Selecting USA-Made Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for Travel Trailer

Updated 06/15/2017 | Published 06/14/2017

Question:

We are downsizing from a 5th wheel camper to a bumper pull. need your recom for a good wd anti sway hitch. must be US made, Reese is made in China. thanks

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

The key to selecting the right weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system for your new bumper-pull travel trailer is knowing the trailer's actual tongue weight (TW) when fully loaded with all supplies and water and propane tanks filled, etc. The handy etrailer scale # e99044 makes this easy.

To the trailer's own actual loaded TW you need to add the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that will sit behind the rear axle, say a loaded cooler or generator, since this cargo weight will appear to be TW to the WD system that is installed. The ideal is that your total TW will fall in the middle of the operating range for the system you select.

The linked page for WD/SC systems displays all such setups for 2-inch hitches; all of these systems prevent sway (rather than react to it after it starts) and all include the shank component.

For an American-made system I like the Equal-i-zer products but Blue Ox also manufactures here.
Between the two I prefer the Equal-i-zer products because their spring bar brackets are smaller and easier to place on the trailer's a-frame. If you'd like to focus on this brand simply click on their logo on the linked page.

For example, if your total TW ends up being around 1000-lbs then system # EQ37120ET, the one you referenced, would be an ideal choice.

expert reply by: Adam R