Sway Control

[BigBearWV]

Our new rig has quite a bit of sway in the turns. We are towing a 2013 300KBS with a 2010 Tundra Max Cab 5.7 with tow package. We have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch. What is our best option for sway control with this set up. We are planing on traveling from WV to FL this winter so I have some time get it right.

Thanks

[Robby9]

It sways back and forth while turning? Does it sway while going straight?

[BigBearWV]

Originally Posted by Robby9

It sways back and forth while turning? Does it sway while going straight?

It is most noticeable on down hill turns on the freeway. It also does it when large trucks pass.

[Robby9]

If it's not swaying when driving flat and level then it's probably not a hitch problem. That's a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton truck, so you should expect the towing to be a little challenging. I suspect you are using P rated tires which are not as stiff as 11:53:58 AM tires. I suspect you are just feeling squishy tires on a max loaded truck.

[audio1der]

@ OP: I think Robby is right on. I've stopped any sway but still get pulled a little towards anyone passing us.
We both have long trailers on 'P' tires.
I can't wait to change these tires out to something in a higher load range.

[Javi]

Swaying when going downhill is a product of not enough tongue weight.

[Robby9]

Originally Posted by Javi

Swaying when going downhill is a product of not enough tongue weight.

That's usually true, but feeling it bouncing around while going downhill and turning makes me suspect tires and suspension more at this point.

[Javi]

Originally Posted by Robby9

That's usually true, but feeling it bouncing around while going downhill and turning makes me suspect tires and suspension more at this point.

I agree but I 'spect that when that big trailer starts pushing that little 1/2 ton around it'll near lift the back end off the ground. P series tires sure won't help.

[BigBearWV]

Are we talking about the truck tires or the trailer tires? Also on this past trip we did have a full tank of water I am not sure of the location of the water tank on this trailer. Our old rig had the water tank right over the trailer axles. The new rig is only 900# heaver & 4 foot longer than the old one. Also I was mistaken about the hitch it is a Pro Series Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Kit with Shank, 1,200 lbs. TW / 12,000 lbs. GTW. It has no sway control devices installed.

[BigBearWV]

Just checked the truck, its tires are LT series load rating is E.

[Robby9]

We were talking about the truck tires. Since you have L.T.'s on the pickup I'm leaning slightly towards a hitch adjustment.

I assume you've properly inflated tires? Perhaps you're just getting used to the new trailer. I'm always a little hyper-vigilant with a new rig until I adjust to it.

I've had very good luck with basic friction sway bars. You probably ought to get one regardless of whether you need a hitch adjustment. Many folks on the forums act you're insane if you don't have a Hensley or other high dollar hitch. However, a properly adjusted conventional hitch will work just fine for most folks.

[BigBearWV]

Is the adjustment a matter increasing and decreasing the number of links of chain I use or do I raise or lower the ball or both? The dealer set this hitch up for me when I picked the RV up. Their does not seam to be a big selection of sway control devices as add on's (At least not on camping world web site). Look to all be basically the same. Is one adequate or should I do both sides?

[Robby9]

Adjusting the chain is more for balancing the load between the front and rear axles of the truck. If your hitch needs adjusted it will probably be the height or angle of the ball that needs it.

Personally, I'd take it back to the dealer and let them do the work. If the dealer is too far away look for a local hitch shop that knows what to do.

My rig is about the same size as yours and I use one sway controller only a few seem to use two. ... And you're right, all the friction devices are pretty similar.

[BigBearWV]

I am going to give a sway controller a shot first, nothing is close, we live in the boonies.

Thanks