Is It Okay to Back Up With a Weight Distribution System That Uses Torsion Bars

Updated 05/22/2020 | Published 08/07/2017

Question:

I have recently purchased a travel trailer 28 feet and legs. I will be using torsion bars while towing. Ive never used them before but I have been told not to back up with them on. Is this something I should actually be worried about ?? Thanks

asked by: Luke

Expert Reply:

The only Weight Distribution (WD) systems that we have listed on our site that you shouldn't back up with incorporate the use of a friction sway control like the Reese # 83660. You can backup, but the friction sway control must first be disconnected otherwise you will damage it.

If your system is just using trunnion bars, like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 does, then you should not have to worry about it.

In this case it would be best to check with the manufacturer to see what they say since I do not know what exact system that you have. If you have a WD system from one of the manufacturers that we carry, just let me know which one it is and a short description and/or picture of your system and I can let you know one way or the other.

Keep in mind that your WD system should have a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your setup falls in the middle of. You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Since a properly loaded trailer has a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer you will also want to stay within those parameters as well.

I have attached some helpful articles that you can reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dennis H.

5/15/2020

Is there a upgrade mount you can use to replace the Friction Sway Control on the standard Reese weight distribution system that has the chains instead of the trunnion bars ?....ty

Chris R.

5/19/2020

Unfortunately there's not a good way to convert an existing friction system to a chain-style setup like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 mentioned above. Your only option will be to replace the entire system.

Dennis H.

5/19/2020

@ChrisR ty....what I have at present is the Pro Series Weight Distribution Kit With Friction Sway Control - 1,000 lb(Part #: 49903)...it is a good set up but I'm just not too crazy about the friction sway control, I know I can add another control to it for more stability but I'm a 1st time user with pulling my travel trailer...thx again for the input

Chris R.

5/22/2020

@DennisH Thanks for the info! If you want to upgrade to a system with improved (and easier to set up) sway control, I highly recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET. This setup uses a 4-point sway control system that will drastically reduce any side to side movement you're experiencing during travel. It's a pretty simple, no-drill installation with its clamp on frame brackets as well.