Can Friction Sway Bar Be Used on Vehicle Thats Not Rated for Weight Distribution System

Updated 06/05/2019 | Published 06/04/2019

Question:

Have an 2018 Audi Q5 and plan to tow an Rpod 189. Total loaded weight should be around 3500 lbs. The manual for the Q5 explicitly says not to use a weight distributing hitch because it could cause the hitch to be torn off the vehicle. My understanding is the weight distribution shifts the weight into the frame and thats not good on a unibody vehicle like the Q5. Does a stand alone sway control bar like this exert the same forces as weight distribution? Would using this with a Q5 run the same risk of tearing the hitch off of the vehicle or otherwise causing damage?

asked by: Matt T

Expert Reply:

A standalone friction sway bar like the Curt # 17200 that you referenced is an excellent sway control alternative for vehicles like your 2018 Audi Q5 that aren't rated for a weight distribution system. You are correct that a full weight distribution system isn't recommended for use on this vehicle because the frame and hitch simply aren't able to withstand the type of force that one creates.

A friction sway bar like the above-mentioned Curt unit on the other hand will not put nearly the type of tension on the hitch and vehicle that a WD system would. This will just essentially stiffen up the connection point between the trailer and Audi Q5 when side-to-side movement begins in an effort to quickly reduce it and bring it to an end. This will work great to help stabilize your overall setup when towing the Rpod with your Audi Q5.

You will likely just need to add the Sway-Control Bracket # RP26003 to your ball mount to provide an attachment point for the bar.

I have attached a short video review along with the written install instructions that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R