Recommended Sway Control with 1400 lbs Popup Camper Towed by Jeep

Updated 03/31/2015 | Published 03/29/2015

Question:

Friction sway bars?? I have a small pop up camper dry is 1400lbs, I would like to tow it with my jeep TJ 2000 lb capacity. I know....very short wheel base. Plenty of power and stops within reason safe driving. I live up in the Midwest where its always windy and combine it with the short wheel base....tends to sway. Will a friction sway bar help like the Reese you sell or should I be looking at something more. Tongue weight is only around 100. Doesnt really make my jeep squat. Thanks in advance

asked by: Jay L

Expert Reply:

Sway control is designed to be used in situations where the trailer sways under adverse conditions such as high winds or when large vehicles are passing causing the trailer to become unstable. Also if the trailer has a low tongue weight percentage, like your camper has, sway control can help.

One solution for sway is proper trailer loading. Your trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, loaded and ready to travel. Sway control provides a level of safety for situations that can cause the trailer to become unstable. We have a question page (see link) that goes more in depth about sway control and weight distribution.

The Friction sway control, like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, # 83660, which you referenced, will help stop sway once it has started and is a good product to have installed for the conditions stated above, especially on smaller trailers such as the one you have.

expert reply by: Chris O