Should 1 or 2 Bar-Style Friction Sway Control Units be Used on a 7,000 Pound Trailer

Question

Question:

Im confused about sway control. I have a 34ft travel trailer with weight distribution and ready to put on a reese sway contol articles i have read say you need two. Dealers say one. Pulling with a 2014 ford f150 with 11300 tow rating. Trailer empty weight 7160

asked by: Dennis

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Basically, one friction-style sway control can be used for trailers with up to 6,000-lb GTW. If your trailer's GTW is between 6,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, you will need two sway-control units, one on each side of the trailer. You will also want to use two units if your trailer is 26 feet or longer.

The problem is that with the higher weights or with longer trailers the friction bar style sway control unit would not be effective and you would still have a sway problem.

The Reese sway control, # 83660, is a low-cost option so using 2 of them would not be an expensive investment and it will provide functional sway control for heavier/longer trailers. I have linked a video on the Reese sway control for you and some links on weight distribution.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Dan

6/22/2020

If you run 2 friction sway bars do you have to do anything to them? Some say you have to flip the inside around on the one on the left. Is this correct?

Chris R.

6/25/2020

You're correct. To install the Reese Friction Sway Bar # 83660 on the left side you'll just need to remove the slide bar and reinstall it upside down. This actually isn't too difficult of a process.

Mark C.

5/28/2021

@ChrisR I just purchased a used camper trailer which came with one Friction Sway Bar. After reading this I think I will look to add another (31' trailer with 8000 lbs GTW. However, due to wear and tear we were unable to determine which brand it is. If I were to buy another friction sway bar, would it be compatible with my current one? I am not sure if they are built different and one may "fight" the other. I guess that too would depend on if I have one tighter than the other?

Jon G.

5/28/2021

@MarkC Getting the same brand doesn't matter. One of the most popular sway controls that we have is part # 83660. I would make sure that you have both sides adjusted as close to the same as you can get just to help make sure it is even sway control.

Answer 1

E-tracks are typically the stronger of the two, but X-track is more versatile since you can mount them horizontally or vertically. Choosing between the two really depends upon how you plan to use them. If you are installing something in a truck bed,…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes, the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Systems part #FA92-02-0699 which are rated for 600 lbs will work with the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System part #FA92-00-0450 which is rated for 450 lbs.

view full answer...

Answer 3

Yes you can upgrade the 5 inch monitor of your Furrion Vision S system with a 7 inch one with the part #FR47FR and you'd be set.

view full answer...

Answer 4

It would appear that that your 1978 Airstream had the standard 50 degree a-frame style coupler. You can verify this to ensure that the etrailer A-Frame Trailer Coupler #CA-5280-RB will fit correctly on your Airstream. I personally prefer the auto…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The etrailer A-Frame Trailer Coupler w/ Round Jack Hole #CA-5280-RB uses the standard a-frame angle of 50 degrees. The length from the rear of the coupler to where the coupler meets its narrowest point is approximately 9" long. I have include…

view full answer...

Answer 6

When installing bar style friction sway control the measurement needed is actually from the center of the ball cavity on the trailer coupler to the center of the sway control ball mounted on the trailer frame. That measurement should be 24 inches…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Since you have a Furrion Camera system with side cameras the only compatible monitors are going to be the 5" #FR97FR or 7" #FR47FR options.

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yes, you can upgrade the 4.3 inch monitor of your Furrion setup to the 7 inch #FR47FR or the #FR97FR for the 5 inch. This will work great and give you an easy to view monitor.

view full answer...

Answer 9

You are correct, adding a second sway control bar, like the Curt Friction Style Sway Control, #17200, is recommended for trailers over 26 feet long. I might start out conservatively if the sway you are experiencing is not too bad, and order one sway…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The adjustment of any friction sway control system, including the Reese #83660, is relatively simple. Basically, you will drive with the trailer loaded to determine if more or less tension is needed. Then you will either make it tighter or looser my…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Yes we can help you with a spare tire cover to fit your tire size 235/75R15 which has an overall diameter of about 29-inches and a width of about 9-1/2-inches. You can choose any spare tire cover from those shown on the linked page, all of which fit…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The two metal plates on the clamp-on bracket for the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System like part #BXW0750 should not be separating. Since the brackets are separating you will need to replace the clamp for which we have the Clamp-On Lift…

view full answer...

Should 1 or 2 Bar-Style Friction Sway Control Units be Used on a 7,000 Pound Trailer

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching