Best Sway Control Only for a 2002 Ford F-350 and 1980s Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2002 Ford 1 ton Powerstroke with single rear wheels and airbags....it has the upgraded Camper suspension package with a class 5 Titan hitch....I have decided to get an older 80s model travel trailerI think they have more character....it will be dual axel and probably around 24.....since I have such a heavy duty truck I have been told that I really dont need a weight distributing hitch....but I was wondering about anti sway bars....I am used to towing my bumper pull 18 foot horse trailerno sway bars....but was a little concerned with how a 24foot 80s travel trailer may behave on the road if a semi blew past me on the highway.....I wouldnt want to cause an accident....if you feel I need anti sway bars are necessary, which maker gets the best feedback?

asked by: Kathy

Expert Reply:

Since you have a Titan hitch with a 2-1/2 inch receiver, you would first need to use a reducer, # C45405, and a ball mount with the proper drop to tow the trailer level.

The reason you need a 2 inch ball mount is because if you just want sway control, such as # 83660, you will need to use bracket # RP26003 and the bracket fits Class III and IV ball mounts but might not fit a Class V.

Or you could weld on a sway control tab, # 3442, to your existing 2-1/2 inch ball mount. With the alternate ball mount and bracket or the weld-on tab installed, you can use friction sway control # 17200.

A 2002 Ford F-350 is a big truck but I would not dismiss weight distribution so quickly. If the trailer when loaded and ready to tow weighs at least half of what the truck weighs then you would benefit from using weight distribution. It will give you a better ride overall and you will have more options for sway control.

In order to determine a weight distribution system you would need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Once the total tongue weight is calculated I can make some recommendations. I have linked an FAQ article that will help.