Do I Need a Sway Bar for My Trailer? – Key Considerations

I decided to take my sailboat on an adventure one bright day. I had a cool trailer to transport my prized property, and I envisioned all the wonderful locations I could visit with it. But there was one small issue. I observed something strange as I dragged my yacht to several locations. My trailer and boat seemed to be dancing together, making the trip a little shaky and unpleasant. It seemed as if they couldn’t decide who should take the lead!

I wondered if there was any way to make the towing process go more smoothly. Could my dependable trailer and cherished sailboat coexist on the road? So I decided to learn more about these and begin researching online on “sway bars” and how they could aid us.

In this blog, I will take you into the realm of trailer sway bars, which are extremely useful for boat enthusiasts like myself. We’ll learn why they’re vital and whether a sway bar could be the magic solution to making your boat trips safer and more fun.

Do I Need a Sway Bar for My Trailer?

Yes, absolutely! Even if you follow all safety precautions, there is a potential that unknown variables will cause your travel trailer to sway. A stabilizer bar installed beneath your trailer can lessen this risk and make the road safer.

This sway bar is an optional component that RV owners install in their trailer’s suspension to improve its handling. It aids in keeping the wheels securely on the road by controlling their movement.

Consider it an adjustable bar on the hitch that prevents the trailer from shaking while being towed. The majority of newer trailers already have one. However, if your trailer sways a lot, nothing beats a good wave control system. It does not prevent sway; rather, it intervenes to manage it when it occurs.

What are the Different Kinds of Sways?

1. Towing Sway:

When it comes to towing trailers, we frequently refer to “towing sway.” It means when the trailer starts swaying behind the truck. Having a rear “anti-sway” (or anti-roll) bar on your truck will not solve the trailer sway problem. What it may do is make the truck more stable against trailer sway, but the true issue is trailer sway, not the anti-roll bar.

2. Non-Towing Sway:

When your truck sways without towing, we refer to it as “body roll.” This occurs when a big load is in the truck bed and the truck sways in turns due to the weight’s high center of gravity. A firmer anti-roll bar can be quite useful in this situation.

Remember: During turns, anti-roll bars in cars primarily shift weight from the loaded outside wheel to the unloaded inside wheel. They don’t do much when you’re driving straight.

Addressing Non-Towing Sway: If your truck is twisting from front to back and the rear wheels appear to want to go ahead of the front wheels, there are a few things you can try.

First, ensure that your tires are properly inflated.
Second, if the truck is overburdened, consider unloading some of the weight.
Third, consider purchasing a stiffer “anti-sway” (or anti-roll) bar.

However, if your truck is carrying too much weight, the best approach is to frequently check the tire pressure and lessen the load. Typically, the conventional anti-roll bar is built to handle the truck’s rating.

Understanding the Trailer Sway Control Feature a Bit Better

You should know the following things to understand the trailer sway control feature a bit better.

When the trailer sway control is activated, a dashboard indicator illuminates, as described in the instructions. To control wobble, this method largely employs brakes.
The truck uses gyroscopic sensors in the RCM to monitor movements such as rolling and turning, which aids in the detection of trailer sway.
To restore control, it applies brakes selectively to certain wheels and adjusts engine power.
Accelerating while lightly applying the trailer brakes can help stop sway in specific instances.
Trailers, like campers, are typically built with adequate weight distribution in mind, making them less prone to sway.
The main issue emerges when cargo or flatbed trailers are improperly loaded. A dump trailer loaded with uneven loads created unanticipated sway in one example.
A weight distribution system can enhance the capacity of your hitch, but it will not raise the hitch’s overall towing capacity. It is critical to adhere to your hitch’s and vehicle’s towing ratings.
Because not all hitches are appropriate for weight distribution systems, always check the hitch label for weight distribution towing capacity.
Do not utilize a weight distribution system if it is not stated.

Do You Need Sway Bar Advice?

The addition of a rear sway bar can impact the handling of your vehicle. Most automobiles are built to understeer, which means they push forward as you turn. This is more secure for the ordinary driver. However, installing a sway bar may cause your automobile to oversteer, causing the back end to slip out.

Skilled drivers like a car with balanced handling and the ability to control it when it begins to slip. Keep in mind that trucks can already slide in the back when they’re empty. Be cautious when installing a hefty rear sway bar, as it can alter the way your truck handles.

Use Sway Bars in Addition to the Manufacturer-Installed Devices.

Electronic sway control on current pickups is often intended for emergency corrections rather than routine towing sway control.

The most straightforward approach is to purchase a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) with built-in sway control. These products are available from a variety of vendors, and Etrailer provides outstanding customer service and assistance. They can recommend specific products if you provide them with your truck and trailer requirements.

Many individuals find the Andersen No-Sway WDH to be really effective and highly recommend it. Its anti-sway mechanism is built into the ball and mount, making it easy to store the chains and plate.

Some Recommended Sway Control Systems are:

Towing safely requires the use of sway control. The Reese W/D hitch and the Equalizer are both excellent solutions and are easily available. These devices improve stability and reduce trailer sway, resulting in a safe towing experience.

Consider the 2″ x 2″ receiver size, adjustable 2″ or 4″ rise/drop, adaptable 8″ or 10″ length, strong build with 10,000 pounds of towing capability, and anti-rattle design for noise reduction with bike racks and load carriers when purchasing this trailer hitch extension.

Some more recommendations:

1- The ProPride 3P hitch, Hensley Arrow, and Pull-Rite are all excellent solutions for entirely eliminating sway, but they cost $2,000 or more.

2- A suitable alternative at a lower cost is the Reese Strait-Line weight-distributing hitch with sway control, which is normally priced at around $750 installed.

3- Towing safety requires integrated WD and sway control hitches, with systems like the Reese HP Dual Cam being a good choice. Emergency maneuvers and the safety of longer, heavier trailers rely on sway control.

Tips for you

Always use a sway control system when towing for safety.
If you have sway problems, first identify and repair the problem before adding sway control.
Never rely only on sway control to keep your trailer safe to tow, since this might be dangerous.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a sway bar can improve safety and stability if you have a large or heavy trailer or plan to pull in difficult weather. For worry-free towing, prioritize safety, contact experts, and follow manufacturer recommendations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Also Read: How to Adjust RV Awning for Rain? – Pro Tips