Could Too Much Weight Distribution Spring Bar Tension Cause Trailer to Sway

Published 10/03/2017

Question:

Is it possible to have to much tension on the spring bars and get sway. It seems if too much weight is taken of the ball, it can have the same effect as to little.

asked by: Mark F

Expert Reply:

If you have the spring bar tension set up too high you can see ride issues. Typically it's a very harsh ride quality but sway is possible too.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you have the correct system you then have to set up the correct amount of spring bar tension. If both of those factors are in place then the trailer should not sway.

expert reply by: Jameson C