Difference Between Friction Sway Bar and Weight Distribution System with Sway Control

Published 08/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar - 1-1/2" Diameter

(2336)

$1065.00

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

(486)

$74.53

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs

(3870)

$21.50

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.44

Question:

My trailer tongue wt is about 400#. I dont put much behind the wheels, but if we could add 50# just for grins.

asked by: Owen T

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are deciding between a standalone anti-sway friction bar like the Reese # 83660 and a complete weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 that features integrated sway control for your Silverado and Keystone trailer. A friction sway bar will do a nice job of fighting sway once it has begun but a complete weight distribution system that uses tension bars for sway control will provide even more overall improvement, along with equalizing the load on the Silverado and trailer axles. Many of the more premium systems will also work to prevent sway before it even begins, which a standalone friction bar cannot do.

Between the two options I do recommend going with a complete weight distribution that has integrated sway control. When picking out a system for your trailer, you will first want to determine the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Silverado. The most accurate method for determining your trailer's loaded tongue weight is by using a scale like the etrailer # e99044. Ideally your total tongue weight will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

Just as an example, the Reese Strait-Line System # RP66084 mentioned above features a tongue weight capacity range of 600 to 1,200 pounds.

If you can tell me what the loaded tongue weight of your Keystone Bullet is, I will be happy to recommend a properly rated system. I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of weight distribution systems that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R

Owen

8/29/2018

My trailer tongue wt is about 400#. I dont put much behind the wheels, but if we could add 50# just for grins.

Chris R.

8/29/2018

If you are looking at a total tongue weight of around 450 pounds, the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082 will work great. This particular system has a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds and features dual-cam sway control that will work to stop trailer sway before it even begins. You will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch # A-6. I have attached a short video demonstration as well so you can see this system in action.