Anti sway bars - worth it?

[RobertE]

I think my truck (2023 F150) pulls my trailer great, but I do get noticeable sway when a semi passes, or cross winds. I’ve looked at anti sway devices that use the trailer brakes, and rear axle bars. I have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch.

I”ve read conflicting things about them, but I’m still leaning toward a rear axle sway bar.

For those who have done the upgrade, I’d be interested in your experience.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Sway bars, or high-tech solutions are for the most part helpful. But they can be considered bandaids, or security blankets, for a more pressing issue!

The most prudent method for sway control while trucks pass are completely in the users willingness to stay off the road when facing side winds, or heading into headwinds or tailwinds.

What you face is a wind dam the trucker is dealing with.

It is most dangerous with an improperly loaded trailer, and nothing can correct that kind of stupid.

 

[Rosy]

I put a rear sway bar on my truck and it definitely made it more stable when cornering. I can't speak to the sway from air currents when towing as I put it on before I bought my trailer.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I put a rear sway bar on my truck and it definitely made it more stable when cornering. I can't speak to the sway from air currents when towing as I put it on before I bought my trailer.

Yeah bigger than many think. Weather windows are a consideration for cruisers in boats. Weather is considered for airport closures. For much of the land yacht crowd, high profile vehicle warnings are just thought of as an inconvenience.


We made a pilgrimage to KCK for many years. No matter the size our trailer, or no trailer conditions. On two lane highways, if we had a tailwind, oncoming trucks had an air dam that threatened to push us into the ditch. On freeways a passing truck with a head wind would produce the following issue while pulling a trailer.

When the air dam hits the back of the trailer, the nose of the tow vehicle tends to be steered to the ditch.

As the dam hits the front of the trailer, the nose of the tow vehicle tends to be pushed into the path of the passing truck.
This happens when on a freeway Fighting a head wind. With a tailwind, the effect is reduced on freeways.

On two lanes it is better for you to be fighting a headwind.

Side winds effect you most when oncoming winds are shielded by the passing vehicle. The effect is the same as freeway traveling.

I analyzed this so I would not have to drive white knuckled.

In winds, low profile trailers are safest.