Upgrading Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for New 33-Foot Jayco Swift Trailer

Question:

Hi-I am interested in adding cams to my current WD setup and would like to verify if it is possible. I am also thinking I might need to upgrade by trunnion bars due the tongue weight of the new camper. We are experiencing sway while being passed by other vihicles. I currently have a Draw-Tite WD hitch using trunnion bars part number 7902. These are rated at 10,000 GTW and 800 TW along with a friction style sway bar. New trailer is a Jayco Swift 294 BHS which is 33foot long tip to tail. Weighs 8000 GVWR 6000 empty and 2000 more for gear. Dry hitch is listed as 710 pounds. I was hoping to use as much of my Draw Tite equipment as possible to save on costs. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Gary S

Expert Reply:

Your existing Draw-Tite 7902 weight distribution system (which is supplied without the ball or shank) can be upgraded to dual-cam operation. I confirmed with my contact at Draw-Tite that you will need to replace the trunnions and spring bars (based on the new trailer's loaded tongue weight) and also add the Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control System # RP26002. Please refer to the linked video. Please note that dual-cam sway control cannot be use with surge-type trailer brakes and is designed for Class III, Class IV and Class V hitches only.

To get the most out of your system and your new trailer I suggest you carefully measure the trailer's fully loaded tongue weight (loaded with all gear, equipment and supplies just as it will be when you're on the road) before selecting your new spring bars. This will ensure the system is tuned appropriately for your new trailer's actual tongue weight. Knowing dry hitch weight is not enough. If your new bars are too heavy the ride quality will suffer; if they are too light you'll not get the correction you need. You can use a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 or one of the methods outlined in the linked article to measure your loaded tongue weight.

You will want to remove your current friction sway control arm.

expert reply by: Adam R