Tension Adjustment on Reese Friction Sway Control Bar 83660
Updated 09/20/2018 | Published 09/19/2018
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Question:
I have this Friction sway control bar and the dealer absentmindedly cranked the tension bolt many turns to tighten it prior to any testing. He did not follow instructions and I am concerned about damage if I were to use it. Therefore, I now need to loosen the tension and start at the factory condition. Please contact the manufacturer to find the factory torque of the tension screw. You answered a similar question from another customer as it just depends, all situations are different. That will not help me. Please indicate the factory setting so I can start the adjustment process. Thanks!
asked by: John N
Helpful Expert Reply:
On a friction-type trailer sway control mechanism like the Reese # 83660 and the similar Curt item # 17200 the tension control bolt (noted in the linked photo) can be re-set to a "neutral" position most easily if you remove the entire arm from the trailer and vehicle mounts.
Counter-clockwise rotation reduces the friction pad tension. Rotate the bolt until you can manually slide the inner arm in and out without noticeable resistance.
These items are intended to be adjusted for the specific weight of the trailer by feel, which is why they are not calibrated. They are not shipped from the factory with any specific tension on that bolt so you do not have to worry about a specific starting point.
You do want to be sure that you always release all tension on the unit (with the actuating handle) before reversing the trailer; alternately you can completely remove the unit from its two mounting balls when backing up the trailer. These units can be bent or otherwise damaged if not disengaged or removed when reversing the trailer.
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