Friction Sway Control for a 1,300 Pound Trailer with Surge Brakes

Question:

Can this be used with a glider trailer 25 feet long, about 1300 lbs and it has surge brakes??

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Friction bar sway control is not recommended for use on trailers with surge coupler braking systems. The best defense against trailer sway is proper trailer loading for between 10 and 15 percent tongue weight on the hitch ball. If you are experiencing sway caused by high winds or large trucks passing on the highway then you could use a weight distribution system with sway control to help eliminate sway and increase vehicle handling on the highway.

The best option for trailers with surge brake couplers is a system like the Reese SC Weight Distribution System, item # RP66151, which is designed to help stop sway and increase vehicle handling by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer to the vehicle and trailer axles and using friction pads on the spring bars to stop sway once it begins.

You will need to choose the the Reese SC Weight Distribution System that most closely matches the tongue weight of your trailer, the one mentioned above is for tongue weights between 200 and 600 pounds. If your trailer has a lighter tongue weight than 200 pounds then the Mini 350 Light duty Weight Distribution System, item # RP66024, would be a good choice.

expert reply by: Bob G