Could Loose Spring Bar Brackets Cause Sway

Updated 12/02/2013 | Published 12/01/2013

Question:

Hi. I have a Denali 246RK travel trailer and a 2000 F250 Ford truck. I have the fastway weight distribution system part #FA94-00-0800. When I tow the trailer, I get a little bit of sway. I have several other trailers that pull just fine so I know its not my truck. Im also well within the towing limits for my truck. My question is regarding the two down supports that are hooked on to the trailer that the weight distribution bars sit on. They are loose enough that I can push and pull them front to back 1/2 and inch or so. Is that normal so that as the trailer is pulled over humps they can move thus maintaining level contact with the bars, or should they be tight so that I am not able to move them by hand? If they are tight, it seems to me that you would loose some contact between the bars and the down bracket as the trailer is towed over humps, etc. However being somewhat loose may be allowing that little bit of sway Im experiencing. The dealer hooked them up so I would assume they did it right, but who knows. Thanks

asked by: Chris C

Expert Reply:

The frame brackets of the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA94-00-0800 that you referenced should not be able to be moved by hand on your trailer. They should be tight enough that they do not move under any circumstances. I spoke with my tech contact at Fastway to confirm this.

He thought this could be why you are experiencing sway since the brackets are giving a little bit and will allow the trailer to move slightly before the sway control will take effect.

The torque figures for this portion of the system are on page 13 of the instructions I attached.

expert reply by: Jameson C