Weight Distribution And Sway Control System For A 17' Trailer That Weighs 4,200 Pounds Dry

Updated 07/03/2025 | Published 06/30/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$609.22

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.51

Curt Adjustable Weight Distribution Shank - 8"

(43)

$113.72

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

(2932)

$4.01

2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs

(215)

$28.63

Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(438)

$385.15

Question:

I’m looking at a 17 ft trailer. 4200lb dry weight. 450 tongue weight. What sway control weight distribution system works?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Good question John!

I have two options for you to choose from. One is more of an "entry level" system and the other is a more premium system. Either will absolutely work with your trailer and your 2025 Honda Passport (I double checked in your owners manual and it said you can use weight distribution).

"Entry Level" Option: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # RE34FR
-This comes with everything you need and will get the job done. But, with it being a round bar system, it will not have as much tension on the bars when hooked up. This means it will not have as much sway control as other options, but it will still work. If you decide to go this route and want more sway control, you can also add on the Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. You would need to drill into the trailer frame to install this and it would have to be disconnected when reversing the vehicle/trailer.

Premium Option: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # EQ37061ET
-This will need a shank ( # C17100), ball ( # EQ91-00-6080), and a pin/clip ( # C21500) to hold it in the hitch, but it will get the job done better. Equal-i-zer has been doing weight distribution systems for longer than basically anyone else and they have it down like no one else. Their bars are much more substantial and will do an excellent job of distribution the weight of the trailer and keeping it from swaying, but it is a lot more expensive.

Couple things to keep in mind if you are new to using weight distribution systems:

-The Reese system has a tongue weight rating of 200 to 600 pounds and the Equal-i-zer has a tongue weight rating of 300 to 600 pounds. You want your loaded longue weight to fall as close to the middle of the systems capacity as possible, which both of these options would.
-It looks like the hitch on your Passport sits at 16" off the ground, so you would probably want to run either shank in the rise position, depending on the height of the coupler on your trailer (measured from the ground to the bottom of the coupler when on very level ground). Most trailers measure right at 18", but not all.
-Both options will make noise. This means they are working. The sway control is the friction between the bar/arm and the bracket attached to the frame of the trailer. It can be surprising so I figured I would mention it.

I know this is a lot to take in, so if you have any other questions or need clarification on anything, just let me know!

expert reply by: Lazer S

Why Use Weight Distribution Example
(click to enlarge)

John

7/3/2025

What about Blue Ox?

Lazer S.

7/3/2025

@John Blue Ox is definitely an option, and a good one at that. They are a little more restricted with the weight range, so you would need to know your fully loaded weight before choosing one. At the weights you listed, the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW0556 will have a tongue weight range of 350 to 550 pounds and would be the one I recommend (unless your trailer load is quite heavy, in which case you would want the next size up # BXW0750). I do have to say though, since this is a chain type set up, it will not have as much sway control as friction bar systems (this goes for basically all chain set ups). However, they are quieter and a lot easier to use. Especially the Blue Ox ones. We recently installed one of the Blue Ox systems and from start to finish it took about 30 minutes. If you aren't as worried about the trailer swaying, this would be a very strong option. If you are though, I would go with a friction style one like I mentioned above.