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?

Reply

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.

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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?

Reply

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.

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Answer 1

I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37060ET for your 2023 Scamp 16 travel trailer. The Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches have been around for a long time and are the ones everyone else tries to compare themselves to.…

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Answer 2

The Sway Bracket Jackets for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 2 #EQ95-01-5150 are designed for 2 inch wide brackets and square bars so they are not a fit for your Husky brackets. They will only fit the Equalizer brackets #EQ95-01-5600.

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Answer 3

We have the perfect option for a your lightweight Scamp 13 trailer for a weight distribution system with sway control that will also allow you to back up with the system connected, which is the following: - Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point…

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Answer 4

Based on the numbers you gave, the Reese Strait-Line #RP66084 is likely going to be the right system for you, but you are going to need to make sure by figuring your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready…

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Answer 5

You can use pretty much any speakers with the Jensen #JHD910BT. I recommend using the Jensen Coaxial Indoor RV Speaker - Recessed Mount - 6" Diameter - 50 Watts - Black- Qty 1 #1103030 as the basic speakers, which are a recessed mounting speaker…

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Answer 6

The Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar #RM-1139-173 contains the polyurethane bushings and mounting hardware to install onto your 2017 Ford F-250. The only extra item you would need is the end link kit. The sway bar and end link kit is available in one…

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Answer 7

It is possible to use a weight distribution system and air spring suspension enhancement together in a 2013 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, though if you are experiencing sag with a weight distribution system, it may not have the proper rating for…

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Answer 8

For your Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch, #83660, you can use a ball mount in the rise or drop position without any trouble. It sounds like you are using a 4 inch rise position, like the Curt Ball…

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Answer 9

I spoke with my contact at Progress Manufacturing, the parent company of Equal-i-zer. They advised that you should reposition the adapter back in the correct position, using a c-clamp to hold the adapter in place. Remove one bolt at a time, and apply…

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Answer 10

In order to help prevent leaking between the grommet and tank on the Replacement Rubber Grommet for RV Black Water Tanks part #F02-2106 it would be wise to use a sealant like part #LT37467 between the two surfaces. I am not sure if this is a…

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Answer 11

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution, part #66557 that you were looking at would be an excellent option as long as the total tongue weight of your towing setup does not exceed 400 lbs (which it shouldn't). The total tongue weight includes…

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Answer 12

I was able to (miraculously) find an online version of the owner's manual for your 1999 Chevrolet Astro and found on page 4-32 that the max trailer weight you can tow is between 4,500 lbs and 5,500 lbs depending on your axle ratio and if you have…

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

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