Purpose of Spacer Plate Included with Curt Friction Sway Control Unit # 17200

Updated 07/10/2024 | Published 03/31/2013

Question:

Why do I have a spacer plate with my Curt Sway control bar. Seems it would bolt on with just the ball plate and have more threads with the supplied screws. I am thinking of welding the ball plate and would like you opinion but my main reason for my question is why do they give you a spacer plate with 8 holes and a sway ball with 4 holes If I install the spacer plate it only leaves me a couple of threads witrh the supplied bolts in the kit

asked by: Dennis C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt Manufacturing, and was told that the spacer plate you describe is typically used if you are planning on bolting the ball to the trailer frame (instead of using the self-tapping screws). The ball would be stacked on top of the spacer plate then bolted to the trailer frame.

It is not necessary to use the plate, you can use the self tapping screws to attach the ball directly to the trailer frame, or you can weld the ball plate to the trailer frame if you wish to do so.

If you trailer frame is a C channel, I would recommend using bolts instead of the self-tapping screws, but welding would be the most secure method of attaching the ball plate.

expert reply by: Mike L

Phil W.

7/8/2024

I have a unique a-frame trailer that is an L channel steel and 2x2. The bolting plate will not fit on the a frame. Would like to drill a 5/8” hole and bolt a 1-1/4” ball directly to frame instead of mounting with a plate. See any issues with that?

Mike L.

7/10/2024

@PhilW In this situation, you'd be best off having a certified welder box your frame for you, at least in the area where you want to attach the plate with the mounting ball on it.