Can The Reese Friction Sway Control Kit Be Used On An Aluminum Frame Trailer

Question:

I have a tandem axle, Aluminum frame, 7.5x14 enclosed trailer with a large V nose. Overall length is 18-19foot to ball mount. Trailer weighs 2000 lbs and I tow 1 or 2 bikes. With one 900 lb bike I have tongue wt at approx 350-375 lbs. Tow vehicle is a 2022 Ram 1500 with 20inch BF Goodrich KO2, D rated tires. Trailer is approx 8foot tall. I am getting a small amount of sway when any cross wind, tractor trailer or highway speeds. Just enough to be spooky at times. I attribute this to the large V nose. My former 7x12 with normal V nose was no issue at all at any speed. Will this Reese sway control device work on an aluminum frame box frame trailer with a 2 5/16 ball? I assume I would have to drill through the frame and mount with 3/8inch bolts and nuts. Dont know if I would trust their screws. Is this the one I should get?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Hey Bob,

The ability to use the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660 is going to be completely up to the trailer manufacturer since the frame is aluminum. You'll need to check with them if drilling into the frame to would be acceptable or not. This would attach to the smaller ball assembly which would require either the # RP26003 mounting bracket or the weld-on bracket # 3442.

If you can not drill into the frame then the next alternative would be an electric sway control system like the Curt True Course # C94VV. You would need to mount this to the trailer tongue, but since you can't drill into the frame I recommend picking up a water resistant board (metal, plastic, composite, etc.) to mount it to and then use U-bolts to mount the board to the trailer tongue.

expert reply by: Kevin C