Friction sway control question

[Upstater88]

Quick question. When we bought our jay flight slx 212qbw we got the pro series weight distribution and friction sway control put on. I am still new to towing and wasn't well trained on how this works. How tight should I have this? Should I be able to move it by hand? I felt like when it was too tight it was making a lot of noise, but when loosened it didn't feel too safe on the highway with high winds.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[SOMBATFAMILY]

Originally Posted by Upstater88

Quick question. When we bought our jay flight slx 212qbw we got the pro series weight distribution and friction sway control put on. I am still new to towing and wasn't well trained on how this works. How tight should I have this? Should I be able to move it by hand? I felt like when it was too tight it was making a lot of noise, but when loosened it didn't feel too safe on the highway with high winds.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am not sure what you loosened. Friction sway control works by friction. The
resistant to movement is what keep the trailer from swaying. It will make noise and heat when force to move.

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by Upstater88

Quick question. When we bought our jay flight slx 212qbw we got the pro series weight distribution and friction sway control put on. I am still new to towing and wasn't well trained on how this works. How tight should I have this? Should I be able to move it by hand? I felt like when it was too tight it was making a lot of noise, but when loosened it didn't feel too safe on the highway with high winds.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Do you have one that looks like this : https://www.etrailer.com/static/imag...7200_2_250.jpg

If so, I was told by my dealer to tighten the unit with just 2 fingers. I could tell when it was too tight by the noise that it made during "in-town" driving and tight turns.

[oldmanAZ]

IMO, start with the basics: Trailer level or nose slightly down when hitched up, tires on the TT and TV inflated to the max shown on their sidewalls, WD hitch set properly for weight bars to transfer correct weight to the TV front axle. THEN, see how friction control settings work for you.

[ALJO]

I usually set it from freely sliding 2 1/2 turns, depends on the wind conditions I give it one more.
Any TT over 24 Ft should have 2 sway bars. With backing up I take the pressure off.
Don't forget leave springs assemblies make noise too.

[Upstater88]

Yes that is the exact one. I had lossened it a bit because it didn't seem in there correct, and was wondering how much to tighten. That is good to know

[mohok1]

Try utube weight distribution and sway control.

[Vaquero]

I've forgotten to put the "sway bar" on twice.
Both trips wound up being most comfortable towing experiences.
28RLS, RAM 1500.
Tough weight and proper loading make more difference than any amount of properly adjusted anti sway dohickies.

[ALJO]

Vaquero, till things go wrong on some trip, then the smart talk changes to if.............

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Vaquero

I've forgotten to put the "sway bar" on twice.
Both trips wound up being most comfortable towing experiences.
...snip

Just curious...
Does having the sway bar installed make it a less comfortable towing experience for you?

[Vaquero]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

Just curious...
Does having the sway bar installed make it a less comfortable towing experience for you?

30+ mph crosswinds make for the most uncomfortable experiences.

I'm not saying the anti sway bar is a plus or minus. Just stating my experiences.
I pulled from Abilene to Clovis last month. Bad crosswind all the way. Averaged less than 55 mph. Mighty uncomfortable. Znti sway installed. Pulled from Clovis to Carlsbad Sunday. Headwind and crosssind all the way. Smooth as could be. Yep. Forgot the anti sway.

I'll say though. Next payday, I'm getting a equalizer hitch.
Had one previously, never a fret.

[oldmanAZ]

Thumbs up on the Equal-i-zer brand hitch. I'm really pleased with mine.

[bankr63]

I agree with @triplebvalp; about as tight as you can go with two finger tips. Eventually, you get a feel for how tight it needs to be, but two fingers is probably about right. I go a little tighter if I know I'm towing heavy, less if I'm empty.

[rtiedeken]

2 fingers tight.


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[Ruth]

Just a little better than snug, loose or removed when backing.

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[travelingjw]

Hi,
What I have found is that without the sway bar the trailer sways more, even in normal traffic and wind conditions. I also find that I have more confidence in moving lanes; assures there is no "sway back" if you need to brake hard.