What is the Best Sway Control Hitch for Me?

If you've ever white-knuckled your way down the road while your trailer swayed freely behind you, you know why you need sway control for your weight distribution hitch.

Of course, knowing you need sway control and knowing which type you need are two different things. Friction bars, dual cams, electronic, 4-point and 2-point sway control—how do they work, and which one is best?

Below, we'll go over the different types of sway control, how they work, and what their benefits are, so you can choose the best system for your needs.

Read on for the following:

Our Top Sway Control Picks
What Types of Sway Control Are Available?
4 Questions to Ask When Choosing Sway Control

The best sway control system for you depends on what you plan to tow, how often you plan to tow it, and how much you're willing to spend.

If you're looking for a quick recommendation, check out our top picks below. Otherwise, read on for an overview of the different types of sway control, then we'll help narrow down what works best for you.

Our Top Picks - Systems with Integrated Sway Control

Reese Strait-Line

Equal-i-zer

Fastway e2

Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control

What Types of Sway Control Are Available?

All sway control is designed to prevent or limit trailer sway. However, different systems achieve this in different ways. Read on for more information on the following:

Friction Bar Sway Control
2-Point Sway Control
4-Point Sway Control
Electronic Sway Control
Dual-Cam Sway Control

Friction Bar Sway Control

Friction sway control bars attach to your trailer frame at one end and a small hitch ball on the WDH head at the other end. The unit provides tension to help keep the trailer in line, and an interior bar telescopes in and out as your trailer moves. When your trailer begins to move out of line, the friction pads inside the unit create resistance to help reduce any further side-to-side movement.

The number of friction bars you need depends on your trailer size and weight. If your trailer has a GTW of 6,000 lbs or less, a single friction-style sway control can be used. If your trailer's GTW is between 6,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, you will need 2 sway-control units (one on either side of the trailer). You will also want to use 2 units if your trailer is 26' or longer.

When to Use:

Recommended as an entry-level, economical sway control option, especially for those who tow infrequently. Best suited for smaller campers (under 24'), utility trailers, flatbed trailers, etc.

What To Know About Friction Sway Control:

Pros:

Economically priced
Great option for towing small trailers

Cons:

Not compatible with surge or hydraulic trailer brakes
Must remove friction bars before backing up, or damage can occur
In slippery conditions (rain, ice, gravel), turn the unit's on/off handle counterclockwise until all tension is removed to ensure both vehicle and trailer turn properly
Reactive—stops sway after it starts

2-Point Sway Control

2-point sway controls are built into weight distribution systems. Unlike bar-style friction sway control, 2-point sway control systems do not use chains. Rather, 2-point sway control systems include brackets on either side of the trailer frame, which act as resting points for the spring bars and provide additional tension. Friction occurs when the spring bars move forward, backward, or side to side along the brackets, creating resistance and limiting the movement of the spring bars.

These systems combat trailer sway as soon as it begins by creating enough resistance to force your trailer to remain in line. Typically, they rely on the downward force of the spring bars to apply frictional resistance to the brackets on both sides of the trailer frame.

Some 2-point systems make use of steel-on-steel friction, which provides locomotive-like functionality. Others use friction pads (similar to brake pads), which offer automotive-like friction. Friction pads are quieter, but steel-on-steel provides more friction.

When to Use:

Recommended as a step up from friction bars, 2-point sway control is great for larger (24'-30') trailers and campers, as well as smaller trailers that are frequently towed.

What To Know About 2-Point Sway Control:

Pros:

Can back up without disengaging system
Can be used with surge (or hydraulic) brakes
Typically easier to hook up than systems with chains
Great option for towing mid-size trailers
Overtightening/undertightening is not an issue (unlike with friction sway systems)

Cons:

Costs more than friction-style systems
Does not provide as much control as 4-point or dual-cam systems

4-Point Sway Control

Like 2-point systems, 4-point sway control systems are built into the weight distribution hitch. Also like 2-point systems, 4-point systems feature 2 brackets on the trailer frame that provide resistance (rather than snap-up brackets and chains, like friction bar systems). These are proactive systems that combat sway before it begins.

However, 4-point systems take this a step further and also include another secure connection point at the head, where the spring bars are held tightly in place to ensure adequate tension. These comprise the other 2 points of the 4-point system. The additional resistance ensures that adequate tension is applied throughout the system.

When to Use:

Recommended as an upgraded system for additional convenience, comfort, and trailer control. Ideal for larger trailers (30'+) or small to mid-size trailers that are towed frequently.

What To Know About 4-Point Sway Control:

Pros:

Provides additional control compared to 2-point or friction-style systems
Can back up without disengaging system
Can be used with surge (or hydraulic) brakes
Typically easier to hook up than systems with chains
Great option for towing larger trailers
Overtightening/undertightening is not an issue (unlike with friction sway systems)

Cons:

Costs more than friction-style and 2-point systems

Electronic Sway Control

Electronic brake controllers are available from Tuson.

These systems can be used in setups with or without weight distribution. They operate by activating your trailer brakes based on the degree of sway and the trailer's speed. Electronic sway control is proactive, stopping sway before it begins. Installation can be more complicated with the addition of wiring.

When to Use:

Recommended trailers without WDHs (not all trailer manufacturers approve the use of WDHs). Or, if your current WDH and sway control aren't doing enough, you can add an electronic system onto your existing system.

What To Know About Electronic Sway Control:

Pros:

Provides more control than friction systems
Some systems are plug-and-play
Prevents sway before it begins
Most systems feature one-time self-calibrating setups

Cons:

Not compatible with surge (or hydraulic) brakes

Dual-Cam Sway Control

Spring bars with curved ends can be used with dual-cam stabilizers. With this kind of system, the curve in the bar rests over a cam. If the spring bars move, they quickly settle back into place. Dual-cam systems are proactive in that they stop sway before it starts.

When to Use:

Recommended for campers 30' and larger, as well as for smaller campers that are towed frequently. Dual-cam systems offer the smoothest, most controlled ride.

What To Know About Dual-Cam Sway Control:

Pros:

Provides more control than other systems
Can back up without disengaging system
Typically easier to hook up than systems with chains
Great option for towing larger trailers
Overtightening/undertightening is not an issue (unlike with friction sway systems)

Cons:

Not compatible with surge (or hydraulic) brakes
Costs more than other systems

4 Questions to Ask When Choosing Sway Control

1. How big is your rig?

Bigger rigs act likes sails, catching more wind from passing vehicles and, as a result, experiencing more sway. With a camper under 24', you can probably get away with a basic form of sway control, like friction bars (although for your own comfort and convenience, you may prefer an upgrade.) The bigger your rig, however, the better your sway control will need to be.

2. How often do you want to tow?

If you only tow every once in a while, you may want to consider a more economical system, like friction bars, particularly if you have a small camper.

However, if you tow frequently, we highly recommend an upgrade for the additional convenience and ride quality, even if you're towing a smaller camper. A 4-point or dual-cam system will always control sway better than a 2-point or friction bar system. Plus, you won't have to remember to remove the system to reverse, hook up and disconnect them each time you tow, or loosen the system when the weather is bad (looking at you, friction bar systems!).

3. Do you have surge brakes?

Surge brakes typically require a certain type of integrated sway control. If you have surge brakes, you'll need a weight distribution system compatible with them.

4. Do you care about backing up?

Technically, you can back up with friction bars—you just have to get out of your vehicle and disengage the system first. This isn't the case for many other systems, though. Friction bars are more economical, but with 2-point and 4-point systems, you won't have to remember to disengage the system each and every time you want to reverse. The convenience and avoidance of potential damage to your system can be worth it in itself.

What is the Best Type of Sway Control - Chart

-Jameson C.

Which is better: the 4-point Equal-i-zer or Reese dual-cam system?

The two systems you mentioned are basically the two best systems available for weight distribution. Either one will work great for you as long as it is properly rated for your setup and is properly installed/set up.

Personally I like the Reese Strait Line system since they use spring steel for the spring bars that are designed to bend and then go back to their original shape. Equalizer bars will still flex back too but since it's not spring steel it will be a more rigid flex. I also like that the dual cam setup of the Strait Line systems works to proactively stop sway before it starts. The Equalizer system uses friction to slow the movement of sway but does not actually work to keep the vehicle going straight like the dual cams do.

That being said there are several people out there who swear by the Equalizer as the best system around. It gets debated pretty frequently on forums. But for the reasons I mentioned (and because you don't have to lube the Strait Line systems ever) I would go with the Strait Line system over the Equalizer.

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-Bob G.

The Equal-I-zer, # EQ37100ET, and Reese Strait-Line, # RP66084, weight distribution systems are both top notch systems that will get the job done for you, but I usually tend to lean towards the Equal-I-zer systems for a few reasons.

First, Equal-I-zer does not require any drilling to install on most trailers. It offers the maximum amount of ground clearance because the frame brackets mount around the frame rather than below the frame like the Dual Cam sway control of the Strait-Line system. Also, the setup is pretty straight forward. The Strait-Line system can take some fine-tuning to make sure it is set up for maximum effectiveness. If you have to remove your spring bars for any reason, such as a tight turn or hazardous road conditions, the Dual Cam arms will hang freely unless they are secured.

Finally, Equal-I-zer has focused solely on perfecting weight distribution and they have developed quite a following in the towing community. Reese is also a pretty big name in the towing industry, but weight distribution is just one of many different product lines that they offer. Again, the Strait-Line is an effective and proven system, but I have found the ease of use of the Equal-I-zer system to be more appealing.

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Written by: Amber S

Updated: 10/24/2023

Brent C.

5/23/2023

I have a 2022 Forest River Salem FSX requiring a 2 5/8" ball size. Will that work with the Equal-i-zer 4 point WD system?

John G.

7/20/2022

I have a 4 point system but the friction on the rotation fitting makes hookup difficult at times. Can I grind this fitting down to enable an easier swival and less noise when turning on tighter turns. Thank you, Dale Boyce

David B.

7/25/2022

That's a big NOPE! Friction is what the system uses to combat sway so if you grind it down you are taking away your defense against sway.

John G.

7/26/2022

@DavidB Thank you so much for the quick answer

Karen W.

7/24/2021

I bought a 13' Fleetwood Prowler Lynx. Electronic brakes. Hauled it 6 hrs to get it home from dealer and got a 'bit' of sway. Nothing serious. Wondering if I need a sway bar? And what kind? 2000lb dry weight.

Victoria B.

7/27/2021

If you are experiencing enough sway that you are concerned about being able to tow your camper safely, then a sway bar is a great option. If you're having issues with the trailer's tongue weight sagging the rear of your tow vehicle, then a weight distribution system with sway control is an ideal solution. I have linked all of our systems that will work well with a tongue weight around 200 lbs. If you aren't having any issues with tow vehicle sag, then a friction sway control bar like the Curt # 17200 or the Reese # 83660 is the way I would go.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-weight_distribution_hitch-co-200_lbs.aspx

Rene S.

7/8/2021

To my understanding the Weight Distributing System is one job more than just holding the TT to the TV which transferring some of the weight to the front. my question is why if I am equipped with an Electronic Sway Control I don’t need the WD which mean that there will be no more transferred weight to the TV front end. So I will lose the solid steering feel and start to light the top of trees and also incoming drivers. For me the WD should be used with the Electronic Sway Controller. But no need to get a WD/Anti sway Hitch system but only a WD Hitch and the Electronic Anti Sway Controller.??..

Jon G.

7/8/2021

I'm not sure why vehicle manufacturers say to not use a WD when the vehicle has a sway control system. I have the same mindset as you to be honest. The only thing I have to say is that I've heard of people using a WD system regardless, but it is worth noting that doing so will likely void the warranty for your vehicle if some damage were to occur.

Rene S.

7/23/2021

@JonG, the manufacturers say that WD may damage the Unibody due to the torsion forces applied on it. But many take the empty weight as the primary to chose the TV which in that case make very easily an Overweight TT when loaded. In that case I would understand, but why people aren't taking the Full Load Limit as the primary to chose their TV, which in this case they would not get overloaded and less chance of damaging the Unibody Frame TV.?...;-)

Jon G.

7/23/2021

@ReneS I would agree with you on that. A lot of people will purchase the vehicle first and then try to buy a trailer with a dry weight that is in the middle or towards the high end of the tow vehicle rating. What people really need to be looking at is the GVWR of the trailer and comparing that to what their vehicle can handle.

Johnny

6/20/2021

I am pulling a 26' travel trailer with a 2002 f250 7.3 diesel and was wondering which 4 point sway bar is best for me

Jon G.

6/23/2021

What is the GVWR of your trailer?

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