Will Using a Rear Anti-Sway Bar at the Rear of Truck Prevent Trailer Sway

Question:

Will a rear sway bar installed on a 2500 truck help prevent travel trailer sway while towing.

asked by: Peter

Expert Reply:

Installing an anti-sway bar at the rear of your truck may help control some of the trailer sway, but will not prevent trailer sway from happening. Installing a sway bar helps reduce the body roll and sway you will see on the tow vehicle, but does very little in preventing the trailer from swaying.

Installing a weight distribution hitch with sway control will be the best option for preventing trailer sway. A weight distribution system will transfer the load pushing down on your rear axles to all the axles on both truck and trailer. With evenly distributed weight your tow rig will have a smooth level ride. The added sway control prevents side-to-side trailer sway using friction bars or cams and chains.

For example, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System, like # EQ37100ET, uses steel on steel friction to help prevent trailer sway. The Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, like # RP66084, uses chains and a dual cam design to prevent trailer sway.

When trying to decide on a proper weight distribution (WD) system for your towing rig, you will need to know the total tongue weight (TTW) of your set-up. The total tongue weight will be a fully loaded ready to tow trailer, plus any weight located behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You want to use a system where your total tongue weight will fall in between the WD system's tongue weight range. I have attached an article that will explain how to find the TTW of your towing rig.

Once you have found your total tongue weight, you will be able to decided on the correct system for your towing application.

I have attached product videos of both the Reese and Equal-i-zer systems and an article on weight distribution for you to review.