If you tow a travel trailer, you know how unsettling trailer sway can be. It makes driving stressful and can even be dangerous.
The best way to stop this problem is with a sway bar like the ProPride 3P® hitch. This hitch uses unique technology to eliminate trailer sway instead of just trying to control it.
Unlike friction-based hitches that wear out and lose effectiveness, the ProPride 3P® uses Pivot Point Projection™ to shift the trailer’s pivot near your vehicle’s rear axle. This creates a stable, safe connection that feels more like towing a fifth wheel.
It’s designed for RV owners who want a smoother and safer towing experience. You don’t need complicated installations or unreliable parts.
If you’ve tried other anti-sway options and still feel nervous on the road, learning how a premium sway bar works can make a big difference. This guide explains why choosing the right sway control hitch matters for your travel trailer’s safety and your peace of mind.
What Are Sway Bars for Travel Trailers?
Sway bars help keep your travel trailer steady when you tow. They reduce side-to-side motion that can make driving unsafe or uncomfortable.
Understanding what sway bars do, the types available, and how they work helps you choose the right setup for safer towing.
Definition and Purpose
Sway bars control unwanted side-to-side movement, often called trailer sway. Wind, turns, or passing trucks can cause this sway.
The purpose of sway bars is to keep your trailer and tow vehicle aligned and stable. They improve towing safety by minimizing sway and making your drive smoother.
Without sway bars or proper sway control, trailers can fishtail or tip, creating dangerous situations. Sway bars help prevent these risks.
Types of Sway Bars
There are two main types of sway bars for travel trailers: friction-based bars and advanced hitches like the ProPride 3P®.
- Friction-based bars use rubber or metal friction to resist sway. They attach to your hitch and trailer frame, creating resistance as the trailer moves side to side.
- Anti-sway hitches like the ProPride 3P® use engineering to move the trailer’s pivot point near your tow vehicle’s rear axle. This reduces the leverage that causes sway.
Anti-sway hitches offer better control without extra resistance or wear. They fit easily on many setups with no drilling required.
How Sway Bars Work
Sway bars link your trailer to your towing vehicle to control movement. Friction bars create resistance by rubbing parts together when the trailer sways.
This slows the sway but can wear down over time and doesn’t fully stop it. The ProPride 3P® hitch works differently by using Pivot Point Projection™ technology.
It virtually moves the pivot point of your trailer forward, near your tow vehicle’s axle. This shift reduces the leverage the trailer has to sway.
It works more like a fifth wheel hitch, providing better stability and smoother towing. Adjustability and a one-piece yoke further improve sway control and weight distribution.
Benefits of Using Sway Bars
Using sway bars can make your towing experience safer and more comfortable. They help keep your trailer stable and reduce dangerous side-to-side movement.
Improved Towing Stability
Sway bars help keep your trailer aligned with your tow vehicle by reducing side-to-side motion. This makes it easier to steer, especially on windy roads or during lane changes.
When your trailer stays steady, you feel less tugging or sudden jerks. A good sway bar system, like the ProPride 3P®, uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology.
It moves the trailer’s pivot point closer to your truck’s rear axle. This makes the trailer move more naturally and smoothly, giving you greater confidence driving.
Enhanced Safety on the Road
Safety is a key reason to use sway bars. Trailer sway can become dangerous quickly, causing loss of control or even accidents.
With a strong anti-sway system, you reduce this risk by preventing the trailer from swinging out or fishtailing. ProPride offers total sway elimination, enhancing stability during emergency maneuvers, braking, or high-speed driving.
You also get better weight distribution, which helps your brakes and tires work more efficiently for safer stops.
Reduced Trailer Sway
Trailer sway is the main problem sway bars solve. It happens when wind, road conditions, or sudden steering cause your trailer to move side to side unpredictably.
This can be scary and tiring if you don’t have control. Using a quality anti-sway hitch, like ProPride 3P®, virtually removes this issue.
Its patented design cancels sway before it starts. You won’t need to rely on friction bars or strut bars that wear out.
This means less maintenance and more peace of mind during your trips.
Choosing the Right Sway Bars
Choosing the right sway bars can make your travel trailer much more stable and safe. Focus on how well the sway bars fit your trailer, their quality, and the brand’s reputation.
These factors help you avoid problems like looseness and ineffective sway control.
Factors to Consider
When selecting sway bars, look at the type of sway control you want. Friction-based sway bars can wear out and lose effectiveness.
Consider advanced designs that offer better control and durability. Check how easy they are to install.
A system that requires drilling or complex setup can lead to frustration and extra costs. Adjustable sway bars allow flexibility for future trailer upgrades.
Weight distribution is important. Proper balance reduces sway and improves safety.
Look for sway bars designed for your trailer’s weight and size.
Compatibility With Your Travel Trailer
Sway bars must match your trailer’s frame and towing system. Not every sway bar fits all travel trailers.
Measure the frame width, tongue weight, and trailer length before buying. Check if the sway bar works with your vehicle’s hitch.
Some hitches, like the ProPride 3P®, have unique designs that make traditional sway bars less effective. Make sure the sway bar doesn’t interfere with other gear like jacks or brakes.
Easy installation and removable parts help if your trailer has limited space or different configurations.
Popular Sway Bar Brands
ProPride 3P® is a top choice for advanced sway control. It uses patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology that greatly reduces trailer sway.
Unlike friction hitches, it doesn’t rely on wear-prone parts and gives you a smoother, safer ride. Other well-known brands include Hensley Arrow®, Equalizer®, and Blue Ox®.
While these offer solid options, ProPride stands out with features like an adjustable hitch bar, no drilling installation, and better weight distribution.
If you care about towing safety and want reliable control, choose brands that offer engineered solutions designed for long-term performance.
Installation Guide for Sway Bars
Installing sway bars properly improves your trailer’s stability and makes towing safer. You need the right tools and must follow clear steps to avoid mistakes.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Gather these tools before starting:
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Measuring tape
- Vehicle jack and stands
- Safety gloves
You’ll also need your sway bar kit, which includes control links, frame brackets, spring bars, and mounting hardware. Make sure your vehicle and trailer are on a flat surface.
Clear the work area and wear gloves to protect your hands. Having all tools ready before you begin saves time and reduces errors.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Park your vehicle and trailer on level ground. Raise the trailer slightly using a jack if needed, but keep it stable on stands.
Attach the frame bracket to your trailer’s frame where the sway bar will mount. Position the control links between the trailer and tow vehicle, making sure they fit without twisting.
Connect the spring bars to the frame bracket and control links. Adjust the hitch head and one-piece yoke to line up with your towing vehicle’s hitch box.
Tighten all bolts to the torque specs from the manufacturer. Check that everything moves smoothly without binding.
Test the hitch by driving slowly to feel for sway control.
Common Installation Mistakes
Improper alignment of the control links is a common mistake. If they are twisted or angled wrong, they won’t control sway effectively.
Skipping torque specs or under-tightening bolts can lead to loose parts and safety risks. Some people try to drill or modify parts, but the ProPride 3P® hitch does not require drilling.
Altering the setup can void warranties and damage the hitch. Not adjusting the offset hitch bar for your specific vehicle can reduce performance and cause uneven weight distribution.
Adjusting and Maintaining Sway Bars
Proper adjustment and regular upkeep keep your sway bars working well and your travel trailer steady. Knowing how to make adjustments and spot problems early helps you avoid sway issues.
How to Adjust Sway Bars
Check the hitch head and frame bracket alignment. Your sway bars should be attached firmly without too much play.
For ProPride 3P® hitches, use the adjustable offset hitch bar to match your trailer’s length and weight. Adjust control links or spring bars so that tension resists sway but isn’t too tight.
Small turns on the adjustment bolts can improve stability. Always test drive at slow speeds after adjusting.
If sway persists, loosen or tighten the sway bars slightly. Avoid over-tightening, which can cause jerky movement or stress the trailer frame.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Inspect your sway bars before each trip. Look for cracks, rust, or worn bushings.
Clean dirt and debris from pivot points to keep them moving smoothly. Lubricate moving parts as your hitch manual recommends.
Use grease on pivot joints and control link connections to prevent squeaks and wear. Check bolts and attachment points regularly.
Tighten any loose fittings, but don’t overtighten hardware. Store your trailer and hitch in dry conditions to avoid corrosion.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you notice wobbling or side-to-side trailer motion after adjustment, inspect for damaged parts like bent spring bars or worn pivots. Replace damaged parts promptly.
Loose connections often cause sway problems. Tighten frame bracket bolts and confirm the one-piece yoke is secure.
If traditional sway bar adjustments don’t help, check if your setup matches your trailer’s weight. ProPride’s Pivot Point Projection™ technology helps with control, but improper fit can reduce its benefit.
For ongoing sway problems, get a professional inspection or consider upgrading to a ProPride 3P® anti-sway hitch.
When to Upgrade or Replace Your Sway Bars
Knowing when to upgrade or replace your sway bars can make towing safer and less stressful. Pay attention to signs of wear or poor performance.
Signs It’s Time for a Change
If your trailer sway bars show cracks, rust, or bending, replace them. Loose or worn parts that fail to keep the trailer steady during turns or windy conditions are a clear warning.
You may notice your trailer swaying more than usual, even at moderate speeds. This instability can signal that your current sway bars aren’t working well enough.
Old friction-based bars often lose effectiveness over time. If you’re using systems with multiple loose parts, be aware they can loosen or fail.
The ProPride 3P® Hitch’s one-piece yoke avoids this issue by keeping the hitch head square and stable.
Benefits of Upgrading
Upgrading to a high-quality system like the ProPride 3P® Hitch lets you eliminate trailer sway. Its patented Pivot Point Projection™ moves the virtual pivot near your vehicle’s rear axle, improving stability.
A better sway control hitch provides fifth wheel-like control and improves weight distribution. This means less noise, less bounce, and a smoother ride.
Installation with an upgraded hitch is often easier and requires no drilling. You also get an adjustable offset hitch bar that can fit future trailer setups.
Sway Bars and Weight Distribution Hitch Compatibility
When setting up your travel trailer, pairing sway bars with the right weight distribution hitch is important. This combination keeps your trailer steady by spreading weight evenly and reducing sway.
How They Work Together
Sway bars and weight distribution hitches do different jobs, but both improve towing control. Weight distribution hitches shift some trailer tongue weight to your truck’s axles, keeping your vehicle balanced.
Sway bars, like those on the ProPride 3P® hitch, control side-to-side movement of the trailer. ProPride uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology, creating a virtual pivot point to stop sway more effectively.
When combined, weight distribution hitches improve stability by balancing weight. Sway bars actively reduce trailer sway by controlling the trailer’s pivot.
Using both together gives you better towing safety in windy conditions or on rough roads.
Choosing Compatible Equipment
Make sure your sway bar system matches your weight distribution hitch. Many weight distribution hitches use spring bars and frame brackets that need to line up with sway control links.
The ProPride 3P® hitch comes with a one-piece yoke that replaces complicated strut bars. This design makes compatibility straightforward.
Look for adjustable offset hitch bars so you can fine-tune length and positioning. This helps you adapt your setup for different trailers.
Avoid mixing friction-based sway control with a weight distribution hitch designed for a sway bar system. This mismatch can reduce performance.
Check if your hitch mounts easily without drilling. ProPride’s design lets you install quickly on most trailers, saving time and preserving your trailer frame.
Safety Tips for Towing With Sway Bars
Focus on how you drive and how weather affects your towing. These factors make a big difference in controlling trailer sway and keeping your rig steady.
Driving Best Practices
When towing with sway bars, drive slowly and steadily. Keep your speed below 60 mph, especially on highways.
High speeds increase trailer sway risk, so control your pace. Make smooth steering inputs and avoid sudden turns or sharp lane changes.
Gradual braking and acceleration help keep your trailer stable. Check your sway control system before each trip.
Make sure parts like spring bars or control links are tight and in good condition. If you swap trailers, adjust the offset hitch bar for the best fit.
Use your mirrors often to watch for signs of sway or instability. If sway begins, slowly reduce speed and avoid hard braking.
Weather Considerations
Wind can cause serious trailer sway. Crosswinds or gusts push against your trailer, so lower your speed to maintain control.
Strong winds on bridges or open plains need extra care. Rain and wet roads reduce traction, so give yourself more space for braking and avoid heavy acceleration.
Drive cautiously when roads are slick. Avoid towing in severe weather like storms or icy conditions.
If you must tow in bad weather, use your sway control hitch fully and reduce speed further. Proper weight distribution in your trailer strengthens stability during bad weather.
Use your sway bar system to help correct imbalances caused by wind or slippery surfaces.
Travel Experiences and Sway Bar Stories
Many RV owners notice a big difference after switching to a high-quality sway control system. Real users share how their trips became safer and more comfortable.
Real-World Benefits Shared by Owners
Owners often report that installing an anti-sway hitch, like the ProPride 3P®, makes towing feel more stable. They say the trailer no longer sways unexpectedly during windy conditions or when passing large vehicles.
Many mention better weight distribution, which reduces stress on the truck and trailer. The ProPride 3P®’s Pivot Point Projection™ technology moves the pivot point closer to the rear axle for smoother control.
Users also appreciate easy installation. Since no drilling is needed, you save time and avoid damage to your vehicle.
Many find the adjustable hitch bar useful, allowing upgrades without buying an entirely new hitch.
Lessons Learned on the Road
Several experienced campers warn against relying on friction-based hitches. These systems can fail during sudden gusts or sharp turns, leading to unsafe sway moments.
Regularly check all hitch components, including spring bars and control links, for wear. Some owners share stories where a damaged part caused sway issues, so maintenance is important.
Others emphasize the value of a premium system like the ProPride 3P®. It provides fifth wheel-like control with a simpler setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sway bars and hitches affect how your travel trailer handles on the road. Choosing the right setup, installing it correctly, and using the right parts will improve stability and reduce sway.
What's the best sway bar setup for a travel trailer?
The best setup depends on your trailer size and weight. Many RV owners prefer a weight distribution hitch with built-in sway control, like the ProPride 3P® Hitch.
It uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology for smooth, safe towing without friction bars.
How do I properly install a sway bar on my RV?
Installation varies by hitch type. With modern setups like the ProPride 3P®, you don’t need any drilling.
Attach the frame bracket and hitch head according to the instructions. Make sure the one-piece yoke is secure.
Adjust the offset hitch bar to fit your trailer’s frame for better balance.
Can you recommend a good weight distribution hitch with sway control?
The ProPride 3P® Hitch designed by Jim Hensley is highly recommended. It outperforms popular models like the Hensley Arrow® and Equalizer®.
It offers better weight distribution and eliminates trailer sway with its advanced design.
Where can I find reliable sway bars for my camper at an affordable price?
Buy directly from manufacturers like ProPride to avoid dealer markups. This ensures you get a high-quality product with warranty support at a fair price.
Avoid cheap friction-based hitches because they often don’t control sway effectively.
What are the most essential sway bar parts I should have for my RV?
Key parts include spring bars, control links, the hitch head, frame bracket, and a solid yoke. A one-piece yoke design, like ProPride’s, reduces the chance of parts loosening.
Adjustable components help you customize weight distribution and control.
How does a sway bar hitch improve travel trailer stability?
A sway bar hitch with advanced tech like Pivot Point Projection™ creates a virtual pivot point. This pivot point helps stabilize your trailer.
It reduces side-to-side movement. The hitch mimics a fifth wheel’s control to give you a safer and smoother driving experience.
