Recommended Sway Control Compatible With Aluminum Frame Car Hauler Trailer

Question

Question:

I just got a Lightning 8.5 X 20 all aluminum car hauler. It has a 2 X 5 aluminum frame. The trailer empty weight is 2,413#s. Trailer specs are 700# tongue weight and 7,000# load limit. Im pulling it with a 2015 Colorado. Which has the exact same limits as the trailer, 700# tongue weight and 7,000# load limit. When I was towing it home I felt quite a bit of sway. Granted it was windy and the trailer was empty, but I figured I would like to consider getting a weight distribution hitch with sway control. I was told by the dealer I should only use a trunnion type systems with an aluminum frame. The car Im going to haul in the trailer weighs 3,000#, so Im looking at about 5,400 to 5,500 total trailer weight. Im very concerned with damaging the aluminum frame. I definitely dont want to drill holes in the frame either. I was going to use a Curt, 17500 1,000/10,000 Tru-Track system. However the Curt, 17499 Tru-Track system is really closer to my load specs. 800/8,000. Cant understand though why the lesser rated system costs more? Ive also considered the Husky, 32217 or a Reese Straight Line system equivalent. Can you recommend any system over another? Ive read that using a system rated higher than I need would put unnecessary stress on the structure and a rough ride. Im just very concerned not to damage the aluminum frame. Thanks!

asked by: Dean C

0

Expert Reply:

With an aluminum frame trailer, you need to check with the trailer manufacturer to determine if weight distribution can be used. Many companies won't allow it.

To help with sway when a weight distribution system with sway control isn't an option, I recommend the Tuson Electronic Sway Control System for Electric Trailer Brakes # 335TSC-1000. This system uses your electric trailer brakes to assist with controlling trailer sway using a solid-state gyroscope to sense sway. I've attached a video to assist as well as an article on weight distribution and sway control.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Answer 1

Hey Chris. The back-up camera wire is 66' long on the Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with Side Cameras and Quick Connect Kit item #RVS-770616-2133-NM. This is a great camera system that features a 7" LED color monitor and 2 side…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hi Alex; the gauge on the Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale for Trailers #BTBRV004 has a +/- 5% full scale accuracy and displays weight in 20-lb increments up to 1,000 lbs. We also have it available with a SnapPad #BTBRV99FR. If you want something…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Since the slot dimensions and capacity of different brands of E-Track are identical, really the only differences are the finish and the lengths the tracks are sold in. If you're using the E-Track in an area where aesthetics are important, you can…

view full answer...

Answer 4

If you use a weight distribution system that's rated too high for the tongue weight of the trailer you'll experience a very harsh ride quality. You really will want to go with a lower rated system. If you tell me what brand and model system…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Eddie, Typically they run the brakes to the first axle because it does carry more weight than the rear in most cases and because it's less cost/time consuming to go to the first axle. I can't say for certain why they would run the brakes…

view full answer...

Answer 6

A single spare tire mounted in your trailer will not have too much effect on tongue weight but if your application means installing multiple E-Track spare tire holders #RA-16HST then you will want to try to distribute the load evenly if possible. For…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hi John, If you want both trailers to have working electric brakes while double towing, you'll need to control them separately. Your 2024 Chevy 3500 HD's factory brake controller is designed to operate the brakes on the fifth wheel, but it…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The height of the Curt RockerBall from the base that sits upon the ball mount to the top of the ball is as follows: - 2-5/16 inch ball with 1 inch diameter shank, #C82KR is 4.607 inches - 2-5/16 inch ball with 1-1/4 inch diameter shank, #C29FR is…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Drew, in theory yes you can hook an additional 7-way to the back of your first trailer that would get spliced into the trailer's current 7-way wiring and then the Redarc Tow Pro Link part #RED57AR would control both sets of brakes but you…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Any time you mix two metals like this there theoretically is the risk of galvanic corrosion over time. With that being said, we're talking about an extremely long process, one that will likely outlast the lifetime of your truck or trailer before…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Yes. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW #EQ37100ET requires the sway control brackets be positioned between 27-32 inches back from center of coupler, so with your 29 inch measurement it…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hey Scott, double towing gets a little tricky but what I would probably do is use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile #C51180 on the second trailer as that would be the only reasonable way to activate a second controller since the…

view full answer...

Recommended Sway Control Compatible With Aluminum Frame Car Hauler Trailer

Products Featured in This Question

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching