Comparing Friction Sway Control to Integrated Sway Prevention in Weight Distribution System

Question:

Does it make good sense to have one on each side?

asked by: Mike W

Expert Reply:

Simple friction-style trailer sway control devices like # 83660 and the others shown on the linked page can be used on both sides of a trailer to help control sway. This is recommended if the trailer is 26-feet long or longer. The second unit is simply installed upside down.

The best way to deal with trailer sway is to use a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch that incorporates sway prevention, such as the Equal-I-zer # EQ37100ET. These work to stop the trailer from swaying in the first place instead of reacting to that sway after it has started. They also do something that friction arms cannot do: they shift trailer weight onto the tow vehicle's front axle, which restores steering and braking performance that can be degrade when trailer tongue weight (TW) pushes down on the hitch ball, lifting the front end.

Selecting the correct WD/SC system comes down to knowing the trailer's actual fully-loaded TW along with the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle. You can easily measure the trailer's TW using the scale # e99044.

If you care to tell me your total loaded trailer TW I will be glad to recommend a system that will both prevent trailer sway and balance the trailer tongue weight across both axles.

expert reply by: Adam R