Travel trailers demand reliable sway control and weight distribution to maintain stability on the highway. This guide reviews five popular weight distribution hitches with sway control, highlighting how each option can improve handling, reduce trailer sway, and enhance towing confidence. Read on to compare capacities, features, and installation considerations to pick the right fit for your rig.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 17063 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch | CURT | 10,000 – 14,000 lbs GTW; 1,000 – 1,400 lbs TW | Integrated lubrication and sway control |
| Reese 49912 Pro Round Bar WDH | Reese | 8,000 lbs | Complete sway control kit with drop shank |
| CURT 17200 Trailer Anti-Sway Bar Control Kit | CURT | n/a | Brake pad style sway restriction |
| CURT 17601 TruTrack 2P WDH with Sway Control | CURT | Up to 10,000 lbs | Integrated sway control with easy setup |
| CURT 17062 Round Bar WDH with Sway Control | CURT | 8,000 – 10,000 lbs GTW; 800 – 1,000 lbs TW | Integrated lubrication and sway control |
Note: The table highlights representative capacities and core sway-control features. Check your trailer’s Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) to select a compatible hitch. Always follow manufacturer installation instructions and local regulations when towing.
CURT 17063 Round Bar WDH With Integrated Lubrication
CURT’s 17063 combines weight distribution with sway control and continuous lubrication. The system distributes tongue weight across the vehicle-trailer combination, leveling the load for smoother towing. It includes a trailer sway control bar and two grease zerk fittings for ongoing lubrication, promoting quiet operation. Built with a forged steel spring bar design and a fabricated head, this hitch is rated for 10,000 to 14,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,000 to 1,400 lbs tongue weight. The integrated lubrication helps reduce wear and maintenance over long trips, making it a practical choice for larger travel trailers and family RVs.
Reese 49912 Pro Round Bar WDH With Sway Control
The Reese 49912 Pro Round Bar WDH with Sway Control focuses on stable weight distribution and trailer sway reduction. It ships with a head that includes a preinstalled 2-5/16-inch hitch ball, tapered spring bars, an 8.5-inch deep drop shank, control brackets, a lift-assist bar, and all necessary hardware for straightforward installation. Constructed from high-strength steel, this setup delivers durability for repeated towing and challenging road conditions. It is designed to help evenly distribute tongue weight and improve overall ride stability, making it suitable for mid-to-heavy travel trailers.
CURT 17200 Trailer Anti-Sway Bar Control Kit
The CURT 17200 Anti-Sway Bar Control Kit is designed to limit trailer lateral movement using brake pad-type material to restrict sway. It is compatible with a wide range of weight distribution hitches, including nearly all CURT WDHs, and can be used with most A-frame trailers. The sway mechanism is highly adjustable via a hex nut toggle, allowing users to customize sway restriction based on trailer type and load. This kit provides a modular option to enhance stability for varying towing scenarios, including windy days and uneven highways.
CURT 17601 TruTrack 2P WDH With Sway Control
The CURT TruTrack 2P is a 2-point sway control weight distribution hitch. It emphasizes precise weight distribution and integrated sway control to reduce trailer sway while leveling both tow vehicle and trailer. Its design includes a tilting head for straightforward setup and adjustment without full disassembly, aiding quick changes if you frequently switch trailers. The system is adaptable to heavy towing needs and is praised for its ease of setup, which helps maintain optimal tongue weight balance as load conditions change during trips.
CURT 17062 WDH With Integrated Lubrication And Sway Control
The CURT 17062 combines lubrication integration with sway control at a capacity suited for 8,000 to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 800 to 1,000 lbs tongue weight. It aims to deliver a smoother ride by distributing tongue weight evenly and maintaining load balance across the towing system. The two grease zerk fittings facilitate continuous lubrication for quiet, efficient operation. This option is well-suited for mid-size travel trailers and campers where stability and ease of maintenance are priorities.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
- Capacity and compatibility: Match the hitch’s gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) ratings to your travel trailer’s specifications. Oversizing is generally acceptable for stability, but installation and vehicle clearance must be considered.
- Sway control mechanism: Sway control can be integrated into the hitch head, via a separate sway bar, or through an anti-sway kit. Brake-pad style sway mechanisms, integrated sway control, and TruTrack-style designs each offer different levels of restraint and adjustability.
- Lubrication and maintenance: Hitches with integrated lubrication reduce friction and wear, lowering maintenance needs and improving quiet operation. Ensure grease fittings are accessible for periodic servicing.
- Ease of setup and adjustments: Some models feature tilting heads, easy-access shims, or adjustable shank heights, which simplify installation and enable quick changes for different trailers or loads.
- Durability and materials: Look for forged steel spring bars, powder-coated finish, and high-strength components for long-term performance, especially in harsh weather or frequent use.
- Installation complexity: Certain kits include everything needed for installation, while others may require additional hardware or separate components. Consider your tool availability and mechanical comfort level.
- Vehicle and trailer compatibility: Check the shank size, ball size (most common is 2-5/16 inches), and compatibility with your vehicle’s hitch receiver to ensure a proper fit.
- Warranty and support: A solid warranty indicates manufacturer confidence and provides protection against defects and premature wear.
- Cost versus performance: Higher-rated systems often deliver smoother towing and more reliable sway control, but evaluate whether the added features align with your trailer size and travel frequency.
- Use-case considerations: For long trips in windy conditions, or towing heavier trailers, prioritize higher GTW capacities and robust sway control features to maintain stability and safety.
In selecting a sway-control weight-distribution hitch, consider how often you tow, the size of your trailer, typical driving conditions, and how easily you can perform maintenance. While several models offer strong sway control and lubrication options, your choice should prioritize compatibility with your trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s hitch setup. The right system improves handling, reduces trailer sway, and enhances overall towing safety on American roads.