Best Weight Distribution to Prevent Sway for Coleman Pop Up Camper
Question:
Hi, I have a 2001 Coleman utah pop-up camper. it has a empty weight of about 3200 LBS. I was pulling this camper for 3 years with a 2008 GMC acadia using a friction control sway bar. I had no issues with it swaying. I have now changed to a 2012 GMC Yukon Denali. The Yukon pulls it a lot easier, but I am having trouble keeping it from swaying. I had to purchase a down hitch for the yukon since it sets up a lot higher than the acadia. I am using one of the GenY 304 Hitches. I am still using my friction sway bar. My problem is in windy conditions or when a large truck passes me or I pass it, or when I start down a hill the trailer starts to sway and I have to apply the trailer brakes. Maybe I am being overly paranoid, and the sway is not bad enough to matter. I just dont want it to get out of hand. It is enough that you can feel it and see it while watching in the mirror. I find myself driving the majority of the trip looking in my mirror. I have made sure that my trailer is level while towing and have tried to make sure the front is heavier. It is still stressful pulling it. I am thinking about trying either a WDH or an electronic sway controller. I dont really want the extra things to hook up and unhook everytime I hook up the camper. To me that makes the Electronic solution look alot better. What would you recommend? I also considered adding a 2nd friction sway bar, but with my tongue jack the way it is, there would not be room.
asked by: Scot
Expert Reply:
We totally understand and can relate to being stressed about trailer sway. Even in small doses it's scary and the fact it can lead to a very dangerous outcome if it gets out of hand means it's worth trying to eliminate.
Based on the type of sway you are experiencing you are a great candidate for weight distribution. This will help prevent the sway from starting and will also help with braking and handing so it helps keep you safer and less stressed in other ways too. The electric sway control units are basically a band aid and while they will reduce it the trailer will still want to sway. WD does add more things to install when connecting to your tow vehicle but it's a worthwhile sacrifice for safety reasons.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
The system I recommend is the Strait Line part # RP66083 as it has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs which will work great on your trailer's weight and it features the only and best sway control that works to prevent sway before it starts instead of just minimizing it. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well.
For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
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