Different Sway Control Weight Distribution Hitches When Backing a Travel Trailer

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Question:

Ive been doing a bit of reading on the WD hitches and sway control systems and cant really wrap my head around how sway control cant interfere with turning and reversing. I can see how normal driving would be fine, but once you arrive at the camp and need to make some tighter turns to get situated, wouldnt the sway control be a hinderance?

asked by: Cale R

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Expert Reply:

When using a Friction Sway Control # 17200 which comes on a Curt MV Weight Distribution System # C17062 you will want to remove this sway control before maneuvering with your trailer. This sway control works a lot like a disc brake on your car in which 2 friction pads push against the slide bar to slow/limit movement. It tight turning/maneuvering situations this will often cause the bar to bend and become damaged. I like to recommend only using this sway control when you are on highways and remove it whenever you go on any tight roads or places you will do a lot of back and forth steering.

On a Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET it uses the tension between the bars and sway brackets to limit sway. While you do not have to remove the weight distribution bars to maneuver your trailer these type of sway systems will make a lot of noise. Some find this undesirable when they pull into the quiet campground.

The ProPride 3P Weight Distribution Hitch # PR57QR uses a Pivot Point Projection technology that simulates the experience you'd get if towing a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer. This drastically reduces sway and does not use any friction type of sway like the other 2 systems. So there are no parts that need to be removed or loud noise emitted from the hitch when maneuvering your camper.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Answer 1

The longevity of the CURT Friction Style Sway Control System, #17200, or any similar system is going to depend on how it is used, how it is set, driving style and conditions, and any number of other factors. Even a rough estimate is tough to gauge.…

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Answer 2

The Curt Friction Sway Control Kit part #17200 and Reese Friction Sway Control Kit part #83660 are both very similar. I recommend the Curt because it comes with a weld-on sway control tab for use without a weight distribution head so that makes it a…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 8

Hi Steve, I totally understand, as those Pro Pride hitches are great but reaaaaaaaal expensive. So we can get you weight distribution, but due to the size your hitch and weight of your trailer, there will be a cost because there are few options and…

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Answer 9

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

According to RoadActive Suspension the spring rate for the standard kit #RAS3611-S is 2,400 lbs. For the heavy duty #RAS3611-SHD it is 3,600 lbs. The heavy duty #RAS3611-SLHD is the same but only designed to fit if you have factory top overload…

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Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Different Sway Control Weight Distribution Hitches When Backing a Travel Trailer

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