A sway bar, also known as an anti-sway bar, is an important safety device that helps reduce swaying motions in travel trailers. Installing a sway bar on your RV can help improve handling and stability when towing, making your travels safer and more enjoyable. Let’s go over the benefits of sway bars, the tools you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to installing one on your travel trailer.
Benefits of Sway Bars
Sway bars work by resisting side-to-side movement of the trailer. This helps keep the trailer aligned behind the tow vehicle and prevents “fishtailing” at high speeds or during sharp turns. Benefits of adding a sway bar include:
Improved stability and handling when towing
Reduced swaying motion on curves and in windy conditions
Decreased strain on tow vehicle suspension and hitch
Lower risk of jackknifing or loss of control
Risks of Sway for Your RV
Driving without a properly installed sway bar can be extremely dangerous. The risks include:
- Difficulty maintaining control of the trailer
- Increased swaying that can lead to a serious accident
- Fishtailing, jackknifing, or rollover accidents
- Dangerous loss of control, especially at high speeds
A quality sway bar will minimize these risks and give you much better control and stability.
Tools You’ll Need
Installing a sway bar is a straightforward DIY project if you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench or sockets
- Drill with 3/8” drill bit
- Hex keys
- Lubricating oil or grease
- Protective gear like gloves and eye protection
You may also need additional tools to securely lift and support the trailer tongue during installation.
Steps for Installation
Follow these key steps to safely and successfully install your new sway bar:
Secure the Vehicle and Trailer
Park your tow vehicle and trailer on level ground and chock the tires. Use jack stands to lift the trailer tongue to a comfortable working height.
Position the Ball’s Post
Slide the sway bar’s ball post into the hitch receiver. Align the holes and insert a hitch pin to hold it in place.
Drill Holes Through Tongue Rail
Mark and drill 3/8” holes through the tongue rail where you’ll mount the sway bar arms. Clean any debris from the holes.
Apply the Lubricating Oil
Lightly lubricate the bushings and brackets with oil or grease to prevent squeaking and help prevent wear.
Mount the Arms
Bolt the sway bar arms onto the tongue rail using the provided hardware. Tighten everything securely.
Adjust Angle and Tension
Adjust the arms to the proper angle and tension. The bar should be as parallel to the ground as possible.
Contact an RV and Truck Repair Shop for Sway Bars for Your RV and More
Installing a sway bar for an RV is usually a simple DIY job, but you may need help choosing the right sway bar for your specific trailer. An experienced RV service shop can recommend and install sway bars matched to your trailer’s weight and dimensions. They can also perform related services like hitch adjustments and wheel alignments. Contact an RV and truck repair shop today to learn more.
