Would Using an Appropriately Rated Weight Distribution System Help With Sway Control

Question:

I am pulling a 2022 Jayco JayFlight 33RBTS 8640lb dry weight/ 1070lb dry hitch weight about 37.83 ft from tip to end with a 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost engine, Max Tow Package Class V Hitch 11500lb max gross trailer wieght/1050lb max tongue. Our setup is a Curt 17601 WDH and currently with another one on the way have one Curt Friction Sway Bar #17200. We also replaced the shocks with Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks and added and AirLift System 57200 LoadLifter air bag suspension to the rear of the truck. With the WDH installed we have little sag and add only about 30 psi to air bags to level everything out. We still have quite a bit trailer sway during windy conditions and when large trucks pass us by especially on curves. I understand that trailer sway will never be eliminated completely but I am still trying to get rid as much of it as I can. Would air bags in this situation help or hurt trailer sway at all? Do you think adding a second friction bar will help? Any adjustments that I should consider to make to the WDH to help with trailer sway? Do you recommend that we get a higher rated WDH? Anything else you can add to help tow this trailer more safely would be appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Edward P

Expert Reply:

It would be beneficial to have a weight destitution system that can handle the load you are pulling. The Curt TruTrack 2P Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # C69JR you are currently using is only rated for up to 1,000 lbs. of tongue weight, which you are exceding.

I would recommend a system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # RP66075 which fits tongue weights between 1,100 and 1,700 lbs. This does not include a shank or ball, which are available separately.

- Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP54998
- 2" Hitch Ball # A-90

You are at 1070 lbs. before you add water, propane and other cargo to the trailer. Which is over your weight distribution limits, but you are likely exceeding your vehicles limits as well.

While having an appropriately rated weight distribution system will help, it will only do so much if your trailer is too much weight for your truck. Your best bet is to take your truck and trailer set-up to a scale and weigh it to ensure that you are not overloading your truck. You seem to be ok gross towing weight wise, but tongue weight and payload are likely over weight. Be sure to include the items you would typically have when traveling, to include items in the truck bed.

It doesn't sound like the airbags or friction bars are the culprit in this scenario. I think the two biggest factors are the weight limits and the size of your weight distribution system. Typically it is recommended to use no more than around 80% of your towing capacity, you are definitely exceeding that. But, you may be over your limits and adding weight distribution systems and air bags do not raise the limits your truck can handle. They just make the ride easier on the truck and more enjoyable.