Backing Up a Trailer when Adding a Bar Style Friction Sway Control

Expert Reply:

The product installation instructions for part number 3400 states that, on some installations, damage to the sway control may occur during extremely sharp turning maneuvers. This can be checked by slowly backing the vehicle into a jackknife position while someone is watching. You should not allow the slide bar to contact completely (bottom out) and the sway control should not contact the bumper. If it looks as though contact will be made or the sway control will bottom out, then the sway control must be removed before backing up the trailer. If not, when backing for short distances in situations where tight maneuvering is not a concern, the sway control can be left on.

expert reply by: Bob G