Do I need weight distribution and Sway Control for my truck?
Your truck’s owner’s manual should provide you with specifications regarding weight distribution use. For instance, the 2018 Chevy Traverse owner’s manual states that weight distribution and sway control are required when towing a trailer over 5,000 lbs. Most commonly, this applies to heavier cargo trailers such as campers and toy haulers.
Do I need sway bars for my weight distributing hitch?
If you have a standard weight distributing hitch without integrated sway control you may be tempted to buy add-on sway controls, or “sway bars” as many call them. These are metal friction devices which have two bars that slide inside one another in a telescoping fashion.
What is trailer sway control and why is it important?
Sway control in your hitch system helps to minimize or eliminate trailer sway while towing. It’s the single most important purchase you will make after getting your new travel trailer will be the hitch you use to attach it to your tow vehicle. For many RVers the hitch is an afterthought.
Does the 2018 Chevy Traverse have weight distribution and sway control?
For instance, the 2018 Chevy Traverse owner’s manual states that weight distribution and sway control are required when towing a trailer over 5,000 lbs. Most commonly, this applies to heavier cargo trailers such as campers and toy haulers. You can also use this checklist to determine if you need a weight distribution hitch:
Do I need weight distribution and sway control?
If you have a weight-distribution hitch that uses chains to hold the arms (instead of tabs) then you will need to use a sway control bar if you need to reduce sway. Chains don't have the necessary friction, so a sway control bar generates the friction instead.
Is sway control the same as weight distribution?
Often times people think sway control and weight distribution are the same thing, but they are not. Luckily for Equal-i-zer hitch customers you get both from one hitch, without any add ons. The big thing about both of these concepts is the increase in safety over a weight carrying hitch.
Do I need sway bars if my truck has sway control?
Sway control or sway bar hitches are optional pieces of equipment that you can add to your camper or hitch to prevent sway. Although they're not required, adding a sway bar will provide a much more comfortable and stable towing experience and give you peace of mind.
Does a 3000 pound trailer need a weight distribution hitch?
Expert Reply: Any time you are towing a trailer that has a fully loaded weigh that is over 50 percent of the vehicle's gross weight, a weight distribution system is recommended. If your vehicle weighs less than 6,000 lbs, a weight distribution system and trailer brakes should be used when towing a 3,000 lb trailer.
Does sway bar need weight distribution hitch?
When are these weight distributing hitches required by law? The best rule of thumb is to compare your trailer and vehicle weights. You will need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing starts to outweigh your vehicle's weight by one-half. For a 5,000-pound truck, that would be around 2,501 pounds.
Does a 1 ton truck need a weight distribution hitch?
It's a Required Piece of Equipment Every truck manufacturer, whether it is for a midsize, 1/2-ton, or heavy-duty, requires a weight-distributing hitch when using a bumper trailer hitch ball. Most mid-size and half-ton trucks require it at 5,000 pounds, while heavy-duty trucks usage can vary from 6,000 to 8,500 pounds.
Can you pull a trailer without sway bars?
You do not need sway bars to tow a travel trailer unless the travel trailer's center of mass is behind its axle. Also, some smaller trucks may need sway bars if they aren't strong enough to resist the natural sway of the travel trailer.
What is the difference between a stabilizer bar and a sway bar?
Sway bar end links are the attachment points between a sway bar and suspension members. Also known as a stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar, the sway bar connects suspension components on either side of the car to minimize body leaning in turns.
Should I remove weight distribution bars before backing up?
If using a weight distribution system that does not come with sway control at all then backing up would not be an issue unless making severe turns (jackknifing the trailer) and you would want to remove the spring bars ahead of time.
How do I know if I need a weight distribution hitch?
Whether you are driving a truck that is a midsize, half-ton, or heavy-duty, a weight distribution hitch will be an important part of your towing setup. Most of the midsize and half-ton trucks out there will require a weight distribution hitch when towing something that is 5,000 pounds or more.
Can too much tongue weight cause trailer sway?
If you don't have enough weight on the trailer tongue, the trailer may be prone to swaying from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, if you have too much weight exerted on the hitch ball, the force could overload the rear tires of the tow vehicle and push the rear end of the vehicle around.
What size trailer needs a weight distribution hitch?
Half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 typically recommend a weight-distribution hitch for any trailer over 5,000 pounds and/or any tongue weight over 500 pounds, which might seem low considering these trucks have maximum towing capacities of over 12,000 pounds.
Is an equalizer hitch the same as a weight distribution hitch?
A weight distribution hitch (aka “load equalizing hitch”) does just what the name says — it is a hitch that evenly distributes the weight of your payload. It works by using adjustable spring bars and tension to distribute the load of the trailer tongue to the trailer and vehicle axles.
What is sway control?
0:121:17Trailer Sway Control | Ford How-To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe trailer sway controller feature begin to apply the brakes to individual wheels and reduce yourMoreThe trailer sway controller feature begin to apply the brakes to individual wheels and reduce your engine power if needed.
How does a weight distribution hitch with sway control work?
0:122:26Explaining Weight Distribution and Sway Control Hitching. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe back of your vehicle dip down and so with that weight dipping down on the back of the trailer itMoreThe back of your vehicle dip down and so with that weight dipping down on the back of the trailer it causes the back end of the vehicle to squat what a weight distribution hitch.
How do you set up a weight distribution hitch with a sway bar?
2:516:25How To Set up A Weight Distribution Hitch - CURT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe coupler enough for the ball to pass under and back the vehicle into. Position. Lower the couplerMoreThe coupler enough for the ball to pass under and back the vehicle into. Position. Lower the coupler onto the ball just enough for the coupler to latch. Allow the jack to support some of the weight.
What is the most readily available sway control without weight distribution?
The most readily available sway control without weight distribution is the friction sway control bar which is available from almost every manufacturer. Generally, these are attached to one side of the tongue and control sway by friction on a brake bar. I currently have one of these and the downfalls are:
What are the two types of sway control?
Further, there appears to be two kinds of sway control, passive and active . Passive serves only to prevent sway control where active not only attempts to prevent sway control as well as attempts to correct sway in the event it occurs. Possible solutions:
Does a F250 need WD?
As a follow up I tow my latest camper (a Cougar 304 BHS...>33', >10,000lbs) with an F250 diesel. No WD (doesn't need it as the F250 doesn't compress at all under this load) and 1 friction unit.
Can RV dealers in California put a weight distribution system on a trailer?
In California, RV dealers are liable for any safety issues if the trailer is not installed properly on the vehicle (including weight distribution and/or sway control). One individual claims to have received a fax from VW USA stating it was fine to put a weight distribution system on the vehicle.
Is Andy from Can Am out of pocket?
Andy from Can-Am is currently out of pocket at an RV show. I have emailed him as well.
Does air suspension level out load?
On the general topic of weight distribution, I think it is in correct to say that air suspension eliminates the need for weight distribution. Yes, it does level out the load and ride height when hitched, but the full weight of the trailer tongue is still primarily on the rear axle which can leave the steering a little light, especially when you are bumping down the road. A weight distribution system projects the tongue weight and distributes them between the front and rear axles.
Does Volkswagen have conflicting information?
Volkswagen has conflicting information regarding their own vehicles (W/D or not W/D) as well as certain transportation safety requirements (personal, state, provincial ,federal). It seems like a fair issue to be resolved.
What Sway Control Systems Should You Avoid?
There are many great weight distributing sway control hitches on the market, but there are some you should specifically avoid.
What Weight Distribution Anti-Sway Hitches Are Best?
That depends on your budget and tolerance of sway. There are basically two classes of hitch on the market:
Where to insert a weigh safe tow ball?
Insert the correctly sized Weigh Safe Tow Ball into the designated hole inside of the hitch Head Assembly.
What is the weight safe app?
The WeighSafe App is a step-by-step guide – right at your side – to use every time you set up your weight distribution hitch. Use it as a checklist, to ensure that you are completing every step and making the proper adjustments for each separate tow.
Are You Ready to Install A Weight Distribution Hitch?
It is important to know that while a weight distribution hitch redistributes weight and balances your load, it does NOT increase the total amount of weight that your truck and trailer can handle. You should never exceed the capacity of your lowest-rated towing component.
What is TRUE TOW?
TRUE TOW™ is the first ever weight distribution hitch system that can truly distribute your load with ease, featuring an innovative design that levels out your truck-trailer combination, while actively keeping your trailer from swaying.
What is the benefit of towing within the target tongue weight?
Those who tow within their load’s target tongue weight have a huge safety advantage that is hard to overstate, and we wanted to provide a complete guide for proper tongue weight distribution.
Do You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?
For instance, the 2018 Chevy Traverse owner’s manual states that weight distribution and sway control are required when towing a trailer over 5,000 lbs. Most commonly, this applies to heavier cargo trailers such as campers and toy haulers.
What Is A Weight Distribution Hitch?
A weight distribution hitch is a replacement for a traditional hitch, not a supplement. This type of hitch connects your towing vehicle to your trailer using a hitch coupler, but it includes additional arms that serve to provide more stable towing.
Can A Weight Distribution Hitch Increase My Towing Capacity?
A weight distribution hitch will not increase your vehicle’s towing capacity, but it will allow your hitch to function to its manufactured ability.
Can I Get Away Without A Weight Distribution Hitch?
Certainly! But it will require a well-balanced trailer load. It is also more common for owners of lighter trailers with relatively minimal tongue weights to avoid needing a weight distribution hitch.
