Table of Contents
How Does A Sway Control Hitch Work?
The working mechanism of a hitch sway control lies in its construction and build. The body of the weight distribution hitch consists of adjustable spring bars that can be modified according to the current requirements. The bars present within the hitch serve as weight stabilizers/equalizers. An uplift force can elevate the trailer tongue and bring the towing vehicle back to its previous level.
These bars also work by applying leverage to each side of the arrangement. It helps transfer the load at the back to every axle over the tow vehicle and trailer. Due to this even distribution of weight, you get to benefit from a smooth and level ride and the ability to tow the vehicle at the supreme capability of your hitch.
What Causes A Trailer To Sway?
Usually, trailer sway occurs due to strong gusts of wind. It can be either from side wind in bare areas or a nearby passing truck. Trailer sway can also happen by sudden direction changes, for example, on winding mountain roads. It can get even worse by the faulty air pressure in the tires, with the driver trying to fix the issue but not reacting quickly enough.
Some other most common causes of truck sway include
- Inadequate tongue weight and overloading
- Moderate or strong crosswinds
- Sloping off the road shoulder
- Evasive movements of the trailer
- Sudden braking or icy roads
You can dramatically reduce the risks of accidents and incidents by keeping heavy-duty merchandise down low and pumping the tires to correct pressure. Always expect adverse conditions, exposed roads with strong crosswinds, and nearby trucks so you can slow down in time to reduce the chances of trailer sway.
How Much Is Trailer Sway Normal?
Trailer sway can be very frightening. Imagine heading up to a busy road, trying to overtake a slow truck within the passing zone, when all of a sudden, someone loses complete control of their vehicle. What happens next could be very catastrophic.
Consider trailer sway normal if you do not have to turn your steering wheel in a seesaw movement to counterbalance the vehicle’s response. If the trailer’s motion cannot amplify to a point where you know you will lose the rig and bad things are about to happen, there is nothing to worry about.
Also, the trailer sway is not disastrous if you feel the whole rig move as a solid unit, considering that you have set up everything just right. You should be able to turn the trailer in a certain direction to stay within your driving lane.
Do I Need A Weight Distribution Hitch?
A manual from your vehicle owner should be able to provide you with the information regarding using a weight-distribution hitch.
A weight distribution hitch can distribute the load equally among the trailer you are towing and your tow vehicles. Apart from this main reason, there are specific indicators that you can analyze to know if you need a weight-distribution hitch or not.
You need a weight-distribution hitch if:
- If the GTW (trailer weight) is more than 50 percent of your GVWR (weight of your vehicle)
- The back of your tow vehicle sags quickly when you hook the trailer up
- Your trailer experiences sway on the road
- The headlights of your tow vehicle point in the upward direction
- It is difficult for you to stop or navigate up the rig
- You wish to tow the vehicle to the maximum capacity permissible by your trailer hitch
Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Reduce Sway?
With the help of a weight-distribution hitch, you get the best of both worlds, i.e., stable load distribution on your trailer and sway control. The design and strength of a distribution hitch work actively to prevent the unwanted movements of the trailer. The strong spring bars provide more stability and dampening for no bumper-sag bouncing.
The friction sway control feature can resist the trailer wagging, whether driving in a straight line or on a winding road twisting back and forth. A weight distribution hitch reduces sway by constantly working to ensure that your trailer follows the tow vehicle without swinging in the left/right direction. Still, the best way to avoid sway is an appropriate trailer loading.
If you can load the vehicle so that the tongue weight is between 10-15% of the total vehicle weight, you are more likely to reduce the sway naturally.
- LEVEL TOWING. This weight distribution hitch offers a smoother ride and improved control by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer across the vehicle-trailer combination and leveling the load. It also includes a trailer sway control bar
- CONTINUOUS LUBRICATION. This CURT weight distribution hitch with sway control is equipped with an integrated lubrication system for smooth, quiet towing. The hitch head has two easy-access grease zerk fittings for continuous lubrication
- RELIABLE STRENGTH. This load-leveling hitch is constructed with a fabricated head and has 31-3/16-inch long forged steel spring bars. It is rated to tow 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 1,000 to 1,400 lbs. tongue weight
- STANDARD FIT. To ensure maximum versatility, this stabilizer hitch comes with a highly adjustable 2-inch shank that fits virtually any industry-standard 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. It also includes a pre-torqued 2-5/16-inch trailer ball
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting resilience to the elements, this weight distribution hitch with sway control is covered in a durable carbide black powder coat finish
- Weight Distribution Hitch Kit: Designed to provide trailers with a safer, smoother ride
- External/Adjustable Sway Control: The sway control is manually adjusted to your desired amount with a simple clamp adjustment; unclamp the sway control to turn it off
- Kit Includes: A round bar weight distributing hitch, sway control, and a 2 5/16-inch hitch ball
- Universal Spring Bars: Interchangeable—used conveniently on either side of the hitch; Pre-Installed Parts Save Time: Hitch ball and sway control ball are pre-installed and torqued to specification on the adjustable ball mount; U-bolts and chain package are pre-installed on the spring bars
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 1,200 lb.; Maximum Gross Weight Rating: 12,000 lb.; Easy to Install: Includes all mounting hardware
- INTEGRATED SWAY CONTROL. The TruTrack doesn't just level the vehicle and trailer. It also reduces trailer sway. It uses fixed support brackets to resist trailer sway at two distinct points for a smoother, safer ride
- PRECISE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. The TruTrack weight distribution hitch with sway control offers precise levelling of your tow vehicle and trailer. It uses powerful, round spring bars and a highly adjustable, 7-hole shank that fits a 2-inch receiver
- EASY SETUP. This CURT weight distribution hitch with trailer sway control is designed for fast, easy setup and adjustment. It features a tilting head for easy adjustment without completely disassembling the hitch
- HIGH-STRENGTH. For dependable towing strength, this weight distribution and anti-sway hitch is constructed with a fabricated head. This stabilizer hitch is rated for 8,000 to 10,000 lbs. GTW and 800 to 1,000 lbs. TW
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. This weight distribution hitch with sway control is finished with a highly durable carbide black powder coat to withstand the rigors of the outdoor elements
- Adjustable Sway Control: The sway control can easily be turned completely off in dangerous or icy road conditions
- The Hitch and Trailer Move as One: Maintains the same center point
- Provides Better Sway Control with Easy Adjustments: The sway control collar uses brake pad material to provide better sway control
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 1,500 lb.; Maximum Gross Trailer Weight: 15,000 lb.
- Easy to Install: The Eaz-Lift TR3 is easy to install on top-mount or bottom-mount coupler style trailers
- Sturdy and Robust: High-strength hardened steel components and construction offer exceptional long-term durability, remaining strong and sturdy even in extreme outdoor environments, ensuring the safety of your trailer at all times.
- 4-Point Swivel Control: Provides swivel control to limit lateral movement during trailer towing. It employs fixed support brackets to counteract sway at two different points, achieving a smoother and safer ride, ensuring stable movement without shaking. The four-point swivel structure also facilitates reversing and turning.
- Weight Distribution: The weight distribution hitch distributes the total weight of the trailer onto the vehicle and trailer axles, reducing the burden on the vehicle's bumper. This enhances safety and maneuverability.
- Wear-Resistant and Rust-Proof: To minimize friction damage between components, the brackets feature a straight plate design, reducing wear on the spring bar and bracket. The surface is coated with a double-layer black electroplating, capable of withstanding harsh outdoor elements, providing corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability.
- Easy Installation: This VEVOR trailer hitch is designed for quick and easy installation and adjustment. We provide a pry bar installation tool, allowing you to easily pry the spring bar and adjust the head for balance.
Last update on 2023-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Much Is Tongue Weight Too Much?
Tongue weight is a static force that a trailer tongue applies over the hitch ball. Appropriate tongue weight can significantly differ between safe and dangerous trailer towing. If there is not enough weight on the trailer tongue, the trailer is sure to sway from side to side, thus making it difficult for you to control the vehicle. Conversely, too much weight can overload the back tires of the tow vehicle and push the back end in the opposite direction.
For conventional trailers, too much tongue weight is more than 10%-15% of the fully-loaded trailer weight. The towing trailer with a tongue weight of more than 700 to 800 pounds can also cause negative handling effects.
What Happens If Trailer Hitch Is Too High?
Different trailer setups involve different weights and hitch heights to work efficiently. Of course, attaching a travel trailer to a tow vehicle can be very tricky, especially if you cannot determine the suitable hitch height and its adjustment.
A trailer hitch that is set too high can be very dangerous. You can have a hard time towing the trailer, and it is not safe to drive as well. Your trailer can easily trip backward and create a distorted profile that shows an unbalanced weight distribution.
This way, your trailer will appear less aerodynamic and more susceptible to catching heavy winds and swaying back and forth. Trailer sway, when this happens, should be taken very seriously since it can lead to any unfortunate event or devastating accident on the road.
Why Does My Trailer Sway At High Speeds?
Most trailer accidents on highways are a result of unpreventable trailer swaying. With high speed, the intensity of the swinging movement of any trailer can increase manifold and lead to trailer flipping, which may also overturn the towing vehicle.
Excessive speed can create instability in the trailer and its tow vehicle grouping. The tow vehicle will eventually move even faster as your trailer speeds up. Any braking action at this point can cause the trailer to exert unnecessary force over the tow vehicle and begin a swaying action.
You can avoid this situation by maintaining a safe speed limit on lineages. Shift the trailer into lower gears to slow down or use brakes carefully or only when needed. You can also manually use the trailer brake control to slow down the vehicle if the sway is too much and prevent the problem from becoming a nightmare.
What Should I Do If My Trailer Starts To Sway?
Trailer sway can be dangerous and tragic for you and other vehicles on the road, especially if not handled properly. If you feel that your trailer has started to sway, follow these simple guidelines:
- Do not, in any situation, step over the brake pedal. It might cause the sway to get even worse, and you may completely lose control of the trailer.
- Never try to fight the sway by turning or twisting the steering. To avoid more complications, keep the steering wheel pointed straight.
- If you have a brake controller or trailer brakes, manually apply them smoothly and alleviate the intensity of sway.
- Remove your feet from the accelerator slowly and gradually to lower the vehicle’s speed.
- Pull over and rearrange your cargo with more weight towards the front.
- Get the hitch inspected for malfunctioning and defects, or replace it with a good-quality weight distribution model.
What Is The Best Weight Distribution Hitch With Sway Control?
Since there are many products to choose from, there are certain attributes that one must acknowledge before making a final choice. The best weight distribution hitch with sway control must be unbeatable in terms of control over swaying and durability. It should be available in a variety of models to fit different types of tongue weights. It would be best if you went for a hitch that can give maximum gross trailer weight compatible with the model of your trailer.
Moreover, it would help if you opted for a weight-distribution hitch to match your towing needs. The tongue weight should be 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight. Make sure the hitch is easy to fit and allows convenient access to the ball hitch.
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