Difference Between Friction Sway Bar and Weight Distribution System with Sway Control
Question:
My trailer tongue wt is about 400#. I dont put much behind the wheels, but if we could add 50# just for grins.
asked by: Owen T
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like you are deciding between a standalone anti-sway friction bar like the Reese # 83660 and a complete weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 that features integrated sway control for your Silverado and Keystone trailer. A friction sway bar will do a nice job of fighting sway once it has begun but a complete weight distribution system that uses tension bars for sway control will provide even more overall improvement, along with equalizing the load on the Silverado and trailer axles. Many of the more premium systems will also work to prevent sway before it even begins, which a standalone friction bar cannot do.
Between the two options I do recommend going with a complete weight distribution that has integrated sway control. When picking out a system for your trailer, you will first want to determine the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Silverado. The most accurate method for determining your trailer's loaded tongue weight is by using a scale like the etrailer # e99044. Ideally your total tongue weight will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.
Just as an example, the Reese Strait-Line System # RP66084 mentioned above features a tongue weight capacity range of 600 to 1,200 pounds.
If you can tell me what the loaded tongue weight of your Keystone Bullet is, I will be happy to recommend a properly rated system. I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of weight distribution systems that you can look through.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar - 1-1/2" Diameter
- Anti-Sway Bars
- Anti-Sway Bar
- Rear
- 1-1/2 Inch Diameter
- Steel w Polyurethane Bushing
- Roadmaster
more information >
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Owen
8/29/2018
My trailer tongue wt is about 400#. I dont put much behind the wheels, but if we could add 50# just for grins.