Bent Friction Sway Control Bar After Taking a Turn While Towing a Trailer

Question:

friend of mine brought me the hitch to straighten out, he said he did not back up. he said he only went about ten miles and he made a wide right turn and it bent the hitch. what would be the cause of this, as for myself i have never used a sway bar. i think it is a curt friction control sway bar.

asked by: Tracy

Expert Reply:

If the tension was set aggressively then the sway bar cannot move well and that could cause it to bend. Also, if the turn made was when backing up that could have caused it as well. With friction sway bars like # 17200 they really need to be disconnected when backing up.

If the metal is stressed then I do not recommend continuing to use it. Even if it appears to be fine I strongly recommend replacing the entire unit.

expert reply by: Michael H