Sway Control Vs. Weight Distribution - What's The Difference?

The features of sway control and weight distribution might be associated, however, with regard to bumper pull, they are not the same. It is important to know that most weight distribution hitches come with an internal sway control for all vehicles and trailers. However, if the sway control is a stand-alone version then it is not capable of distributing weight.

Here, we are going to give you more information about what each of these actually means and what type of hitch you should purchase for your RV travel trailer or if you are towing a bumper pull trailer. 

What Is A Weight Distribution?

Just like what the name suggests, a Sway Pro Weight Distributing Hitch will make sure that the trailer’s weight is evenly distributed having the advantage of dual strength. In this way, the weight of the whole trailer will be evenly placed on both the trailer and the tow vehicle. An Ea-Z-Lift Elite Bent Bar Weight Distributing Hitch can make you drive safely and smoothly down the road when you are towing a trailer.

The fact is, weight distribution hitches are needed in case the weight of your tongue pull trailer is more than your tow vehicle. Likewise, a Weight Distribution Kit is required by most RV travel trailers regardless of their weight.

How Can A Weight Distribution Hitch Help You?

When you are towing a heavy trailer on your vehicle, you might notice that the back portion of your vehicle is drawn downwards when the entire weight is placed on the hitch.

If this is the type of trailer that you are towing, then most likely, the front portion of your vehicle will be lifted upwards, as a result, you will have less control when you are driving down the road.

Two steel arms will be used by the MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch and these will be spread out underneath the ball of the hitch and connected to the tongue of your trailer. The weight of the trailer will then be evenly distributed on the front axles as well as the back axles of your trailer.

It will lift up the back portion and the front portion of your tow vehicle to make it more even and sagging will be reduced. Once the weight is properly distributed, towing can be done smoothly. It is safer since you will have more control and wear on the bearings and the back axle of your tow vehicle will be reduced.

When Do You Use A Weight Distribution Hitch?

Generally, truck manufacturers require bars that have positive weight distribution hitches such as a Light-Duty TruTrack Weight Distribution System should be used whenever the trailer’s weight exceeds a certain point when compared to the weight or size of your tow vehicle. Typically, a Weight Distributing Hitch With Ball Mount And Shank is a requirement for SUVs and half-ton trucks with a trailer that weighs 5,000 lbs or more. Additionally, a Centerline TS Weight Distribution Hitch is also required by most bumper pull RV travel trailers.

It is even recommended that a weight distribution hitch with sway control should be used by small single-axle trailers even if they only weigh 500 lbs. Always remember that these hitches can keep you and your bumper pull trailer safe.

What is the appropriate size of weight distribution hitch to use for your trailer and tow truck? You should choose an Ea-Z-Lift Weight Distribution Kit that has a higher rating compared to your trailer.

What Is Sway Control?

When your vehicle is towing a bumper pull trailer, a single ball hitch will be used so it can move freely when you are making turns. There could be an issue here since there is no force that can prevent your trailer from swaying around. It can be very dangerous if the rear end of your trailer starts to swing around since the force of the trailer could make your vehicle go off the road. The worst case is if the trailer sway could cause your trailer to flip. This is something that you should avoid. In order to stop trailer sway, it is recommended that you should use a weight-distribution hitch with sway control or a Weight Distributing Hitch With Bar.

How Hitches And Sway Bars Work?

Factors that can affect trailer sway include speed, wind, road conditions, axles, tongue weight, as well as the placement of your cargo. Hitches or sway control bars can keep your trailer in the middle of your tow vehicle with the help of friction. In case the rear end starts to sway, the friction bar will function as a side-to-side brake. Some resistance will be applied to make sure that your trailer will stop turning on its own. Additionally, a Sway Control Kit can keep your trailer in the middle of your tow vehicle. 

Although a TruTrack Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution System and a sway bar can help in preventing trailer sway, it is important that you should be careful when packing your trailer. It is advisable that you should drive slowly during high winds and place more weight on the front of the trailer. Take note that even if you are using an anti-sway hitch or a high-tech sway bar, trailer sway could still occur. The most important thing to remember when you start to notice trailer sway is that you should not brake. Remove your foot from the gas, and try to slow down.

When Should You Use Sway Control?

Ultimately, regardless if you have a small or a large bump pull trailer, you will need an anti-sway device or a Ready-To-Tow Kit on it. Whether you choose a weight distribution hitch with sway control or a simple sway bar, bear in mind that it is better to be safe than sorry.

What should you do when your trailer starts to sway? No matter how careful you are, trailer sway could happen when you are towing a bumper pull trailer. That is why, you should know what to do whenever you notice your trailer swaying, especially if you are driving at high speeds.

How Do Sway Bars Work?

On most vehicles, sway bars can be seen on one axle. This is a single piece of metal that attaches one side of your vehicle to the other. As you drive your vehicle, the sway bar will twist and lift up the side that is low. This can stabilize the side-to-side swaying while keeping your vehicle more upright.

A sway bar can be added to your trailer hitch to minimize sway when towing a camper. There are various types, however, they all work the same which is to reduce sway when pulling a trailer. Some models even use a cam lock to prevent your camper or trailer from swaying from side to side. Although other models are using friction in preventing trailer sway. Sway control hitches are installed at the back portion along with the hitch ball.

Do You Require a Sway Bar In Pulling a Camper?

Generally, fifth-wheel trailers do not require sway bars since they can pull over the axle which is more stable. However, sway control hitches can be beneficial to travel trailers. Although sway bar or sway control hitches, such as an Ea-Z-Lift Screw-On Sway Control, are optional, they can help in preventing sway. Even if a Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control Hitch is not required, a 4-Point Sway Control can provide you with peace of mind and make you feel comfortable while driving.