Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Douglas
A sway bar is a suspension system that connects the two front or rear wheels on one side of a vehicle to the opposite side. These bars are used to reduce body roll in turns and stabilize the vehicle.
The answer is no, not all travel trailers need sway bars because they are not needed for all types of trailers. They are only necessary for travel trailers that have a high center of gravity, such as those with high-profile roofs and large overhangs.
Are sway bars worth it?
Sway bars improve a car’s handling around turns and corners by controlling the vehicle’s weight transfer, including body roll. By working to keep the wheels on each side of the car as even as possible, they help keep the car more planted and maintain a strong contact patch between the tires and the ground.[1]
What is the purpose of sway bars on a camper?
A sway bar is part of your vehicle’s suspension, which includes your wheels / tires, springs, shocks, steering system, linkages, bushings, and joints. Sway bars help your ride handle turns and prevent body lean, the last thing you want while operating a motor coach or RV![2]
Can you use a weight distribution hitch without the bars?
Yes. If you don’t need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.[3]
What kind of sway bars do I need for my travel trailer?
The number of friction bars you need depends on your trailer size and weight. If your trailer has a GTW of 6,000 lbs or less, a single friction-style sway control can be used. If your trailer’s GTW is between 6,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, you will need 2 sway-control units (one on either side of the trailer).[4]
What is the difference between a stabilizer bar and a sway bar?
Stabilizer bar and sway bar are the same thing. If you are in the engineering world where these are designed, they are shortened to Sta-bar. This was adopted as a sway bar in conversation and aftermarket, as that describes what the purpose is better in lay men’s terms.[5]
What happens without sway bar?
In fact, anti-sway bars were commonly optional equipment a decade ago. But without the sway bar, the car will not handle and corner as well, or as comfortably for the driver and passengers, and your son will have to get used to driving slower on turns.[6]
Are sway bars worth it for travel trailer?
Sway bars are important pieces of safety equipment for RVs. They help prevent swaying on the highway and they can even save your vehicle from a dangerous crash or rollover. Some drivers find that sway bars make it harder to turn, but overall, the extra safety is worth it.[7]
Do you need sway bars for a small camper?
Even the slightest winds will cause a camper to sway from side to side. Without the aid of these bars, the trailer can swing out of control. This swinging can lead to accidents and rollovers. Anti-sway bars or friction control bars are worth the investment to provide better handling while driving.[8]
How do I keep my travel trailer from swaying?
Gradually reduce speed when experiencing trailer sway–do not slam on the brakes. Steady the steering wheel–do not make sudden turns, and do not try to steer out of a sway situation. Do not increase speed, since higher speeds make trailer sway more severe. Apply only the trailer brakes to help reduce sway.[9]
Does a 3000 pound trailer need a weight distribution hitch?
No, you do not need a weight distribution hitch for a 3000 lb trailer. Unless there is something unusual with the load causing tongue weight to exceed 500#.[10]
Does a 3500 pound trailer need a weight distribution hitch?
The owner’s manual also states if your trailer is 5,000 lbs or more it is mandatory to use a weight distributing hitch. Since your trailer weighs 3500 lbs loaded then you may not need weight distribution or sway control unless you begin to experience sway or rear vehicle sag.[11]
What is the difference between sway bars and weight distribution bars?
If you have a weight-distribution hitch that uses chains to hold the arms (instead of tabs) then you will need to use a sway control bar if you need to reduce sway. Chains don’t have the necessary friction, so a sway control bar generates the friction instead.[12]