Correct Way to Hook Up Camper Sway Bars

Towing a trailer is much safer today than years ago. Advancements in towing technology eliminate sway and other problems when traveling at speed. New trailer hitches come equipped with anti-sway bars and equalizer hitches.

Connecting to the Truck Hitch

After hitching up the trailer and securing the chains, the other parts of the equalizer hitch and sway bars are attached. The trailer may need to be moved so that the truck and trailer are relatively straight to attach the additional bars.

The equalizer hitch comes with additional smaller balls to which the sway bar and equalizer bars are attached. Each connection slips over the corresponding ball and is secured with a toggle pin to prevent it from accidentally slipping off.

Connecting to the Trailer

The trailer should be affixed with hooks on which the equalizer bars are attached. Each bar ends with a short chain of approximately five links. The chain is placed on the hook and secured. Some leverage may be necessary to close the hook. Once in place, the hook is secured with a cotter pin. This is done on both sides of the trailer tongue.

Affixing the Anti-Sway Bar

The sway bar is a piece of metal with a casing that extends from the truck hitch to the trailer, sitting on smaller ball hitches and secured by cotter pins. A handle on the case tightens the sleeve against the bar inside, preventing excessive movement. The sway bar should be tight, but not too tight. If the sway bar makes grinding noises during travel, try to loosen the bar a turn.

When properly set up, the equalizer hitch and sway bar prevent erratic trailer behavior when traveling at high speeds or down steep hills.