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

Updated 05/28/2021 | Published 01/15/2015

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

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

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.