Friction Sway Control Recommendation for Boat Trailer Sway behind Fifth Wheel

Published 11/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(482)

$60.98

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV

(316)

$48.42

Question:

I double pull a 2004 Ranger Bass boat. I am getting more boat trailer sway than I feel is safe at times. This is my set up. 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel, 4 door, 4x4, long bed is the tow vehicle. The next one in line is a 2015 Puma, 24 foot 5th wheel. Next in line is the 2004 Ranger boat 19 foot, length of front of trailer to back of motor is 25 feet. I understand part of sway caused by not enough tongue weight. I cannot move the 200hp motor, 4 large batteries, shallow water anchors, all in the very rear of the boat. I try to tow with the least amount of fuel in the boat, tanks also located in the back half. Boat trailer has surge brakes. Fifth wheel has electric brakes tied into the truck brakes. Legal length to double pull in Arizona is 65, I am right at that length. At slower speeds the boat trailer is fine. On the interstate at 75mph I am good until steeper downhill stretches or semi trucks passing. Do you have a product that can help with the boat trailer sway?

asked by: Tim N

Expert Reply:

Towing more than one trailer does make things more interesting. What I think would help you though is a friction sway control unit installed between the fifth wheel and the boat trailer like the # 83660. You also need the bracket part # RP26003 installed on the ball mount platform as well.

This type of setup is great for reducing sway from semi truck passings etc. Another trick you can try is next time you get sway try pulling the manual over ride lever of your brake controller enough that you feel the brakes draw slightly. This will help greatly stop the sway as it's happening.

expert reply by: Jameson C