Can You Add a Friction Sway Control Bar to a Trailer with Short Tongue

Published 03/08/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(320)

$75.50

Tuson Trailer Sway Control System - Electronic - Up to 4 Axles

(44)

$469.20

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

(317)

$53.86

Question:

My 2005 4Runner has a factory tow package. I had a brake controller installed. I pulled away with a v-nose travel trailer 310 lb hitch weight maximum. I’ve never pulled a trailer until now. It pulled fine but I’m concerned with trailer sway out on the highway, like when a Trucker passes. My trailer is a 20 ft 4000 lb small one. And the coupler sits on the hitch adapter pretty close to the back of my 4Runner. Concerns: 1- is this too close to the SUV ? The trailer to the end of the coupler is very short — a weight distribution I was told. Isn’t feasible. I saw they’d left a anti- sway bar - I read that short Trailers don’t need both. Just a friction bar. Concern 2 : I need a hitch adapter that will have that ball on the side for the Anti sway bar. I want to get this right since I will be a driving long trip alone, and don’t want those White-Knuckle experiences ! Please ! I’m going for a 6000 lb hitch adapter with that anti sway bar ball attached. And need to know if I need more room between the a Trailer and my SUV ? Backing up has not been mastered yet Recommendations please

asked by: Kris

Expert Reply:

If you're experiencing sway control issues, adding a friction sway control bar could be just what you need to get things under control. I recommend the Curt Friction Sway Control part # 17200. In order to install the Curt Friction Sway Control you'll need to make sure there is space on the trailer frame 24" back from the center of the coupler. If so then the only other thing you'll need is a sway control tab for the ball mount, the Reese Sway-Control Bracket part # RP26003 is a pretty cost effective and easy way to add this without buying another ball mount.

The other option you have to help combat sway is an electric device which uses the trailer brakes to stop/prevent sway, I recommend the Tuson Electronic Sway Control System part # 335TSC-1000 for this. This option won't be nearly as cost effective as the friction bar but it's a bit easier to use.

expert reply by: Conner L