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How To

How to Install a Trailer Sway Control

Contributor
By Don Bowman
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A trailer sway control will significantly reduce the tendency for the trailer and load to sway when cornering. The amount of sway reduction depends on the thickness of the sway bar. You can install an automotive sway bar on a trailer, but it would require searching the parts yards for the correct size and welding brackets for the mounting of the sway bar links to the axle. It would be much more cost effective to purchase the correct sway bar for the weight of the trailer complete with bolt-on brackets.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 1/2-inch drive ratchet
  • 1/2-inch drive sockets
  1. Step 1

    Install the sway bar mounting plate to the crossmember behind the axle using the parts supplied with the kit and the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and socket. Align the mounting plate, insert the bolts and tighten.

  2. Step 2

    Install the rubber bushings on the sway bar, one on each side of the centerline of the bar. The bushings have a cut on one side to ease installation. Place the metal mating bracket over the bushing.

  3. Step 3

    Lift the sway bar up to the mounting plates, align the holes in the bracket with the holes in the plate, insert the two bolts and tighten.

  4. Step 4

    Push the arms up to just above the axle, and install the sway bar link brackets directly below the holes in the ends of the sway bar. Tighten the bolts securely. Install the sway bar links by inserting the long bolt and a washer followed by a rubber bushing.

  5. Step 5

    Slide the bolt with the washer and bushing down through the top of the hole in the sway bar end. Hold the bolt high enough above the hole to install another rubber bushing followed by a washer. Slide the metal sleeve over the bolt, followed by a washer and then a metal washer. Install the bottom-threaded end of the bolt down through the mounting bracket on the axle housing. Install a rubber bushing followed by a metal washer and finally the nut. Use a ratchet and socket and tighten until the rubber bushings start to compress.

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