Can A Weight Distribution System be Left Installed When Backing Up a Trailer

Published 06/29/2017

Question:

Your listing for the hitch Curt C17322 says Pro Series does not recommend that you back up your trailer while using the Pro Series Weight Distribution System with Friction Sway Control. The reason behind this is that there is a very good possibility that the sway control system will bind up while backing up the trailer and this could damage your system. There is a quick and easy fix though. When you need to back up the trailer, you will need to switch the sway control lever to the off position, pull two clips, remove the friction sway control bar, and now you are ready to back up. If backing up is still a concern, we do offer numerous weight distribution systems, one being the Curt Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # C17322, that will allow you to back up with all components still connected. The listing goes on to refer back to the same hitch - which is correct?

asked by: Joel H

Expert Reply:

Basically with any weight distribution system/sway control you can back a trailer up with it installed IF you only plan to back up mainly in a straight line. If the trailer has to be jackknifed at all then you have to disconnect the setup.

The rule of thumb I use for how tight of a turn you can go is basically how tight of an angle can your trailer be at moving forward with the steering wheel all the way turned.

expert reply by: Jameson C