Sway control add on?

Roscopcoletrain · June 17, 2014

So I tow a 25 foot Jayco Kiwi hybrid. I have a Reese weight distribution setup. Uses the chains in the hanger type. Similar to this:

I don't have that friction sway bar however. I do run a Prodigy 3.

My question is, should I look at adding a friction sway bar like in the picture?? I really havent had an issue with towing before, but prevention is the best course right?

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

I would get one just to be safe. One good cross wind or sudden lane change and you could be put into a bad situation. My little trailer is 4200lbs max and I have one even though my truck is more than enough to tow it.

Roscopcoletrain · June 17, 2014

Found this one. Rated at 5000lbs. I think my trailer is around 3900-4200. So I'd probably be top of the max for it.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Accessories/Trailer-Friction-Sway-Control-Bar-Kit/8007029.p

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

That'll do it.

Roscopcoletrain · June 17, 2014

Thanks

Bassboats · June 17, 2014

I've tested and used a number of W-D hitches over the years. So far the Husky Centerline is my first choice. It has everything built-in and does't require messing with the friction control, which has to be adjusted on a regular basis to work properly for sway control.

Roscopcoletrain · June 17, 2014

Thanks. Something to look at when we look at new trailers in a year or so. Rather not buy a whole new hitch setup now.

Sent from my Nexus 5

Blue2500CC · June 18, 2014

From what I understand with that style sway setup, you need to remove it when backing up with tight turns (maybe any tight turns???).

I run the Reese Dual Cam system, which is all integrated. Not sure if your Reese system has the bars that you could add the Dual Cam to or not. But it is something you can always transfer to your next trailer, even if you need to swap the bars for a higher tongue weight.

Good luck deciding!

00Silverado4x4 · June 18, 2014

Yes I agree if you are doing any tight turns you need to take it off or you could snap it off the mounts. Minor drawback but cheaper than a whole new system if you want to save up some money.

Cougfan · June 18, 2014

I have an Eaz-Lift WDH with 1,000lb bars for my set up. I towed with a Jeep Liberty (which had plenty of power to pull my little trailer, but...) before this truck. I haven't towed with the new truck but I may not even need WD now. My trailer's GVWR is only 3850 and with the 5.3 and 3.42 the info says I can tow up to 9300 lbs. I also have the Rancho shocks which should help keep the squat to a minimum. I will use the friction sway control even if I don't use the WDH. I am going to pick up the trailer this weekend and drag it around town and on the freeway to see how it does with and without the bars. I have a smaller WDH with 350lb bars so might use that just to cut down on the bouncing I get with the single axle trailer if I find I don't need the bars. It's also not as heavy as the hitch for the 1,000lb bars. I'll keep the heavier setup for the future in case I get a bigger trailer.

I had a near-death experience in March towing in bad weather with the Jeep which is why I now have the Chevy. I was going to sell the trailer but decided to upgrade the tow vehicle instead.

I've had 3 trailers and have always used some type of sway control. Just like 06SierraZ71 said, I would get one just to be safe. I always take the friction sway control off before I back up or make tight turns because it will bend. I usually need to stop a few times on my travels to adjust it depending on the conditions which also gives me the opportunity to do a walkaround to make sure everything is okay.

Out here on the west coast, we have semi's that carry 3 trailers and when you get passed by one of those, you get blown all over the place no matter what you're towing.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Laura

kstruckcountry · June 18, 2014

I also have the Rancho shocks which should help keep the squat to a minimum.

Off topic but your shocks are not load bearing, they will not affect how the truck squats with a load. I think you will be surprised how much easier it is pulling with the pickup though.

Roscopcoletrain · June 20, 2014

Purchased and installed. Thanks for the feedback folks. I have no issues removing it when backing up or tight turns. Only a few pins. They actually say in the instructions to test it out before by jack knifing it slowly and seeing if it gets too close to the bumper or pulls apart. I'll give that a test maybe tomorrow or one day next week before our trip, But I'm satisfied with it for the road use.