Adjusting your trailer sway bar effectively combats the dangerous phenomenon of trailer sway, ensuring a safer and more controlled towing experience by optimizing the friction between your tow vehicle and trailer. The key to proper adjustment lies in understanding the type of sway bar you have, ensuring proper installation and tension, and fine-tuning the bar’s setting based on your trailer’s weight and the prevailing road conditions.
Understanding Trailer Sway and Its Dangers
Trailer sway, also known as fishtailing, occurs when a trailer begins to swing uncontrollably from side to side behind a tow vehicle. This can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation, leading to loss of control, jackknifing, or even a rollover. Several factors can contribute to sway, including:
- Crosswinds: Strong winds can exert force on the side of the trailer.
- Passing Vehicles: The sudden pressure wave from a passing truck can induce sway.
- Road Imperfections: Potholes and uneven surfaces can destabilize the trailer.
- Improper Weight Distribution: An improperly loaded trailer, with too much weight at the rear, is highly susceptible to sway.
- Towing Speed: Exceeding safe towing speeds increases the likelihood and severity of sway.
A properly adjusted sway bar mitigates these factors by providing resistance to lateral movement, keeping the trailer aligned with the tow vehicle.
Identifying Your Type of Sway Bar
There are two primary types of trailer sway bars:
- Friction Sway Control: This type uses a telescoping bar with a friction material inside. The amount of friction, and thus sway control, is adjusted by tightening or loosening a knob or lever. This is the most common and economical type.
- Weight Distribution Hitch with Integrated Sway Control: These hitches distribute the trailer’s weight more evenly across the tow vehicle’s axles and often incorporate sway control features. These can be more sophisticated, employing multiple friction points or even electronic sensors to counteract sway.
Knowing which type you have is crucial for proper adjustment. Consulting your owner’s manual is always recommended.
Installing and Inspecting Your Sway Bar
Before adjusting your sway bar, ensure it’s correctly installed and in good working order.
Installing a Friction Sway Control
- Attach the Ball Mounts: Secure the ball mounts to the tow vehicle and trailer’s A-frame. These mounts must be properly tightened to the correct torque specifications.
- Connect the Sway Bar: Attach the sway bar to the ball mounts using the provided hardware. Ensure the bar is aligned and the connections are secure.
- Set Initial Tension: Most friction sway bars have a tension adjustment knob or lever. Start with a moderate tension setting.
Inspecting for Wear and Tear
- Check for Rust and Corrosion: Examine the sway bar and all its components for rust or corrosion, which can weaken the metal and compromise its effectiveness.
- Inspect the Friction Material: The friction material inside friction sway bars can wear down over time. If it’s worn, the bar will need to be replaced.
- Verify Secure Connections: Ensure all bolts and fasteners are properly tightened and secured.
Adjusting Your Sway Bar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adjusting Friction Sway Control
- Start with a Base Setting: Consult your sway bar’s manual for the recommended starting tension based on your trailer’s weight and the tow vehicle.
- Test Drive: Take your rig for a test drive in a safe area. Pay close attention to how the trailer behaves in various conditions, such as crosswinds or when passing trucks.
- Fine-Tune the Tension: If you experience sway, gradually increase the tension by tightening the adjustment knob. If the trailer feels too rigid or difficult to turn, decrease the tension.
- Monitor Performance: Continuously monitor the trailer’s behavior and make small adjustments as needed. Remember that road conditions and trailer load can affect sway.
Adjusting Weight Distribution Hitches with Integrated Sway Control
Adjustments to these systems are typically more complex and often involve adjusting the tension on the spring bars of the weight distribution hitch. Consult the hitch’s manual for specific instructions. Some systems may also have separate adjustments for sway control.
Safety Precautions
- Never Exceed Rated Capacity: Ensure your tow vehicle and hitch are rated to handle the weight of your trailer.
- Proper Weight Distribution is Key: Distribute the weight in your trailer so that approximately 60% of the load is forward of the axle.
- Regularly Inspect Your Equipment: Before each trip, inspect your sway bar, hitch, and trailer tires.
- Drive at a Safe Speed: Reduce your speed in windy conditions or when encountering road imperfections.
- Be Prepared to React: If sway occurs, gently apply the trailer brakes (if equipped) and gradually reduce your speed. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
FAQs About Trailer Sway Bars
FAQ 1: How do I know if my sway bar is properly adjusted?
A properly adjusted sway bar will provide stable and controlled towing, minimizing sway in crosswinds and when encountering passing vehicles. The trailer should track smoothly behind the tow vehicle without feeling too rigid or difficult to turn.
FAQ 2: Can I use a sway bar on any type of trailer?
Sway bars are generally recommended for trailers that are longer than 20 feet or have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 3,000 pounds. Consult your trailer and sway bar manuals for specific recommendations.
FAQ 3: What happens if I overtighten my friction sway bar?
Overtightening can cause the sway bar to become too rigid, making it difficult to turn and potentially damaging the friction material. It can also transmit excessive force to the trailer frame.
FAQ 4: How often should I inspect my sway bar?
Inspect your sway bar before each towing trip to ensure it’s in good working order.
FAQ 5: Can a sway bar prevent all trailer sway?
While a sway bar significantly reduces sway, it cannot eliminate it entirely. Proper weight distribution, safe towing speeds, and attentive driving are also crucial.
FAQ 6: My sway bar is making a squeaking noise. What should I do?
Squeaking noises can indicate that the friction material is dry or worn. Apply a small amount of lubricant specifically designed for sway bars. If the noise persists, the friction material may need to be replaced.
FAQ 7: Is it possible to install a sway bar myself, or do I need a professional?
If you have mechanical experience and are comfortable working with tools, you may be able to install a sway bar yourself. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to have it installed by a qualified professional.
FAQ 8: Can I use more than one sway bar on my trailer?
While it’s uncommon, using two sway bars can provide additional sway control for very long or heavy trailers. Consult with a towing expert before doing so.
FAQ 9: How does a weight distribution hitch help with sway control?
Weight distribution hitches transfer some of the trailer’s weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle, which improves steering and braking. Some models also incorporate sway control features directly into the hitch.
FAQ 10: Does the type of vehicle I tow with affect the sway control?
Yes, the tow vehicle’s weight, wheelbase, and suspension system all influence sway control. Larger, heavier vehicles generally provide more stable towing platforms.
FAQ 11: What is the difference between trailer brakes and sway control?
Trailer brakes help slow down and stop the trailer, while sway control helps prevent side-to-side movement. They serve different but complementary purposes in ensuring safe towing.
FAQ 12: What should I do if my trailer starts to sway uncontrollably?
If your trailer starts to sway uncontrollably, do not slam on the brakes or steer sharply. Gently apply the trailer brakes (if equipped), ease off the accelerator, and steer straight ahead. Once the sway has subsided, gradually reduce your speed and pull over to a safe location. Re-evaluate your load and sway bar settings.