When Should Sway Control be Used with a Weight Distribution System

Published 08/27/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(175)

$461.40

Tuson Trailer Sway Control System - Electronic - Up to 4 Axles

(44)

$492.94

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.52

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2256)

$289.99

Question:

I am a disabled veteran who wants to pull a 17 foot Escape B trailer with my 2007 Chevy Colorado 4w . It can tow max 4000 #. Since there will be situations where backing up will be far from straight, I feel it would be a hardship for me to have to remove any sway bars. Some have told me I shouldnt have to have sway prevention since I have a small trailer, but I feel it would be nice to have it. The problem is removing the bars. What would you recommend?

asked by: Sage M

Expert Reply:

First of all, thank you for your service.

If is recommended to use a weight distribution (WD) system and sway control if your trailer weighs at least half of the weight of the tow vehicle. On bigger pickups you could probably get away without needing either but since you are using a 2007 Chevy Colorado I do recommend with having a device to combat rear sag in your pickup and trailer sway.

Unless you will be making a really sharp turn to park your trailer you should be able to use a system like the Fastway e2 # FA94-00-0600 that you referenced as the bars don't need to be removed just for backing up. You may be thinking about a system that utilizes a sway control device like part # PS49582 and # 83660. This uses an older style of sway control that has to be disconnected for you to backup.

If you would rather has a system that you don't have to continually mess with and your trailer has brakes we actually have the Tuson Electronic Sway Control System # 335TSC-1000 which keeps you from having to disconnect anything prior to backing up your trailer. For a suspension enhancement kit I recommend the SumoSprings # SSR-210-47. Once installed these require no maintenance and will even increase your ride quality without your trailer connected.

Typically we recommend the weight distribution system as it is the better of these 2 different options when it comes to a level ride and sway control, but if that is something you would rather not mess with, these products are the next best thing. If you decide to go with a weight distribution system let me know what the loaded tongue weight is of your trailer as well as the weight of any cargo you will be carrying behind the rear axle of your Colorado and I can make a recommendation for you.