How to Properly Set the Tension on the Curt Sway Control Bar # 17200

Updated 09/10/2024 | Published 01/28/2012

Question:

how tight should the handle on sway bar be tightened and how tight should the adjustment bolt be set.

asked by: Ron C

Expert Reply:

The handle is actually the on/off switch for the unit and the bolt under the handle is the tension adjustment bolt. You will need to turn the On/Off handle clockwise (tighter) until the handle will stay firmly in place parallel with the main body of the sway control.

Start out setting the sway control by testing with the adjustment bolt at the factory preset level of friction. You will need to perform a series of road tests with the loaded trailer. If there is not enough sway control adjust the tension bolt 1/4 turn clockwise (tighter) if there is too much tension adjust the tension bolt counter clockwise (looser) 1/4 turn. On subsequent trips increase or decrease tension by turning the adjusting bolt in 1/4 turn increments until the desired level of sway control is achieved.

A couple of things you should also be aware of are that you should never have the handle in the on position when backing a trailer and the unit should be turned off when driving in slick conditions.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Angela A.

5/23/2020

We are using the Curt friction sway bar. We were trying to adjust the tension adjustment bolt. It will NOT move. Any suggestions?

Chris R.

5/26/2020

The adjustment bolt does come pre-tightened at the factory. There's a good chance you won't need to turn it at all - did you take the trailer out for a test drive and find that it needed to be tightened? If so, you'll probably just need a longer wrench for leverage because it's definitely not loose. You just need to turn it a 1/4 of a rotation to adjust the tension properly.

Angela A.

5/30/2020

@ChrisR yes we did take it for a test drive. For now we purchased a second one for more control

Paul

9/10/2024

This all makes sense except what would indicate if it were too loose or too tight? Assuming too loose I'd still have swaying? What about too tight? How would I know if it's too tight?

Jameson C.

9/10/2024

@Paul If there's no reduction in sway then it's not tight enough and you'd basically want to try increasing the tightness until you feel a difference. Too tight is harder to articulate but if you can see the unit obviously straining around corners that would be a good indicator.