Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution For RVs: What You Need To Know and What To Buy

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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

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!

Weight Distribution Hitch on Airstream
Weight Distribution Hitch on Airstream

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.

Gif Trailer Sway
Gif Trailer Sway

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)

Large RV: How To Find GVWR and GCWR
Large RV: How To Find GVWR and GCWR

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?

Tongue Weight on Tow Hitch
Tongue Weight on Tow Hitch

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?

Curvy Road: Cause for Trailer Sway
Curvy Road: Cause for Trailer 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

Different Doors: Different Types of Hitches
Different Doors: Different Types of Hitches

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

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

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)?

Are Trailer Sway Control Systems Safe?
Are Trailer Sway Control Systems Safe?

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?

Do Weight Distribution Hitches Need To Be Professionally Installed?
Do Weight Distribution Hitches Need To Be Professionally Installed?

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

The Best Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution Hitches
The Best Trailer Sway Control and Weight Distribution Hitches

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.

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.

https://store.propridehitch.com/propride-3p-vs-hensley-arrow?gc_id=12120658723&h_ad_id=492466627162&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8ICOBhDmARIsAEGI6o3BKYgKUlp3-TPXCRTbBzDQHu3ulc3rPDXKhqc2iaN_EK2Qq9foELgaAmCzEALw_wcB

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion To Trailer Sway and Weight Distribution For RV’s

Conclusion to Trailer Sway and Weight Distribution For RVs
Conclusion to Trailer Sway and Weight Distribution For RVs

 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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