Shock Absorbing Hitch Ball and Ball Mount w/ Sway Control Tab - 7.5K
- Shop: Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems
- Shop: Curt Shock Absorbing Towing Kit w Sway Control, Wireless Brake Controller - 2-5/16" Ball - 7.5K
- Shop: Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: sway bar
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Search Results: sway control only
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System for R-Pod Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Differences Between Friction Based Sway Control and Dual Cam System For a Trail-Bay Travel Trailer
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Search Results: sway bar pin
- Search Results: sway hitch
- Q&A: Will Adco Storage Lot Cover # 290-74840 2015 Cherokee Wolf Pup Travel Trailer
- Shop: Vehicle Sway Bars
- Shop: RV Covers
- Q&A: Does Weight of Weight Distribution System Count as Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Does Using A Weight Distribution System Add Stress To the Vehicle Frame
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement