How tight should a sway bar be?

November 10, 2019 Off By idswater

How tight should a sway bar be?

You would make it about as tight as you think it needs to be and then tow the trailer to see if it needs to be tighter or looser. If you made it as tight as you can then you would not be able to move the bar by hand but the force of the trailer pushing it around can move it.

How do Sway Control Hitches work?

The sway control is activated by downward pressure from the trailer tongue and upward pressure on the spring arms. The rigidity of the sway control brackets allows the rotational friction sway control to safely and effectively hold the trailer in line behind the tow vehicle and combat sway.

Can you tow a travel trailer without sway bars?

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.

Do weight distribution hitches help with sway?

Weight distribution hitches offer additional features to help with sway control. Better distribution of weight reduces the up-and-down motion of a trailer, while sway control addresses the side-to-side motion. Elements like passing cars and wind can lead to your trailer swaying back and forth.

Do sway bar links need to be torqued?

Tighten the sway bar link nut using a combination wrench to hold the bolt head and a torque wrench and socket to tighten the nut. Use caution when tightening the link: it only requires light torque, typically 10 to 20 foot-pounds.

What happens if sway bars are too tight?

If it is too tight then when you turn it will make a lot of noise (some noise is common) and it may get damaged when you turn. Start out moderately tight and if you experience sway still tighten it a little more. You want to make small changes, test, and repeat until you get it just right.

Does a weight distribution hitch control sway?

How do you reduce sway when towing?

Checklist for Preventing Trailer Sway:

  1. Load your trailer with 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer box.
  2. Don’t overload your tow vehicle.
  3. Don’t exceed your trailer’s maximum gross weight.
  4. Only load cargo on the inside of the trailer.
  5. Maintain a speed of 55 miles per hour or less.

How to install a sway control ball mount?

PAGE 1 • 17200-INS-R1 • 1.800.798.0813 • NEED ASSISTANCE?• cURtMFG.coM Step 1 Most weight distributing ball mounts come equipped with a sway control ball plate attached. If so, attach the sway control ball to the ball mount using the hole provided.

How do you test a sway control unit?

Starting with the factory preset tension, road test the sway control. If this is not enough sway control, then adjust the break tension screw 1/4 turn clockwise. Road test again and repeat (if necessary) until proper sway control is achieved. Larger or heavier trailers or broad-sided trailers may require the use of two sway control units.

What should I do if my trailer has sway?

If sway continues, stop the vehicle and inspect all towing equipment until the cause has been determined and corrected. Trailers should be loaded with heavy items on the floor, in front of the axle. The load should be balanced side to side. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of gross trailer weight for most trailers.