When Does Trailer Sway Control Allow Backing Up Trailer

Updated 04/16/2018 | Published 04/12/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(328)

$67.57

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(632)

$609.95

Question:

Im having a hard time understanding why you cant back a trailer with the curt system. What is the difference between backing up and turning vs turning when you are driving forward?

asked by: Steve L

Expert Reply:

If a trailer uses a friction-style sway control mechanism like # 17200 it cannot be backed up until you disconnect or release the tension on that device. On the other hand, trailers with weight distribution systems that have integrated sway control, such as the Curt TruTrack # C17500, can be backed up without issue.

Being able to back up is only one advantage of the integrated systems. Their main benefit is that they shift trailer tongue weight back onto the vehicle's front axle. The weight of a trailer pushing down on a hitch can lift the vehicle's front end which tends to degrade both steering and braking performance.

expert reply by: Adam R