Why Can't You Back Trailer Up With Curt Friction Sway Control 17200 Hooked Up?

Updated 06/24/2021 | Published 06/22/2021

Question:

I have a travel trailer 3500 single axle. Why can’t u back up with the sway control attached? I will be using a friction sway control without weight distb. Hitch. If I were to have a blow out on this single a le trailer would this help control.

asked by: Perry P

Expert Reply:

The reason you cannot back up with friction sway control like the Curt # 17200 installed on your travel trailer with a single 3500lb axle is when turning sharply the bar will be extended or compressed to far which can cause the mounting bracket on the trailer frame to be damaged, or can bend the bar rendering it unusable.

Since you are not installing a weight distribution hitch you will need to install mounting bracket # RP26003 to your ball mount if you have a 2" trailer hitch receiver, or # RP26005 if you have a 1-1/4" trailer hitch receiver.

These brackets get installed underneath your hitch ball and give you a place to install the mini hitch ball of the # 17200 and connect your sway control to.

Sway control will fight to keep the trailer straight, even if there is a blow out, though the force of a blow out and the sudden change or tire size will cause some sway/pulling no matter what is installed.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C