Friction Sway Control With Under-mounted Coupler?

[BAreEhD]

Hi everyone, the coupler on my 2017 28BHBE is mounted underneath the A-frame of my trailer. Is it possible to use a friction sway control bar with this setup?

If I mount the ball plate on the A-frame the friction bar will be at a sharp angle downwards toward my WDH as shown below. I would think it should be level. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[ALJO]

When I done a 4 9/16 Axle lift, I installed the coupler under the A-Frame because this A-Frame height was 4 7/16. Still using the Husky anti-sway control devices and it works perfect.

[ALJO]

When I done my 4 9/16" axle lift, I installed the coupler under the A-Frame, because the A-Frame is 4 7/16" high. It works fine without any problem.

[North of 49°]

That's what mine looks like, and I guess it works okay. I've never had any sway, but it doesn't bind or anything.

[SouthCo]

I'm not sure about your hitch. I use a Blue OX WDH with integrated sway control that is made for underslung couplers. There's no mounting a separate device to control sway. Easy setup and easy to hookup and unhook. I too have a 2017 28BHBE and it works great.

[BAreEhD]

Thanks for the input. I'm hoping to not have to buy a new WDH but I really can't see how the sway control being on an angle can be correct. I have read overwhelmingly positive reviews on the Blue Ox WDH though!

[triplebvalp]

Can you mount a plate to the A-frame that would extend the sway control attachment plate below the A-frame ?

[ALJO]

BAreEhD, If you are worried about extended like triplebvalp explains. From an engineering point of view it has no effect on the function of the sway control.

[DragonflyChick245]

Help! Should our setup look like this? Did not travel well. Thanks.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by DragonflyChick245

Help! Should our setup look like this? Did not travel well. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum.

From the photos I see nothing obviously wrong. BUT there is a lot of important info that the photos don't show. Here's a start: What trailer? What tow vehicle? Trailer setting level or slightly nose down? Was the hitch setup according to the hitch manufacturer specs to transfer sufficient weight to the tow vehicle front axle? Were the tow vehicle and trailer tires inflated to the maximum shown on the tire's sidewall? Have you had the fully loaded rig weighed on the CAT scale?

Also, could you be a bit more specific regarding "Did not travel well."

[DragonflyChick245]

Thanks. We are towing with a 2004 Ford Expedtion V8 Eddie Bauer and towing a 2017 Jayco Jayflight 245RLSW. We picked it up yesterday and we got out of town and going down the highway 50 - 55 mph and it seemed to want to sway. We called the dealer and he assured us that it was properly connected. We drove slow home approx. 1 1/2 hrs away from dealer. It seemed to get better but we are going to contact the hitch dealer for any input. My DH is not a fan of the trailer hitch. But we love everything else. Also going to get out TV evaluated. Thanks.

[oldmanAZ]

Who will be doing your TV evaluation and what will they be looking for?

On the driver's door pillar there should be a sticker that, among other things, states "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed ..." in kg lbs. That amount is your vehicle's PAYLOAD. PAYLOAD is everything IN your tow vehicle (people, pets, food, tents, etc., etc.) plus the TONGUE weight of your 245RLSW (~600lbs 'dry' and ~1,050lbs loaded). Exceeding a vehicle's PAYLOAD is where most people run into trouble; either RV salesmen and vehicle salesmen don't know about this or choose not to mention it.

You'll also need to check your Expy hitch receiver for a sticker. That sticker will show what the hitch capacity is.

Chances are, too, that your TV tires are designed for a comfortable ride at the expense of load carrying. The sidewall flex for both the TV and TT can be, IMO, a significant contributor to trailer sway issues. Inflating tires to the max shown on the sidewall, increases their load carrying ability and reduces sidewall flex to help reduce sway.

With your TV and TT loaded and your TT hitched up, your TT should be level or slightly nose down; never nose up.

I believe the sticker on your hitch said it was an 'E2'. There are folks on this site that have that hitch and like it. Does your husband have specific reasons for not liking the hitch? An Equalizer 'E4' (4 point sway control) is somewhat similar but with, IMO, better anti-sway control.

Good luck. I hope some of this helps.

[DragonflyChick245]

Sorry. My first reply to you did not post. We have a 2004 Ford Expedition V8 and a 2017 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 245RLSW.

[DragonflyChick245]

Thank you. My husband likes the hitch. I will let him read your reply and I am sure this will help. We just want to be safe. ��Thanks.

[DragonflyChick245]

To be more specific. He doesn't like the Jayco hitch being set lower.

[ALJO]

After the TT lift with sub-frame taken the TT out as an under-slung coupler (it is the same bolted on coupler as was on top of A-Frame) The end of the spring bars touched the pavement when exit small inclines. So moved it back on top of the A-Frame again and adjusted the Hitch head higher. No more problems with clearance.


For those with TT with under-slung couplers they are mostly welded on (what a shame) and have to be grinded off to remove. When clearance is also poor (depends on the distance from the TV-axle). You can find bolted on overhead couplers if you need more clearance, but be sure to use bushings (1/2''pipe) in the A-Frame for strength. Even better weld a 1/8" plate between the bushings before installation.


A hint for blocking under the front Jack. Never use stacked pieces. Use a solid block of the desired height.