Options for Sway Control on a Hitch That Cannot Use Weight Distribution

Updated 03/05/2025 | Published 08/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(22)

$212.02

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(323)

$76.84

Tuson Trailer Sway Control System - Electronic - Up to 4 Axles

(44)

$492.94

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(821)

$31.62

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span

(2932)

$4.01

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(3870)

$31.27

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 7" Rise, 8" Drop - 9-3/8" Long - 12,000 lbs

(3838)

$77.49

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV

(319)

$44.40

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w Remote - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

(324)

$372.12

Question:

Hi, Just purchases a 2021 Audi Q8 and want to tow our travel trailer of 18ft UVW 3,350, dry hitch weight 430. I have the factory tow package receiver but noted we cannot use weight distro system. Could you please recommend the best ball mount 2 5/16 ball to go with the sway control kit mentioned? Also, we have the Prodigy Tekonsha wireless brake controller so assume this will work? We have been towing with a Jaguar FPace so thought I could simply transfer right over but not so easy I guess. Thanks

asked by: Jim B

Expert Reply:

We definitely have some options available for your 2021 Audi Q8. With your trailer sitting right at 24 inches tall and the hitch sitting at 17 inches, I am going to suggest going with 7 inches of rise.

The Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches # C45448 will have the needed 7 inches of rise and will also be able to handle up to 12,000 pounds. The Curt 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # C40008 will then attach to this ball mount. You will also need a pin and clip, like the C21500, if you do not already have one.

From here, you will have a few options for the sway control. The first will be a friction style set up. The Curt Friction Sway Control System # 17200 is adjustable and reduces side-to-side movement caused by winds, passing traffic, curving roads, or sudden maneuvers. However, this will require drilling to install on the trailer and must be unhooked before reversing. You will also need the Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts # RP26003. This is the reason the # C40008 was suggested as it has a longer shank.

Another option will be the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control # 335TSC-1000. This helps correct sway in trailers with or without weight distribution but will require drilling as well and a junction box, like the Spectro Trailer Wiring Junction Box # 38656, to tap into.

As to swapping the Tekonsha Prodigy RF # TK94FR from your Jaguar to your new Audi, as you have a 7 Way plug, you should be good to go.

expert reply by: Lazer S

2021 Audi Q8 Factory Hitch - A
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2021 Audi Q8 Factory Hitch - B
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2021 K-Z Escape Travel Trailer Coupler Height
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2021 Audi Q8 Factory Hitch Height
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Andy

3/4/2025

Hello Lazer S, Your recommendations for a 2021 Audi Q8 are helping me to decide sway control for my 2021 Q8 pulling a 2022 Geo Pro 19FDS. You mentioned two types: 1. The Curt Friction Sway Control System # 17200 2. Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control # 335TSC-1000. Assume one would only install one of the above rather than install both. In addition to major sway control, will Tuson also help with minor sway? For my application, is Tuson a better solution than Curt Sway Control? Towing last year during a windy and rainy day resulted in some nasty and scary trailer sway, which I do not want to revisit. Andy

Lazer S.

3/5/2025

@Andy Good questions. Though the Tuson # 335TSC-1000 is quite a bit more expensive than the Curt # 17200, it is by far the better option between the two. And I am not just saying that to upsell it. Yes, the Curt will help to reduce sway once it starts, but it's pretty rudimentary. It has to be disconnected when you back up, you have to disconnect it if you you are making tight turns in parking lots or camping areas, and they are louder than you would expect. People swear by them, but I don't particularly like them for those reasons. The Tuson will reduce sway at all levels (so yes to the question about minor sway as it will feather the brakes as needed) and does not have to be disconnected when backing up or making tight turns. Since it uses the brakes on your trailer/camper, it is also quiet. Since you have experienced how terrifying sway can be in the real world and want to avoid it in the future, I highly recommend using the Tuson # 335TSC-1000. You will be happy with it : )