Does Friction Sway Control Unit 83660 Need to Be Disconnected to Reverse Trailer

Updated 09/18/2018 | Published 09/17/2018

Question:

Should a loud noise be heard when turning trailer with a sway bar attached? Does the sway bar need to be removed if going in reverse?

asked by: Dominick

Helpful Expert Reply:

Friction sway control units like # 83660 do need to be either disconnected or to have their tension control released when you reverse the trailer. Otherwise the unit is likely to be damaged.

In normal operation these devices will make some grinding noise since they use metal on metal friction to control trailer sway. If your anti-sway device makes a popping noise or anything other than a grinding sound (from that friction) then it may have been damaged if you left it in place while reversing the trailer. In this case it should be replaced.

expert reply by: Adam R