How To Install Travel Trailer Sway Bars: A Comprehensive Guide

April 25, 2023 Post a Comment

What are Trailer Sway Bars and are They Necessary? RV Owner HQ from rvownerhq.com

Travel trailers are an excellent way to explore the great outdoors, but they can be a bit tricky to tow. One common issue that many travel trailer owners face is sway, which occurs when the trailer starts to move side to side. This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds or in windy conditions. Fortunately, installing sway bars can help to prevent this problem. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to install travel trailer sway bars and provide some helpful tips to get you started.

What Are Sway Bars?

Sway bars, also known as weight distribution hitches, are designed to distribute the weight of your travel trailer more evenly across your towing vehicle. This helps to prevent sway and ensures that your trailer stays stable on the road. Sway bars are typically made from steel or aluminum and consist of a hitch bar, spring bars, and a ball mount. They are relatively easy to install and can be purchased at most RV or camping supply stores.

Step 1: Select the Right Sway Bar

Before you begin the installation process, it's essential to select the right sway bar for your travel trailer. There are several different types of sway bars available, including friction sway bars, cam-style sway bars, and dual-cam sway bars. Each type has its pros and cons, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs. Make sure to take into account the weight of your trailer, as well as your towing vehicle's towing capacity.

Step 2: Install the Hitch Bar

The first step in installing your new sway bar is to attach the hitch bar to your towing vehicle's receiver. This is typically done using a ball mount, which is secured to the hitch bar using a locking pin. Make sure to tighten the pin securely to prevent the hitch bar from coming loose while you're on the road.

Step 3: Attach the Spring Bars

Next, you'll need to attach the spring bars to the hitch bar. This is typically done using a set of chains or brackets that are secured to the hitch bar. Once the spring bars are in place, you'll need to adjust the tension to ensure that they are providing the right amount of weight distribution. This can be done using a specialized tool, which is typically included with the sway bar kit.

Other Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Check Your Tire Pressure

Before you hit the road with your newly installed sway bars, it's important to check your tire pressure. Low tire pressure can increase the likelihood of sway, so make sure that your tires are properly inflated before you begin your journey.

Tip 2: Take it Slow

When towing a travel trailer, it's always a good idea to take it slow. This is especially true when you're first starting out with your new sway bars. Stick to lower speeds until you get a feel for how your trailer handles on the road.

Tip 3: Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you tow your travel trailer with sway bars, the more comfortable you'll become with the process. Don't be afraid to take a few practice runs before you hit the open road.

In conclusion, installing sway bars is an essential step for anyone who owns a travel trailer. By distributing the weight of your trailer more evenly across your towing vehicle, sway bars can help to prevent dangerous sway and ensure a safer, more comfortable ride. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking the time to practice and get comfortable with your new setup, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable towing experience.