Is Lubricating a Husky Weight Distribution System a Solution for Noise

Updated 06/09/2025 | Published 08/02/2016

Question:

I had the Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW Husky Weight Distribution Code:HT32218 WD system installed by dealer when I purchased the trailer. I dont recall the exact numbers, but upon purchase i remember being satisfied that all weight specs for truck, trailer and hitch matched up. It makes a lot of loud popping and creaking noises when maneuvering. I keep the hitch ball and coupler well lubricated with graphite. I went to the dealer today complaining about the noise and the fact that the torsion bars frequently popped out during tight maneuvers. They made several adjustments saying that it had not been properly installed and that they corrected the problem, and I can see that they did actually do said work. Well so far the bars have not popped out, the truck and trailer line up well, and I like the ride quality, but it is still very noisy in maneuvering. The dealer now says that these systems are just noisy. What do you think about their response? I am tempted to lubricate the cradle brackets. I realize the answer cant be precise, but how much sway control will I loose? I see in the literature that 75inch of the sway control is in the head, would i retain at least most of that? Is 75 better or equal to most other systems? Thanks for your feedback on my three questions.

asked by: Alex S

Expert Reply:

Weight distributions systems use a lot of friction as a way to prevent sway. Because of that they make quite a bit of noise. I wouldn't recommend lubricating anything that's not outlined in the maintenance section of the manual as that might allow sway that the friction was preventing. Lubing the head would be a bad idea that I cannot recommend.

The best advice I can give would be to turn up the radio.

Also, tight maneuvers with weight distribution systems typically cause the bars to come out as they aren't designed for that. If you are going to jackknife your trailer you would want to disconnect your bars.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Rob W.

7/30/2020

I have had the hitch since 2017, yes still noisy, but not as bad as when purchased with 23' Rockwood Travel Trailer. I did notice that the bars, got easier to move inward/outward, with one hand. Originally, it needed two hands and a strong back. I know someone who just bought same setup for weight distribution, and their bars are a "wicked-piss-ah" to move, They are way too stiff to move. I'm wondering if mine should be that tight/stiff as well? So my question is? should the bolts in the pivot head be re-torqued? and to what recommendation? should running torque also apply? thanks again

Chris R.

8/10/2020

Weight distributions systems like your Husky Center Line will indeed have a bit of a break-in period, where the spring bars will be extremely stiff at the connection points. So it's not a concern that the bars on your system are looser than they once were. With that being said, it also wouldn't hurt to check the torque specs on the head. These 3/4" nylon lock nuts should be torqued down to 380 foot pounds.

Rob W.

8/10/2020

@ChrisR Thanks for the HELP. I'll need to re-review the setup. I have an appointment at the local On-Site Certified RV here in Bolton CT. They will have a Torque wrench with that HIGH Torque, to do the job, on the Truck and Trailer before hitting the Road up to Maine, this weekend.

Pete

6/8/2025

@ChrisR, I believe you have provided the torque spec for the bolt and nut connection to the hitch shank. The "trunnion" bolts (blocks where the spring bars attach to the hitch head) have a 150 foot pound torque spec per the husky hitch manual.