Will SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs # CSS-1168R Reduce Trailer Sway on 27-Foot Travel Trailer

Question:

Will these springs help with trailer sway. I tow a 24foot TT with a 2007 Expedition. Use WD hitch with friction sway control. Still sway is a minor problem.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs # CSS-1168R that you referenced are the only rear-axle suspension enhancement we offer currently for your 2007 Ford Expedition.

These rear coil helper springs are designed to minimize rear-end squat in the tow vehicle, but really will not have much effect on trailer sway. They may improve vehicle ride quality when you are not towing by providing progressive resistance to support cargo loads in the truck but they will not have a significant effect on trailer behavior.

One thing you can try is to load your travel trailer with more of its internal weight forward. By increasing tongue weight (and reducing the amount of weight at the rear of the trailer) you may find it less likely to sway. Please note that you will need to ensure that you do not exceed the tongue weight rating for your hitch or vehicle.

If your current friction sway control hitch has only one friction unit on only one side of the trailer, you might consider adding a second one on the other side. If this is the case and you wish to advise the brand, model and tongue weight rating of your weight distribution hitch, I will be glad to check for availability of an add-on secondary sway control arm.

Also, if it happens that your trailer and weight distribution system are not ideally matched for one another (which is based on actual measured trailer tongue weight when fully loaded) then replacing your spring bars with more-appropriately-rated ones might help somewhat.

You can also verify that your hitch installation is done exactly as per the manufacturer instructions.

Last, you might try adjusting the tension on the friction arm(s) to see if increasing the resistance helps to better control sway.

The linked article may be helpful to you as you consider your options.