Adding Pro-Series Sway Control, part # 83660, to 1999 Coleman Santee Pop-Up Camper  

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A friction sway control system can be applied to one or both sides of a trailer frame. We generally recommend using two friction sway units for trailers 26 feet or longer. Your Santee is just under 22 feet in length (with a dry weight of 1700 lbs) so you certainly have the option to use just one sway control arm.

Depending on what vehicle you are using to tow the Santee, you may also benefit from a weight distribution system and many such systems are available with built-in sway control. If you wish to provide specifics about your tow vehicle I can make a recommendation if a WD system is called for.

We suggest a WD system when any of the following conditions exist: 1) your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your tow vehicle weight (GVWR); 2) the rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up; 3) you experience trailer sway; 4) your tow vehicle headlights point upward; 5) you find it difficult to steer or stop your rig; or 6) you want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle trailer hitch setup. If none of these conditions apply then you can probably get by without a WD system. I have included a link to a FAQ article on WD and Sway Control systems that you may want to review.

Please note that your tow vehicles hitch must be rated for use with a WD system in order to use one; you may be able to check this on the hitch itself or with the vehicle manufacturer if it is an OEM factory-installed hitch.

The Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, part # 83660, can be used on either side of your trailer frame. You will need a sway control bracket, part # RP26003, if your tow vehicle draw bar does not have one. This bracket mounts to your draw bar and is held in place by the hitch ball. It provides a place to mount the sway control ball. Once installed on the draw bar, the sway bar ball mount hole will be on the passenger side. If you want to mount the sway bar on the driver side, you will use a weld on tab like part # 3442 instead of the sway control bracket. This must be welded to the side of your ball mount. I have included a video link for this item that shows how it installs. However, since the Reese kit includes a ball plate (the part that mounts to your trailer frame) using the new one is recommended so that all parts are new. This sway control system requires a distance between the tow hitch ball and trailer-mounted sway control ball of 24 inches. This is shown in the video.

If you prefer you can instead use a ball mount that includes a sway control bracket, such as Curt part # D320, which can be used in either rise or drop position, to place the sway ball mount where you need it.

Please note that a sway control system such as the Reese # 83660 should be disengaged when reversing or driving on slick or icy pavement to avoid damage to the sway control arm or loss of control of the tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Adam R

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