Anti-Sway Bars with 30+ ft. TT and 1-ton Truck

Typically weight distribution is more about getting weight back on the front axle more so than trying to avoid being overweight on the rear axle. From a handling standpoint you don't want to unload too much weight from the front, basically. But I would agree that 1200 lbs of tongue weight won't make enough difference on your front axle to matter with the Cummins sitting up there. Check out friction bars on etrailer. There are several options starting at about $30 with good reviews.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/83660.html?feed=npn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7aH8kuHD1wIVTrnACh1hlQDvEAQYASABEgLEMfD_BwE

Our trailer is under 8k lbs, with 1200-1300 lbs of tongue weight and we pull with a 2500 Suburban. We use a Reese Dual Cam system and it works great and I've used it on 2 trailers now. How it mounts to the trailer frame is less than ideal and one side came loose on my first big trip with it on this trailer. I ended up removing it and drove from Boston to Michigan with just one side working. I could tell the difference with only 1/2 of it working (other side was just hanging by the chain rather than riding on the cam). It was mostly noticeable in Boston on the express way with multiple lanes of cars and semi's. When you have semi's on both sides of you and nobody is going the same speed, I felt some movement.

This year we went out west and with 20-30 mph cross winds, we seemed to be just as stable as the semi's on the road with us. Moving around with the big gusts, but still able to travel normal speeds. All other conditions, it is rock solid. If I were you, I'd probably give it a try without a sway bar and then add 1-2 friction bars as you feel you need to since you don't want weight distribution.

I do notice that 2 lane roads rarely give issues, it is the interstates with passing vehicles that will challenge any set-up. Plus windy conditions at the faster speeds. If you try without sway control first, make sure it is a super long trip and make sure you try to experience as many road conditions as possible.

Good luck.

Appreciate off the replies!

Once we purchase a trailer we'll probably try it with just the ball as IdaD suggested. I don't anticipate any significant issues, but I'm getting the impression from everyone that some anti-sway control would be a good idea.

I haven't done a lot of research, but it seems most anti-sway setups work in conjunction with a WDH (weight distribution hitch). Are there any simple anti-sway solutions that don't involve the use of a WDH?

Agree WDH's are extremely effective in situations where the tongue weight of a TT may be approaching the limits of a truck's RAWR. Distributing some of that weight with a WDH to the front axle reduces stress on the rear axle, reduces sag, and improves handling.

However, our 3500 has 4,000 lbs. of payload. Based on the 3500's RAWR and FAWR, that full 4,000 lbs. of payload capacity is available on the rear axle and only 1,200 lbs. on the front axle (that Cummins is heavy--lol!). I'd prefer to keep all of the 1,000 - 1,200 lbs. of anticipated tongue weight on the rear axle by not using a WDH. With 2,800 - 3,000 lbs. of remaining payload on the rear axle, rear axle stress and sag are not a concern for us.

Thanks!

I towed a 24 and 27 ft. TT with just one friction sway bar for years without issue. Our current TT is 35 ft., big difference on sway. Tried single bar but it was not enough. Much better with a full WD system.

I'm a step down from you in both truck and trailer size but I found I could do just fine without any help but I did get a lot of blow by when semi's passed me on the freeway. I got tired of getting sucked in every time a semi passed me. Also when I encountered wind I would get pushed around some. None of it was white knuckle, just tiring. The Andersen totally stopped that.

I've towed mine short distances before without the full setup, just on the ball. I could tell a very slight difference vs having bars hooked. Mostly a little more push in the turns, and I have a CCLB.
Reese Dual Cam with 1500 lb bars and it should tow just like your 5er did once dialed in.

ScottG wrote:
I have just about exactly what your calling out.
Rather than get a hitch with friction sway bars, I highly recommend a Reese Dual Cam which has active sway control built in.
Our TT tows rock solid with it.

x2 on the reese dual cam with that size trailer, regardless of TV

better safe than sorry.

I have just about exactly what your calling out.
Rather than get a hitch with friction sway bars, I highly recommend a Reese Dual Cam which has active sway control built in.
Our TT tows rock solid with it.

If it were me I'd drop a trailer like that on a ball and see how it towed before spending the money. Your stock receiver is rated for 1800 lbs.