I Had A Sway Bar Installed But Still Have Sway Issues Do I Need Weight Distribution

Question:

I have a 1964 Shasta Airflight. Empty is about 1800lbs. I tow with a 2014 Ford Explorer with the Tow package. Its tow capacity is 5000 lbs. I had a sway bar installed but still have sway issues, especially when I get over 55-60 mph or am declining. I dont have trailer brakes. My local trailer place says I dont need them. So...do I need them, will they help with sway? A weight distribution system is another option, but again, my local trailer shop says I dont need it. I know lots of folks pulling single axle trailers with SUVs that dont have this problem. Help!

asked by: Carolyn P

Helpful Expert Reply:

I am happy to help with your sway issues. To fight trailer sway, your best defense is proper trailer loading. If you can load your trailer so that 10 to 15 percent of the total weight of the trailer is tongue weight you will be doing well. The purpose of weight distribution is to take some of the tongue weight and actually distribute the TW to all of the axles in the towing setup (tow vehicle and trailer). Redistributing trailer weight does help with traveling at highway speeds and going down hills.

I recommend the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. This product is used to reduce trailer sway and improve handling in adverse towing conditions. Unit dampens trailer sway caused by crosswinds and traffic for improved stability and increased towing safety.

I am confident in my above recommendations, but if later you feel you still may need a weight distributions system, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion # FA92-00-0450. Its integrated 2-Point Sway Control limits side-to-side movement and the brackets keep the spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds trailer in line. The steel-on-steel friction helps to minimize sway caused by winds or sudden maneuvers. It has a maximum tongue weight rating up to 450 lbs and a gross towing weight of up to 4,500 lbs.

This recommended hitch ball is the 2" Hitch Ball # 40038. A 1-7/8" thin walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 is recommended for hitch ball installation.

Be sure that your trailer is rated for weight distribution. Sometimes small trailers like that are not.