Is the TT too light?

Time to go to the scales to see exactly how much it all weighs, and where the weight is.

As a general rule, your symptoms are those of too little toungue weight.

BUT, since you are pushing the generally accepted limits of a lot of 1/2 ton trucks...You really need to get the weights.

You need to add a anti-sway setup to your hitch. Any good trailer supply can help you.

Is there a difference between a weight distribution hitch and a sway bar? I thought what I have does both.

thecasketlady wrote:
Is there a difference between a weight distribution hitch and a sway bar? I thought what I have does both.

No Expert, but as far as I know: They are different.

The weight distribution hitch, I believe, evens up the tow vehicle & the TT. The anti-sway bar keeps it from swaying and/or helps stop the sway when it happens to start swaying. As when an 18Wheeler rushes by, etc.

Friction Sway Control Bar.

A Weight Distributing Hitch .

And both Weight Distributing and Sway Control Trailer Hitch System.

Does yours have a Friction Sway Control with the Weight Distributing Hitch?

If it does, try tightening the Sway Control down more. If not, you should get one.

Also, if the TT has too much weight placed in the back of it, this will take weight off the front; thus causing it to want to wag the tail end of the TT. Causing it to sway.

Our first TT came with both & we use them both for many years. With a heaver pickup (3/4 ton), we didn't need the weight distributing hitch. Always use the anti-sway bar.

Went with a MH for some years. Now with a small TT & just used a anti-sway since 2005.

If I have too much weight in the back of the Scamp, it tends to sway. Had to really tighten the sway control down hard, then. When I don't have too much weight in the rear of the Scamp, it is less likely to sway. I still keep the sway control pretty tight, just in case.

Sounds like you don't have enough tongue weight or your hitch isn't set up correctly. You need to go to the scales or find a reputable shop help you out. Also make sure your truck tires are properly inflated. Too little information given to speculate further. I know F150s which how towed units larger than yours satisfactorily in terms of stability. The new 5.0 should provide enough power.

Additional thought: If you have the Equalizer BRAND hitch you should be set for weight distribution and sway control. EQUALIZER is a well-regarded hitch. My personal experience with them is great.

As a simple thing to try:
Check height of front fender to ground before and after hitching the trailer. It should stay close to the same. It if is going up too much then not enough weight is beind transferred with the WDH. Adjust the bars if needed.

You could also try moving weight to the front of the trailer.

Good luck.

I have a similar setup (1/2 ton pulling 7800 GVWR) .. Depending how I load it up, I sometimes get this situation. My fresh water tank is right up front.. I usually fill it up half-way, and the issue is resolved. Later, I got an anti-sway device, and it pretty much got rid of the issue entirely.

nope, one takes care of load the other for sway unless you upgrade to a dual cam setup. i had the easy lift with the dual cam and still used a friction sway control…
and use the truck scales to set your weight balance..

You need to start at the basics how did it tow when you bought it. The main culprit is loading trailer wrong to much tail weight will cause sway. Drain all tanks try not to carry unnecessary stuff etc. When you see Tractor Trailer double or triples or vans heavy front light rear. Plus these rigs brake rear to front and have sliders. Speed is a killer these trailers do not have 22 ply tires and not made to run at high speeds. If my trailers were hooked wrong by someone else and were swaying, just had to take the time to stop and switch safety first. WD bars and sway control are extra measures of safety. Equipment still has to be setup correctly to avoid an accident or worse.

I can tell a hundred examples of pros and cons but it first starts with safety, check tires, hook ups and whatever else do a pretrip and double check when stopped before taking off.

Today we took the camper and truck to our local RV center and they adjusted everything and it was better, but still kinda scary Our weight distribution hitch does have a 4 point sway control. I have been driving a large commercial vehicle for 10 years and never had this problem. Frustrating....when driving takes the fun out of camping!!

Might want to consider a Hensley hitch. I have heard great things about them.