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Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution For RVs: What You Need To Know and What To Buy
Introduction to Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution
Table of Contents
Are you an RV enthusiast? Have you ever felt like your trailer is swaying from side to side when going down the highway? Trailer sway control and weight distribution systems are a great way to eliminate this feeling. Trailer sway control gives a steadier ride by reducing or eliminating the lateral movement in your trailer, while weight distribution systems distribute the load more evenly throughout your hitch system. The result is a much smoother, safer ride for everyone on board!
What Is Trailer Sway?
Trailer sway is the side-to-side motion of a trailer attached to a vehicle. This can be caused by many factors, such as wind, curves in the road, or passing vehicles. When your trailer starts to sway, it can be hazardous. It can cause you to lose control of your RV and even lead to accidents. Trailer sway is also very uncomfortable for your passengers, as it can cause nausea or motion sickness.
How Trailer Sway Control Works
Trailer sway control works by reducing the side-to-side movement of your trailer hitch. This lessens the amount you and your passengers will feel when driving down a windy road or going around sharp curves. Trailer sway systems use various methods to achieve this, such as hydraulics, electric motors, or friction brakes.
How Weight Distribution Works
Weight distribution systems work by distributing the weight of your trailer more evenly throughout your hitch system. This prevents the front and back of your RV from becoming overloaded, which can cause the vehicle to sway more. Trailer weight distribution systems come in several different designs, such as a bar and chain system or spring bars (also known as equalizer bars).
What Is Gross Axle Weight Rating?
Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum amount of weight that can be placed on an individual axle. Trailer sway and weight distribution systems are designed to work with a certain GAWR. If you overload your trailer, it will cause the system to not work properly. Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what your GAWR is.
How To Find Out The GVWR and GVCR of Your RV (Maximum Trailer Weight Info)
What is GVWR?
GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating. It is the maximum total allowable weight of your vehicle, including passengers and any cargo that may be in it. Trailer sway control systems are designed to work with a certain GVWR. If you overload your trailer, this can cause the system not to work properly or lead to other problems down the road.
How to Find Your Trailer GVWR
The easiest way to find your RV’s GVWR (max trailer weight) is by looking on the inside of your door jamb for a label with the weight rating listed on it. If you cannot find this, contact the manufacturer or dealer where you purchased your trailer and they should be able to help you out.
What is GVCR?
GVCR stands for gross vehicle cargo rating. It is the maximum weight that your trailer can carry, including both the weight of the trailer itself and any cargo that may be in it. This number should never exceed your RV’s GVWR (gross trailer weight) or you will overload your system and could cause damage. Trailer sway control systems are designed to work with a certain GVCR, so be sure not to exceed it.
What Is Tongue Weight?
Your trailer’s tongue weight is the downward force that your trailer’s hitch places on its tow vehicle when connected and pulled behind it. The amount of tongue weight you will need depends largely on how your trailer is loaded. Too much tongue weight can cause your RV to sway and even lead to jackknifing. To find your vehicle’s max tongue weight, check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. Trailer sway control systems are designed to work with a certain tongue weight, so be sure not to exceed it when using one on your trailer.
How To Adjust Trailer Tongue Weight
If you are having trouble with too much or too little tongue weight, there are a few things you can do to adjust it. One option is to redistribute the load in your trailer. If your trailer is already loaded, you can place more weight in the front or back of the cargo area to compensate for too much tongue weight. Trailer sway control systems are also designed to be adjustable so that they work with different amounts of tongue weight depending on how you load your RV (up to a certain amount).
Ways to Weigh My RV or Trailer?
There are a few different ways to weigh your RV or trailer. One option is to go to a truck stop and use their scales. Another is to purchase a portable weight scale that can be used at home or on the road. Whatever method you choose, it is important to make sure that your RV and/or trailer are weighed regularly to ensure that you are not exceeding the weight limits.
What Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution Can Do for You
Trailer sway control, and weight distribution can make your RVing trip much safer, comfortable, and even better on gas mileage. By reducing travel trailer sway, you will have a smoother ride that is easier on your passengers, while weight distribution prevents your vehicle from leaning or swaying too much. Both systems can also increase the power delivered to each wheel by distributing the trailer’s weight more evenly throughout the hitch system.
What Causes A Trailer To Sway?
Many factors can cause a trailer to sway. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
- -Wind
- -Curves in the road
- -Passing vehicles
- -Ruts or bumps in the road
- -Uneven Cargo weight distribution
- -Incorrect loading of cargo Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution For RVs
Why Should I Be Concerned About This?
Trailer sway can be very dangerous, as it causes you to lose steering control of your vehicle. It can also cause nausea or motion sickness in passengers, which will no doubt ruin their trip! Trailer sway is also typically accompanied by loud squeaking noises from the hitch ball, which are very annoying to everyone on board. This type of sway also contributes to poor gas mileage, as your vehicle will have to work harder when going down the road with a heavy load off-center.
Types of Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution Systems
There are many different types of trailer sway control systems available today that use several methods for reducing side-to-side movement. Trailer sway control systems can be hydraulically, electrically, or frictionally activated.
Trailer weight distribution systems work by distributing the load more evenly throughout your hitch system. This prevents the front and back of your RV from becoming overloaded and helps keep the trailer in line while driving.
What Are The Differences Between These Systems?
There are many differences between sway control and weight distribution systems. Trailer sway control typically uses hydraulics, electric motors, or friction brakes to reduce the movement of your trailer towards one side.
Weight distribution can be achieved in several ways, such as a bar and chain system (also known as equalizer bars) or spring bars. Trailer sway and weight distribution systems can both be customized to meet the needs of your RV.
FAQ’s
Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Increase Towing Capacity?
Weight distribution hitches are designed to keep your trailer level while driving. This prevents the front and back of your RV from becoming overloaded. Overloading can decrease fuel economy, slow down acceleration time, reduce braking effectiveness, increase stopping distance, and cause damage to tires or wheels over time due to uneven loading wear patterns on their surfaces. Trailer sway control, and weight distribution hitches will not increase your towing capacity.
Does A Trailer Sway Control System Work With Any RV and Tow Vehicle?
Trailer sway control systems work with several RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Weight distribution systems are available in different sizes and designs to accommodate each RV and towing vehicle. Trailer sway systems can be installed on RVs with or without brakes, but weight distribution hitches are only compatible with vehicles that have electric brake controllers.
Are Trailer Sway Control Systems Safe (Sway Bars)?
Suppose Trailer Sway Control System Is Working Correctly And Properly Installed – Yes! Trailer sway control systems are designed to help you maintain control of your vehicle when traveling down the road.
Trailer sway control systems are designed to activate when the vehicle begins to pull away from the trailer, which prevents your RV and tow ball from “snaking” down the road. They can also reduce the risk of trailer-to-vehicle interference. This Is A Very Important Feature! If you ever find yourself in a situation where another large vehicle passes too closely to your RV while traveling down the road. These systems only activate when needed and then automatically disengage once they have done their job.
What Is The Cost To Install This Type of System?
The cost to install a Trailer Sway Control System can vary depending on the make and model of your RV. Prices for weight distribution hitches start at around $150 and go up from there, depending on the size and type of hitch you need. Always consult with a professional installer before deciding about installing these types of systems on your RV.
Do I Need Professional Installation?
You should always consult with a Trailer Sway Control Systems and Weight Distribution Hitches’ manual or manufacturer for installation information. Do not attempt to install these types of systems on your RV without assistance and guidance from an experienced installer, as this could lead to serious problems while traveling down the road that can result in personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
Best Weight Distribution Hitches For Travel Trailers
EAZ Lift 48059 Weight Distributing Hitch:
This sway control weight distribution hitch is designed for travel trailers with a GVW (gross vehicle weight rating) of up to 10,000 pounds.
- Your purchase includes 1,200-pound weight distributing hitch, sway control, 2-5/16 hitch ball & mounting hardware
- Product dimensions – 31” L x 11.5” W x 7.44” H | Hitch ball – 2-5/16” | Tongue weight limit – 1,200 lbs. | Gross weight rating – 10,000 lbs.
- U-bolts and chain package are pre-installed on spring bars
- Eaz-lift Elite Weight Distributing Hitch Kit allows you to save time with pre-installed components
- Hitch ball and sway control ball are pre-installed and torqued to specification on adjustable ball mount
- Includes 1,200 pound weight distributing hitch, sway control and 2-5/16 hitch ball
- Hitch ball and sway control ball are pre-installed and torqued to specification on adjustable ball mount
- U-bolts and chain package are pre-installed on spring bars
- 1,200 pound maximum tongue weight capacity
- Maximum gross weight rating of 12,000 lbs
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hensley Arrow Trailer Hitch:
This weight distribution hitches’ sway control hitch is compatible with RVs that have electric brakes and can carry up to 12,000 pounds when combined with the included Andersen Ultimate Weight Distribution System.
Husky Towing Products:
WD hitch for travel trailers up to 8000 lbs. GTW, 500 tongue weight capacity: This Trailer Sway Control System is designed to work with travel trailers up to 12,000
- Combines weight distribution and sway control in a single unit - no need for additional hardware, outstanding performance - drive it and see
- Handle can be used to hook up and remove bars, universal EZ Adjust frame brackets for easy installation and adjustment
- None of the noise problems other WD/sway products have - its quiet, significantly lighter weight than competing products
- Forged and hardened steel components deliver excellent long-term durability and service, hitch ball is factory pre-installed and properly torqued
- Gross Trailer Weight; up to 8,000 l
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Blue OX:
Trailer Sway Control for RV Trailer Hitches GTW 02,000 lbs: This Trailer Sway Control System is designed to work with RVs with a GTW of up to 12,000 pounds.
- Pre-adjusted hitch head, no fine-tuning necessary
- Sway prevention; No noise
- Spring steel construction for a softer, smoother ride
- For Standard Coupler with Clamp-On Latches
- Back up without disconnect
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Fastway:
TruTech Trailer Sway System – Trailer Hitch, Trailer Weight Distribution & Towing Accessories: This sway control weight distribution hitch is compatible with travel trailers with a GVW of up to 12,000 pounds.
- THE COMPLETE SOLUTION by offering Built-in Sway Control Without Requiring Add-on hassles
- SWAY CONTROL AND WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IN ONE SYSTEM: Reducing the need for old chain-style hitches that don’t provide built-in sway control and add-ons that are a hassle to remove when backing up and making tight turns
- NO BACKING OR TURNING RESTRICTIONS: No matter the weather or the angle, leave the e2 attached, unlike many other hitches
- COMES IN TRUNNION AND ROUND BAR MODELS: Whatever your towing style is, the e2 hitch creates a bridge between the trailer and vehicle, helping them work together like one unit instead of two, distributing weight to the axles of both vehicles
- SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND WITH QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP AND A 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: With an e2, your front axle will stay firmly on the ground to keep your trailer right behind you, providing better control and an enjoyable t
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Eaz-Lift Elite Series Premium Electric Brake Kit 48058:
If you are looking for the best electric brake controller for your RV, the Eaz-Lift Elite Series Premium Electric Brake Kit 48060 is a good option. You can install this system on RVs with a GTW of up to 10,000 pounds.
- Your purchase includes 1,000-pound weight distributing hitch, sway control, 2-5/16 hitch ball & mounting hardware
- Product dimensions – 31” L x 11.5” W x 7.44” H | Hitch ball – 2-5/16” | Tongue weight limit – 1,000 lbs. | Gross weight rating – 10,000 lbs.
- U-bolts and chain package are pre-installed on spring bars
- Eaz-lift Elite Weight Distributing Hitch Kit allows you to save time with pre-installed components
- Hitch ball and sway control ball are pre-installed and torqued to specification on adjustable ball mo
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Curt:
Trailer Brake Controllers- Trailer Hitch, Trailer Weight Distribution & Towing Accessories: This electric brake controller is compatible with RVs with a GVW of up to 10,000 pounds.
- ACTIVE SWAY CONTROL. The TruTrack doesnt just level the vehicle and trailer. It also actively resists trailer sway. It uses a spring and cam system and fixed support brackets to stop trailer sway at four distinct points for a smoother, safer ride
- PRECISE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. The TruTrack weight distribution hitch with sway control offers precise levelling of your tow vehicle and trailer. It uses powerful 35-9/16-inch trunnion spring bars and an adjustable shank that fits a 2-inch receiver. Springs bars can be adjusted to 30 or 70 degrees (+/- 5)
- EASY SETUP. This CURT weight distribution hitch with trailer sway control is designed for fast, easy setup and adjustment. It features a tilting head with hex castle nuts for easy adjustment without completely disassembling the hitch
- HIGH-STRENGTH. For dependable towing strength, this weight distribution and anti-sway hitch is constructed with a welded head and cast steel pieces. This stabilizer hitch is rated for 8,000 to 10,000 lbs. GTW and 800 to 1,000 lbs. TW
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. This weight distribution hitch with sway control is finished with a highly durable carbide black powder coat to withstand the rigors of the outdoor eleme
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Anderson Hitches:
Trailer Sway Control System – Trailer Hitch, Trailer Weight Distribution & Towing Accessories: This Trailer Sway System is designed to work with fifth-wheel trailers with a GVW of up to 14,000 pounds.
- UNPARALLELED SWAY CONTROL, NO BOUNCE: The Andersen No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch (3380) doesnt just raise the bar, it sets it! Its the simplest, quietest, and most advanced small weight distribution hitch on the road today! Enjoy the best anti-sway option AND the only true Motion-Dampening system (anti-bounce) around. Owners cant believe how smooth and quiet the ride is! Helps to keep it LEVEL!
- SELF-ADJUSTS & EASY BACKING UP: Andersen Hitches sway control system self-adjusts! AND if you need to back up, no sweat! There is no problem at all backing up with this hitch, unlike many other weight distribution hitches!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & HEAVY-DUTY: The Andersen Hitches No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch 3380 weighs in under 60 lbs! Rated at 14,000 GTWR and 1,400 lbs tongue weight. MADE IN THE USA and Limited Lifetime Warranty!
- INSTALL: No pry bars needed! Install is quick and easy!
- THE 2-5/16 BALL DOUBLES FOR DOUBLE THE USE : The 2-5/16 ball is included, so there are no extras to buy! AND it doubles as a standard ball mount for towing without weight distributi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion To Trailer Sway and Weight Distribution For RV’s
We all know the agony of driving an RV. The trailer sway and weight distribution are key to making your drive more enjoyable. Luckily, there are many ways to improve these two features on your rig! Trailer sway control and weight distribution are two ways to help make your RV more stable. We hope you found this blog post helpful! Let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.
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