Best Weight Distribution Hitch With Sway Control For Travel Trailers

Nothing causes more stress and anxiety for RVers than towing. Many RVers are concerned about not being able to pull their travel trailer safely. And rightfully so. You need a weight distribution hitch with sway control.

Improper equipment, underpowered tow vehicle, weather, or driving conditions can all contribute to an excessive trailer sway situation which can be dangerous. Out-of-control sway can cause an accident, injury, or worse. 

The first step you need to do to prevent uncontrolled sway is to understand your equipment’s limits and make sure you are not exceeding them. 

The second thing to do is get yourself a good weight distribution hitch with sway control. Before you buy some random hitch, there are some items to consider before making your buying decision.

What To Consider In Weight-Distribution Hitches

The first thing to consider when deciding on a weight distribution hitch is the hitch’s capacity. To do that, you need to know your trailer’s tongue weight. All WD hitches are designed to work within a specific trailer tongue weight range. You generally want a WD hitch that can handle your tongue weight plus a little more.

For example, if your tongue weight is 500 lbs, and you’re thinking of the Blue Ox SwayPro, you’d probably want the spring bars that are rated for 750 lbs. That will help cover the added weight from cargo or driving conditions. 

Once you know the weight range you need, you need to consider other items like cost and versatility.

Cost

The cost of a weight distribution hitch with sway control can vary greatly. Most quality WD hitches generally run between $450 and $650. There are a couple of outliers, like the ProPride Hitch. The cost can also vary based on how much weight the hitch is supposed to distribute (350 lbs vs. 2000 lbs.) 

Special Tools Required

Special tools are often overlooked in the buying process. 

Many of these anti-sway hitches require heavy-duty torque wrenches to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specs. Torque wrenches that can exceed 400ft-lbs torque, for example, are not in a typical household toolbox. They can cost hundreds of dollars if you need to buy one. You may be able to borrow or rent one in your area. 

Long Term Versatility

The right weight distribution hitch can last a lifetime. There is a high likelihood that you will upgrade or downgrade your travel trailer before your WD hitch needs replacing (if it ever does). You want to buy a hitch that can adapt to your new trailer. Adjustable chains and interchangeable spring bars will ensure your hitch will outlast your trailer. 

Self-Install Capable

Are you able to install the hitch safely yourself? Do you have the right skills, tools, or physical ability? Most of these hitches are not overly complicated if you are a little mechanically inclined, but they are not for everybody. There is nothing wrong with working with a local dealer to have it installed properly. 

Hitch’s Weight

The actual weight of the hitch itself needs to be considered in the buying process. This is often overlooked. You can see from the chart that weight distribution hitches are usually over 100 lbs. If you’re driving a mid-sized or even ½ ton truck, you may be pushing your payload capacity limits. 

There may be some debate about where the hitch’s total weight gets applied, given the weight-distributing nature of it (truck vs. trailer), but it’s not going away. Ideally, if done right, the WD hitch will help distribute some load back to the trailer. 

Hitch	Approximate Weight
Blue Ox SwayPro	70 lbs
Blue Ox TrackPro	95 lbs
Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch	60 lbs
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch	109 lbs
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch	103 lbs
ProPride Hitch	180 lbs
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System	112 lbs
Husky Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch	110 lbs
Eaz-Lift ReCurve Weight Distribution Hitch	103 lbs
Eaz-Lift Elite Weight Distribution Hitch	76 lbs

Warranty

You’re going to want a hitch that has a solid warranty. A good hitch may actually outlast the travel trailer you have. You want to make sure that your weight distribution hitch manufacturer will support its product for more than one year, at least in a limited fashion. 

Anti-Sway Method

If you’ve been doing some research on the best sway control hitch, you’ve probably seen some debate on various sway control methods. Some hitches use tension, while others primarily use friction to control sway. 

Some styles of sway control require the addition of an independent sway control bar. These are often made from brake pad-like material. While this style can certainly help with sway control, they may have other considerations, like the inability to back up while it is still attached. This can be incredibly convenient. 

Other Considerations

Besides the more significant consideration above, there are a few other more minor things to think about. These generally don’t affect the performance of weight distributing equipment, but they may affect the user experience. 

Country of Origin

Whichever hitch you decide on, just make sure you understand where it is made. I’m making no claims that the country of origin affects the quality or performance of the equipment. But If you need to contact customer service or order replacement parts, you should consider what you’re most comfortable with before buying.

Noise Level

All hitches make noise. They pop and squeak all the time. Most of the time, adding a little hitch ball lube can help. But this doesn’t work on all hitches, and some are noisier than others. For some RVers, towing a noisy trailer can increase the anxiety already associated with towing. Others could care less. Just think about who you are.

Ball Mount Included

This is really a cost consideration. You’re going to need a ball mount. It will either come with the hitch you purchase, or you’ll need to buy one at an incremental cost. Factor it into your decision. 

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Best Weight Distribution Hitch With Sway Control For Travel Trailers in 2022

Settling on which weight distribution hitch with sway control to buy can be a stressful decision. These things are not cheap. Picking the wrong one can lead to long-term frustration. That’s why many buyers do a lot of research before making a final decision. 

I’ve done my best to provide my opinion based on my personal research, discussions with other RVers, or personal experience. Below are the weight distributions with sway control that I feel are the best option. You can also review some of our other Recommended RV Equipment here.

Blue Ox SwayPro

Blue Ox has been an industry leader in towing equipment for almost 30 years. Located in Pender, Nebraska, this American company has won Motorhome Magazine Readers’ Choice Gold Award every year from 2013 to 2020. In addition to weight distribution hitches, Blue Ox makes towbars and towing accessories for flat towing. 

The Blue Ox SwayPro is the first of two hitches by Blue Ox that made my list. The SwayPro is a weight-distribution hitch that uses spring bars to apply tension against the trailer. This tension distributes the weight on your tow vehicle and reduces sway by constantly forcing your trailer back into alignment. 

You can read my more detailed write-up on the Blue Ox SwayPro here. 

A significant selling feature of the SwayPro is the interchangeable spring bars. Blue Ox makes bars designed for 350lbs to 2000lbs of weight distribution. This allows you to purchase new bars if you upgrade or downgrade your trailer’s size. You will save money in the long run.

I was first introduced to the SwayPro by my dealer when I purchased my first travel trailer. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what a weight distribution hitch was or how it worked. I trusted my RV dealer and purchased the SwayPro on his recommendation. Between then and now, I have learned so much more about weight distribution hitches and the SwayPro specifically. 

SwayPro Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made in Pender, Nebraska
• Interchangeable spring bars come in 350 lbs, 500 lbs, 750 lbs, 1000 lbs, 1500 lbs, and 2000 lbs.  
• Easy Self-Install. You don’t need to be a professional mechanic to install this hitch, although there is one tool worth mentioning as a Con.  
• Available via Amazon. Some RV dealers carry it as well, but if you order from Amazon, it can be at your door in a couple of days. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon. 
• Back-Up Without Disconnecting. This is true for most of the hitches on this list, but it is not true for every hitch on the market. 
• Limited Lifetime Warranty. I have been using my SwayPro for years with no issues, but it is good to know they have a solid warranty if I do need it. 
• High-Quality WD Hitch. The SwayPro is far from the cheapest WD hitch on this list, but it is solid. Besides upgrading or downgrading spring bars, this may be the last weight-distribution hitch with sway control that you’ll ever need. 

Cons

• LargeTorque Wrench Needed. The proper installation of the SwayPro requires a couple of bolts to be tightened to 257 lbs of torque. Torque wrenches are not cheap, and ones that are rated for over 250 lbs of torque are even more expensive. This isn’t a run-of-a-mill socket wrench. If you can’t borrow or rent one, they are available on Amazon (click here for the least expensive one I could find.)  
• Limited Sway Control? Some users argue that tension-based sway control isn’t as effective as other methods. I have found it very effective, but other options can work.

Blue Ox TrackPro

The Blue Ox TrackPro is the second weight distribution hitch to make this list. The TrackPro is backed by the same company and limited lifetime warranty as the SwayPro above. 

The Blue Ox TrackPro and the SwayPro are similar weight-distribution hitches, and both offer sway control. While the SwayPro uses chains and tension to prevent sway, the TrackPro relies on friction to prevent and manage trailer sway. 

Like the SwayPro, the TrackPro offers interchangeable spring bars, easy setup, and the ability to back up without disconnecting. 

Fun Fact: There is an RV Park adjacent to their factory where you can stay and take a factory tour!

Track Pro Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made in Pender, Nebraska
• Interchangeable spring bars come in 600 lbs, 800 lbs, 1000 lbs, and 1300 lbs.  
• Friction Sway Control. The TrackPro provides 2 points of friction to prevent sway.
• Easy Self-Install. You don’t need to be a professional mechanic to install this hitch, although there is one tool worth mentioning as a Con.  
• Available via Amazon. Some RV dealers carry it as well, but if you order from Amazon, it can be at your door in a couple of days. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon. 
• Back-Up Without Disconnecting. This is true for most of the hitches on this list, but it is not true for every hitch on the market. 
• High-Quality WD Hitch. The TrackPro is far from the cheapest WD hitch on this list, but it is solid. Besides upgrading or downgrading spring bars, this may be the last weight-distribution hitch with sway control that you’ll ever need. 

Cons

• LargeTorque Wrench Needed. Like the SwayPro, proper installation of the TrackPro requires a couple of bolts to be tightened to 257 lbs of torque. Torque wrenches are not cheap, and ones that are rated for over 250 lbs of torque are even more expensive. This isn’t a run-of-a-mill socket wrench. If you can’t borrow or rent one, they are available on Amazon (click here for the least expensive one I could find.)  
• Weight. The TrackPro can weigh as much as 95 lbs, depending on which spring bars you use. That is a lot if you are pushing the limits of your tow vehicle’s cargo capacity.

Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch

The US-based Anderson Manufacturing has been manufacturing towing and leveling equipment for over 50 years. This family-owned business is based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and works with an extensive nationwide network of dealers. 

The Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch has a unique design. Unlike many other anti-sway hitches on this list, the Anderson hitch doesn’t use some type of bar. It uses chains. 

The unique design of this WD hitch allows for a very smooth ride with almost no noise. There is no need for interchangeable spring bars as this single hitch can handle tongue weights up to 1400 lbs. 

The Anderson Hitch is easy to install and can typically be done in under an hour (maybe 30 minutes.)

Anderson Hitch Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made in Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Versatile. It can handle up to 1400 lbs of tongue weight, which will cover most travel trailers.
• Easy Self-Install. Some users claim to be able to install it in under 30 minutes. 
• Available via Amazon. While Anderson has a huge dealer network, you can also simply order it from Amazon. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon. 
• Back-Up Without Disconnecting. This is true for most of the hitches on this list, but it is not true for every hitch on the market. 
• Lifetime Warranty (limited). It doesn’t cover everything forever, but it is still pretty good. 
• Weight. This hitch weighs less than 60 lbs, giving you a little more breathing room on your ½ ton cargo capacity. 
• High-Quality Anti-Sway Hitch. Anderson is a well-known brand in the industry. Their products are generally considered top-of-the-line. 

Cons

• Limited Sway Control? Like the SwayPro, some users argue that chain-based sway control isn’t as effective as other methods. The vast majority of users seem to say it works great.
• Regular Re-Tightening. Some users claim to have to retighten the setup after getting a little way on the road. Like some other weight distribution hitches that are “set and forget,” the Anderson Hitch should probably be checked regularly. 

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch

In 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mobile Manufacturing was founded. They filed their first patent for the Equil-i-zer hitch in 1951. The company grew from there.

The Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch has been a staple in the towing industry for years and is a regular award winner. It boasts an impressive 9-year streak (2012-2020) as the Trailer Life Reader’s Choice Awards Gold Award Winner. 

The Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch works similarly to the Blue Ox TrackPro and uses 4 points of friction control with spring bars for added tension. Equal-i-zer claims to have the best sway control hitch on the market, although they don’t define exactly what they mean. 

Equal-i-zer Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made by Progress Mfg. Inc in Provo, Utah
• Great Sway Control. It is difficult to find anything negative said about this hitch. When properly configured, users say it is a fantastic sway control and weight distribution hitch.
• Available via Amazon. While Equal-i-zers are often sold via dealers, you can also simply order them from Amazon. 
• Back-Up Without Disconnecting. This is true for most of the hitches on this list, but it is not true for every hitch on the market. 
• High-Quality Anti-Sway Hitch. Equal-i-zer is a well-known brand in the industry. Their products are generally considered top-of-the-line.

Cons

• Cost. The Equal-i-zer is a little pricier than some other anti-sway hitches on this list. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon. 
• Installation. While the installation isn’t overly complex, the Equal-i-zer Hitch requires some very heavy-duty torque wrenches. The manual requires a torque wrench capable of 320 ft-lbs of torque but recommends 430 ft-lbs of torque. You probably don’t own this, and they can cost a few hundred dollars.
• Noisy. Users complain about the noise caused by the friction in the sway control. 
• Finish. Some users say the hitch loses some of its fishing after a few uses, but it doesn’t affect performance. 

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch is also manufactured by Progress Mfg. Inc who makes the Equal-i-zer hitch. The advantage is that you have all the experience that comes from the Equal-i-zer Hitch at a slightly more affordable price point. Additionally, a handful of other quality RV and towing accessories are made under the Fastway brand name. 

The Fastway e2 WD Hitch operates in a similar fashion to the Equal-i-zer and TrackPro. It utilizes spring bars to apply tension and friction to prevent sway and distribute weight. 

This hitch has options for both round bars and trunnion bars, which affect price and capability. Trunnion bars are generally more expensive but have more capacity.

Fastway Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made by Progress Mfg. Inc in Provo, Utah
• Cost. The Fastway e2 WD Hitch generally runs a little cheaper than some of the hitches above. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon. 
• Available via Amazon. While Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch is often sold via dealers, you can also simply order them from Amazon.
• Gets It Done. By all accounts, this hitch works very well. It will work great for most people. 

Cons

• Weight. The Fastway hitch weighs in at over 100 lbs. That can eat into your tow vehicle’s precious cargo capacity.
• Installation. While the installation isn’t overly complex, the Fastway recommends the same heavy torque as the Equal-i-zer Hitch. This could add a couple of hundred dollars to the final cost if you can’t borrow a very heavy-duty torque wrench.
• Warranty. The Fastway e2 Hitch has a 10-year limited warranty. That really isn’t that bad but is noticeably less than the limited lifetime warranties offered for other hitches. 

ProPride 3P Trailer Sway Control Hitch

The ProPride 3P Trailer Sway Control Hitch is a real outlier on this list. The ProPride 3P Hitch is an updated version of the Hensley Arrow hitch. This style of hitch works very differently than the other weight distribution hitches on this list.

Rather than friction or tension, the ProPride 3P operates on the principle of “pivot point projection” (hence the 3P). ProPrice claims that its design creates a virtual pivot point that is in front of the hitch’s ball and closer to the tow vehicle’s rear axle. This creates a very stable towing situation. 

ProPride 3P Pros And Cons

Pros

• American Made by ProPride out of Holly, Michigan. 
• Great sway control. This P3 design provides a whole different level of sway control.
• Versatile. The P3 has spring bars rated for 600lbs, 800lbs, 1000lbs, and 1400lbs, which will cover most travel trailers.
• Financing Options Available. It may sound odd, but there are financing options available for this hitch. 
• Lifetime Warranty. ProPride backs up its hitch with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.

Cons

• Cost. The 3P hitch list on their website for close to $3000. This is 5x – 10x the cost of the other hitches on this list. That is a hard pill to swallow. 
• Weight. This is a very heavy hitch. It can weigh around 180 lbs. So if you max out your tow vehicle limits, 180 lbs won’t help.
• Specialized Hitch. The P3 is pretty specialized. If you’re towing with it and have an issue, you may need to go back to ProPride for help. Your average RV won’t have much experience with this hitch. 

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System

Curt is a global manufacturer and supplier of towing products for all sorts of applications, travel trailer towing, and marine and commercial products. They manufacture over 1000 models of custom hitches for all kinds of makes and models of tow vehicles. Curt also has a full line of towing accessories for all applications.

The Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution Hitch is an excellent example of a solid weight distribution hitch with integrated sway control. There is no need for an additional sway control bar. The design of the TruTrack Hitch looks similar to a few others on this list. It uses friction from two trunnion spring bars to control sway.

This should be a top consideration for anyone shopping for a WD hitch. 

TruTrack Pros And Cons

Pro

• Great Sway Control. The TruTrack system uses both spring bars and a cam system to control sway. 
• Cost. While this hitch isn’t cheap, it generally runs a few hundred bucks more affordable than similar models. 
• Limited Lifetime Warranty. Curt covers “Workmanship & Materials” for a lifetime but “Components & Parts” for the first year. 
• Distribution. This hitch is pretty widely available. In addition to a network of dealers, it is available via Amazon. Prices fluctuate, so check the current price on Amazon.

Con

• Minor Maintenance. The TruTrack hitch is equipped with grease zerk fittings so you can lube the bars, so it will be quieter.
• Installation. While not overly complex, adjusting the head tilt, if necessary, might be a little complex if you’re not comfortable with it. 

Conclusion

While deciding to buy a weight-distribution hitch with sway control is easy, deciding which one is best for you is a challenge. You’re going to want to evaluate your comfort level with primary considerations like cost, functionality, and performance.  

You should also consider other factors like ease of installation and the impact of the hitch’s weight on your rig. 

We hope this list helps make your decision. If it has, maybe some of our other articles will help as well. 

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