Recommended Weight Distribution System with Sway Control for 2000 Lb Trailer  

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When does the trailer sway? If it sways without influence from crosswinds or oncoming traffic, it might be a mechanical problem with the trailer itself. Start with the simple stuff. Make sure your tires are fully inflated to the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewalls. Check that your suspension components are in good shape. Is your trailer level as you're towing it? Having the coupler more than 1-1/2 to 2 inches plus or minus over level can cause sway. You can measure for the proper rise/drop ballmount by clicking the link I provided. Proper trailer loading can have an impact on trailer sway. If the trailer doesn't have enough tongue weight, it will be very susceptible to sway. If possible, try moving more weight toward the front of the trailer.

If the trailer only sways with crosswinds or oncoming tractor-trailers, you'll want to try some sort of anti-sway device. A friction sway control unit like the Reese # 83660 is a good solution when the swaying condition is mild to moderate, and the trailer weights well under half the weight of the tow vehicle. However, if your trailer has a pole tongue, you won't be able to use a friction sway control unit.

When the sway is more severe, and the trailer weighs half or more of the weight of the tow vehicle, using a weight distribution system with sway control is called for. If you click the provided link, you can read all about what weight distribution does and how it works.

If you need weight distribution, the first step in choosing a system is to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

I'll assume your fully loaded tongue weight falls somewhere in the area of 300-350 lbs. If this is the case, a system like the Reese Steadi-Flex, part # 66557 would be ideal, as it's rated for trailers with tongue weighs ranging from 200-400 lbs. The weight distributing shank is included, but the properly sized trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # 63845 or # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. For a pole tongue trailer, you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393.

expert reply by: Mike L

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