Comparing B&W Continuum And Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Systems

Question:

I see the BandW Continuum is rated for “severe sway”. Does it have better sway control/prevention than the Reece Strait Line? Will be towing a 30’ 6,000# travel trailer with a tow package F-150. I’m looking for the most aggressive sway control I can get without stepping into the $4000 ProPride 3P.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The B&W Continuum # BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line.

The Continuum does a great job leveling your ride which will in turn help with sway. We have found in our tests that the steel spring bars and dual-cam sway control that the Reese system uses will give you better sway reduction. Not only preventing sway from happening in the first place, but it will actively reduce sway as it happens.

Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 is made for trailers with a tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. I am not sure of the exact tongue weight of your travel trailer, but I imagine with a 6,000 lb GVWR you will be within that range to where you will get effective leveling and sway control.

If you are having severe sway issues, you may also want to address the rear suspension of your truck if you haven't already. Something like an air bag kit would go a really long way to level your ride, reduce sway and improve ride quality. Using an air bag kit along with a weight distribution system is something that we recommend fairly often for extreme sway. This would be a great option if you want results, but don't want to fork over 4,000 dollars for a Pro Pride hitch.

Also, loading the trailer as evenly as possible will help to reduce sway. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

If you want to send me all of the year, make and model information for your truck I am happy to show you some good suspension enhancement options.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Chris

2/23/2024

Thanks Jesse, I apologize for the typo in the first line of my post. When I search on eTrailer and compare 3 different models, the Strait-Line is listed with "Some Sway" where the BlueOx SwayPro and B&W Continuum are listed as "Severe Sway". Can you explain how these ratings are determined? I have seen a number of conversations on this site where the Strait-Line is recommended so I'm curious why it gets the lower sway rating.

Jesse M.

2/23/2024

@Chris The rating system you referred to is simply product facets created by our content team. I am not sure why the Strait-Line is not listed for severe sway, but I can tell you from personal hands-on experience that it will be a very good option for your application. If you feel more comfortable going with something that is listed for severe sway, take a look at the Blue-Ox SwayPro # BXW0756. Blue Ox makes a very solid system. The SwayPro is my personal favorite WD system. I would put the SwayPro just above the Strait Line as far as performance and durability.

Chris

2/23/2024

@JesseM Would you rank the BlueOx SwayPro as having more sway prevention than either the Strait-Line or the B&W Continuum?