ProPride Blog

Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Anti-Sway Hitch

Written by ProPride | Jun 15, 2025 4:45:00 AM

Spring is finally here—and for trailer owners, that means adventure season is just around the corner. Whether you're headed to the mountains, a lake, or a far-off campground, one thing stands between a smooth journey and a frustrating one: your anti-sway hitch.

This powerful piece of equipment ensures a stable, safe towing experience. But after months of cold or inactivity, it needs a little spring care to perform its best. Think of it like giving your hitch a seasonal tune-up before the open road calls.

If you want the absolute best in sway elimination and towing confidence this spring, the ProPride 3P Hitch is the industry’s gold standard. It’s designed to eliminate sway entirely, offering superior stability and peace of mind on every journey.

In this blog, you will learn:

  • How to inspect your hitch for wear, rust, or loose parts
  • Which areas need cleaning and lubrication this spring
  • How to test and adjust for ideal towing performance

Let’s walk through the simple yet essential steps to keep your anti-sway hitch—and your adventures—running smoothly.

Inspecting Your Anti-Sway Hitch Components

Your first step this spring? A careful inspection.

Start by checking:

  • Bolts and Screws: Look for looseness or corrosion.
  • Hitch Bars and Yoke Assembly: Watch for bends, cracks, or unusual wear.
  • Latch and Coupler System: Make sure they operate smoothly and lock securely.
  • Paint and Coating: Address any chipped areas before rust forms.

This inspection may only take 10–15 minutes, but it’s a key investment in safe towing. Catching a worn pin or rusted bolt now can prevent much larger problems on the road.

Cleaning and Lubricating Moving Parts

Cleaning helps remove buildup from winter grime, salt, or storage. Start with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage coatings.

Once dry, lubricate:

  • Pivot points in the weight distribution system

  • Coupler latch mechanism

  • Spring bar sockets and connections

Use a silicone-based or all-weather lubricant. Avoid over-greasing—too much lubricant can trap dirt and cause premature wear.

Checking and Tightening Connections

Loose connections are one of the top causes of sway and hitch failure. Spring is the perfect time to recheck everything.

Use a torque wrench or socket set to confirm that each bolt and fastener is properly secured. If anything feels too tight or too loose, adjust gradually. Alternate sides when tightening to distribute pressure evenly and prevent misalignment.

If you ever feel uncertain about a component’s integrity, it’s better to replace it than risk it.

Adjusting and Testing for Optimal Performance

Once cleaned and tightened, it’s time to test.

Attach your trailer on level ground and look for:

  • Proper trailer leveling
  • Smooth side-to-side motion when turning
  • No excessive resistance or jerking in sway control mechanisms

If anything feels off, review your manufacturer’s guidelines—especially for weight distribution bar settings—and fine-tune accordingly.

You can also run a short test drive at low speeds to simulate real-world conditions.

When to Replace Anti-Sway Hitch Components

Even with great maintenance, some parts eventually reach the end of their lifecycle.

Here’s when it’s time to replace instead of repair:

  • Cracked Welds or Bent Metal: These compromise structural safety and should never be ignored.
  • Excessive Rust or Pitting: Superficial rust can be treated, but deep pitting weakens integrity.
  • Worn Bushings or Joints: If the system has excessive play or movement, it’s time for new parts.
  • Sticky, Seized Components: When lubrication no longer helps, it may be due to internal wear or corrosion.

The ProPride 3P Hitch is built with durable, high-grade materials, and replacement parts are always available to keep your system running like new.

Keep Your Anti-Sway Hitch Ready for the Road

With a little spring attention, your anti-sway hitch can deliver flawless performance all season long. Regular cleaning, inspection, and adjustment help ensure you avoid the surprises that can come from rusty bolts or dry joints. More importantly, you keep yourself, your passengers, and your cargo safe.

Your hitch is the unsung hero of every great towing trip. Treating it with care means smoother handling, better control, and more peace of mind.

For those looking to go one step further, ProPride’s 3P Hitch delivers the most advanced sway elimination system on the market, engineered to handle the harshest road conditions andthe biggest travel trailers with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I perform spring maintenance on my anti-sway hitch?

You should inspect and clean your hitch thoroughly at the beginning of each towing season. A full spring check ensures it's safe, properly lubricated, and road-ready before you start traveling again.

Do I need to remove old lubricant before applying new grease?

Yes. Clean off old lubricant with a cloth or degreaser before applying a new coat. This prevents grime buildup, which can lead to stiffness or premature wear.

What’s the ideal lubricant to use on anti-sway hitch parts?

A silicone-based or all-weather trailer hitch lubricant is ideal. Avoid heavy grease unless specified by the manufacturer, as it can attract more debris and cause gumming.

Can I adjust the hitch myself, or should I see a professional?

Many basic adjustments, like height and sway tension, can be done at home if you follow manufacturer instructions. However, for major adjustments or worn parts, a certified technician is recommended.

Why does my hitch still sway after maintenance?

Sway may result from improper weight distribution, tire pressure issues, or incorrect bar tension. Double-check your load balance and settings—or consider upgrading to a high-performance sway control system like the ProPride 3P Hitch.