Recommended Solution for Reducing Sway in 29-Foot Travel Trailer Towed by 2016 Ford F-150

Question:

I am interested in the Friction sway control kit, Item 83660. I have a 2016 F-150 Ford truck towing a 2016 29 foot Bullet Premier travel trailer, about 7,500 LBS. I need to reduce the sway I am getting on the freeway from wind and large trucks. Will this kit help and is it the right size kit? Do I need two? thanks.

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

Simple friction-style anti-sway mechanisms like the Reese # 83660 can help reduce the effects of sway on small trailers. But for a 29-footer that weighs in the range of 7500-lbs, such as your Bullet Premier travel trailer, these devices, even if two are used, will not give you the results you're looking for. Also, these friction units must be disengaged every time you back up the trailer or they will be damaged.

The better solution for a full-size travel trailer is to use a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system that is tuned to match your trailer's actual loaded tongue weight (TW). WD systems not only prevent/reduce sway but they also shift some of the trailer's TW forward, onto the vehicle's front axle. This weight shift restores steering and braking performance that can be diminished when the trailer's TW causes the tow vehicle front end to lift up. WD/SC systems both correct for this front-end lift and also reduce/prevent trailer sway depending on the specific one you choose. I suggest you have a look at the linked article and video on WD/SC since it will give you lots of good general information.

The key to choosing a WD system is knowing the trailer's actual TW when it is fully-loaded with all gear and supplies, with water and propane tanks filled, etc. Dry hitch weight (1000-lbs for the 29-foot RT288FLR) is not enough to choose a system.You also need to account for the weight of any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, such as a generator, since this will appear like trailer TW to the weight distribution system. Once you know this total TW you can choose a system that both shifts trailer TW forward and prevents sway. All systems that will work with your electric brakes and allow you to back up the trailer are shown on the linked page.

Your total TW is likely to be in the range of 1200-1300-lbs so the Equal-I-zer system # EQ37140ET would be suitable. All such systems work over a range of trailer TW; this one works for TW from 1000- to 1400-lbs so it would be perfect for this TW of 1200- to 1300-lbs. It comes complete with a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball.

expert reply by: Adam R