Is Sway Control Needed When Towing a R-Pod 173T Trailer with a Ford Excursion

Expert Reply:

Sway control is not necessarily needed when towing smaller trailers like your R Pod 173T, but it would not hurt to have one. The best way to determine if you need sway control on your trailer is to load your trailer as if you were leaving for a trip and drive around for a few miles on the highway and see if sway might be an issue.

If you feel that your trailer is swaying more than you are comfortable with, then you could go with an individual sway control bar like the Pro Series Friction Sway Control, # 83660, and the Reese Sway-Control Bracket, # RP26003. The bracket will attach to Class III and Class IV ball mounts and is secured to the ball mount by your hitch ball. The sway control bar includes the additional hitch ball needed to attach the sway control bar to the bracket.

I have attached the installation instructions and a video of the sway control bar for you to check out.

If you are experiencing any sag on your Ford Excursion when towing your trailer, then I would recommend a weight distribution system with sway control like the Fastway e2 System, # FA94-00-0600, that you referenced. A weight distribution system will spread the weight of the trailer among all of the axles allowing for better steering and a more stable ride.

I have also attached the installation instructions for this weight distribution system for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H