Do I Need Weight Distribution and Sway Control with My 13 Foot Scamp Travel Trailer
Updated 04/25/2022 | Published 10/05/2009
Question:
I am new at trailing and therefore not sure about using a Sway Control. Now the questions 1. I will be towing a Scamp 13-ft travel trailer weight about 1600 - 1800 pounds. Is a sway bar necessary 2. If the answer to 1 is yes. What sway bar is recommended and what are all the part do I need to order?
asked by: Henry B
Expert Reply:
Sway control is designed to be used in situations where the trailer sways under adverse conditions such as high winds or when large vehicles are passing causing the trailer to become unstable. Sway control also helps if you have to maneuver suddenly. Also if the trailer has a low tongue weight percentage the sway control can help to a point, but a weight distribution system will help more with this situation.
The best solution for sway that is present without the above mentioned adverse conditions is proper trailer loading. Your trailers tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, loaded and ready to travel. Sway control provides a level of safety for situations that can cause the trailer to become unstable. We have a question page (see link) that goes more in depth about sway control and weight distribution.
Sway control is not absolutely necessary for towing but is a factor that needs to be addressed if the trailer is unstable behind the vehicle. When first towing your trailer you should get up to speed slowly while monitoring the trailer because sway can show up dramatically as speed increases, especially if the trailer is improperly loaded.
The Friction sway control, like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, item # 83660, will help stop sway once it has started and is a good item to have installed for the conditions stated above, especially on smaller trailers such as the one you have.
Active sway control is more consistent than the friction type and is built into a weight distribution system for the best towing performance and safety.
Tracey
6/27/2020
Thank you for the information. We have a small vintage trailer and are looking for sway reduction as well. We were told that these bars, such as the Reese Friction Sway control, have to be taken off/undone when you need to turn right. Is this true? Can't imagine that is very efficient or safe.
Chris R.
7/1/2020
Kyle C.
8/9/2020
I have a lincoln MKX that does not have a tow package. I would like to tow a travel trailer less than 2500 lbs. The car is rated for 3500 lbs or less. The car obviously is not fitted with anti sway control so would it be ok to just add a class 3 receiver and a sway package on the trailer?
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
Natalie R.
5/4/2020
If you are asking yourself “do I need a sway bar for my trailer?” because you are worried that it is just an unnecessary expense then the answer is yes because it is one of the best investments that you will ever make. Imagine this. You are on your way to the camping trip that you have been planning for months and you are already driving down the road towards your campsite with your camper trailer in tow. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind causes your trailer to sway from side to side uncontrollably. I think sway bars are mandatory equipment installed by default by trailer manufacturers. Inspect your trailer if it already has tension control sway bars, but if it does not, it is not that big of a deal as they are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have professionally installed. What do you think about my opinion?