curt SWAY CONTROL - User Manual

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Most weight distributing ball mounts come equipped with a sway control ball

plate attached. If so, attach the sway control ball to the ball mount using the hole

provided. If no sway control ball hole is provided, then use the weld on sway tab

provided and weld to the ball mount as shown in figure 1.

Measure 24” straight back from the center of the coupler to the right side of the

trailer frame to determine the location of the spacer plate. The trailer mounted

attachment ball must be centered on the 24” measurement. Transfer the punch

holes from the spacer plate to the trailer frame and drill 11/32” holes. Attach the

spacer plate and trailer mounted attachment ball to the trailer frame using the

self-tapping screws provided. See figure 2.

WARNING! The sway control CANNOT be used on trailers with surge brakes. DO NOT speed up if sway occurs. Sway increases with

speed. If sway continues, stop the vehicle and inspect all towing equipment until the cause has been determined and corrected.

Trailers should be loaded with heavy items on the floor, in front of the axle. The load should be balanced side to side. Tongue weight

should be 10-15% of gross trailer weight for most trailers. Insufficient tongue weight or tail-heavy trailers can cause sway. When

towing in slippery conditions, such as wet, icy, gravel, or snow covered roads, the sway control must be removed. Never paint or

lubricate the slide bar.

Use:

Hook up the trailer to the tow vehicle. Lubricate the threads on the

handle with a drop of oil. Attach the socket on the slide bar to the

sway control ball on the ball mount. Secure in place using a spring

clip. Turn the On/Off handle three turns counterclockwise to release

tension. Place the socket on the main body onto the trailer mounted

attachment ball. Secure in place using a spring clip.

Turning the On/Off handle clockwise, tighten firmly until the handle

is parallel with the main body. With a second person watching the

sway control and trailer, slowly back the trailer in both directions

into a jackknife position. Check that the sway control does not

hit the bumper or trailer frame and that it does not become fully

compressed or come apart. If any of these occur when jackknifed,

the sway control must be removed while backing. Road and

weather conditions, load and design of the trailer, power steering,

wheel alignment, and the oscillation point of the tow vehicle and

trailer all affect towing characteristics. Starting with the factory

preset tension, road test the sway control. If this is not enough sway

control, then adjust the break tension screw 1/4 turn clockwise.

Road test again and repeat (if necessary) until proper sway control

is achieved. Larger or heavier trailers or broad-sided trailers may

require the use of two sway control units. After a 1,000 mile break-in

period, remove the slide bar and clean it using a wire brush or steel

wool. The slide bar should then be cleaned every 10,000 miles.

CURT Manufacturing, LLC

6208 Industrial Drive

Eau Claire, WI 54701

888.265.5615 Phone

715.838.7524 Fax

www.curtmfg.com

Sway control

InStructIon manual

Warning: By towing a trailer, you change the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle.

Warning: Short wheel base vehicles may induce sway when towing a trailer. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

Any welding should be done by a qualified welding shop.

0 - 1¼”

5½”Fit & Weld

Here

On/Off HandleTrailer Ball

Level with Hitch Head if Possible

24”

Slide Bar

Torsion

Screw

Trailer Tongue Ball

Spacer Plate

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

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Summary

Sway Control Installation and Operation

Sway Control Ball Mounting and Frame Preparation

Attaching the sway control ball to the ball mount and preparing the trailer frame with a spacer plate.

Key Safety Warnings for Towing

Crucial safety advice regarding trailer loading, tongue weight, and conditions to avoid sway.

Sway Control Attachment and Tension Adjustment

Instructions for connecting the sway control, setting initial tension, and road testing adjustments.

Sway Control Break-in and Cleaning Schedule

Details the initial break-in period and recommended cleaning procedures for the slide bar.

Sway Control Parts Identification

List of Included Components

Visual identification and listing of all parts provided in the sway control kit for assembly.

Summary

Sway Control Installation and Operation

Sway Control Ball Mounting and Frame Preparation

Attaching the sway control ball to the ball mount and preparing the trailer frame with a spacer plate.

Key Safety Warnings for Towing

Crucial safety advice regarding trailer loading, tongue weight, and conditions to avoid sway.

Sway Control Attachment and Tension Adjustment

Instructions for connecting the sway control, setting initial tension, and road testing adjustments.

Sway Control Break-in and Cleaning Schedule

Details the initial break-in period and recommended cleaning procedures for the slide bar.

Sway Control Parts Identification

List of Included Components

Visual identification and listing of all parts provided in the sway control kit for assembly.

The CURT Sway Control device is designed to enhance the handling characteristics of a tow vehicle when pulling a trailer, particularly to mitigate trailer sway. It is an essential accessory for trailers, especially those with heavy loads or in challenging towing conditions.

Function Description:

The primary function of the CURT Sway Control is to provide resistance against trailer sway, which can be caused by various factors such as wind, uneven road surfaces, or sudden maneuvers. By creating a controlled friction between the tow vehicle and the trailer, the device helps to stabilize the trailer and maintain a straighter towing path. This friction is generated by a slide bar mechanism that attaches to both the tow vehicle's ball mount and the trailer frame. The device features an On/Off handle that allows the user to adjust the tension, thereby controlling the amount of sway resistance. When engaged, it limits the relative movement between the tow vehicle and the trailer, making the towing experience safer and more predictable.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual provides several key components and their part numbers, which are integral to the device's functionality:

40093 Sway Control Hitch Ball (1): This ball is mounted on the tow vehicle's ball mount and serves as the attachment point for the sway control slide bar.
17201 Trailer Mounted Attachment Ball (1): This ball is affixed to the trailer frame and is the other attachment point for the sway control slide bar.
Sway Control (1): This refers to the main body of the sway control unit, which houses the friction mechanism and the On/Off handle.
45822 Weld On Sway Tab (1): This component is used if the weight distributing ball mount does not have a pre-drilled hole for the sway control ball. It is welded to the ball mount to provide the necessary attachment point.
Attachment Clips (2): These clips secure the slide bar to both the hitch ball and the trailer-mounted attachment ball.
Self-tapping Screws (8): These screws are used to attach the spacer plate and trailer-mounted attachment ball to the trailer frame.
Spacer Plate (1): This plate provides a stable mounting surface for the trailer-mounted attachment ball on the trailer frame.

The installation process involves specific measurements:

The trailer-mounted attachment ball must be centered 24 inches straight back from the center of the coupler to the right side of the trailer frame.
The weld-on sway tab, if used, should be positioned to allow for a 0-1 1/4 inch gap for proper fit and welding.

Usage Features:

The CURT Sway Control is designed for ease of use with several practical features:

Adjustable Tension: The On/Off handle allows for fine-tuning of the sway control tension. Turning the handle clockwise tightens the mechanism, increasing sway resistance, while turning it counterclockwise releases tension. The manual suggests starting with the factory preset tension and adjusting in 1/4 turn increments clockwise if more control is needed.
Quick Attachment/Detachment: The slide bar socket attaches to the sway control balls on both the ball mount and the trailer frame, secured by spring clips, allowing for relatively quick setup and removal.
On/Off Functionality: The handle clearly indicates "ON" and "OFF" positions, making it intuitive to engage or disengage the sway control.
Jackknife Check: The manual advises a specific procedure to check for clearance during a jackknife maneuver. Slowly backing the trailer in both directions allows the user to ensure the sway control does not hit the bumper or trailer frame, or become fully compressed or come apart. If any of these issues occur, the sway control must be removed before backing.
Dual Unit Capability: For larger, heavier, or broad-sided trailers, the use of two sway control units may be required to achieve adequate stability.

Maintenance Features:

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and effective operation of the CURT Sway Control:

Initial Break-in Cleaning: After a 1,000-mile break-in period, the slide bar should be removed and cleaned using a wire brush or steel wool. This helps to remove any initial wear debris and ensures smooth operation.
Regular Cleaning: Following the initial break-in, the slide bar should be cleaned every 10,000 miles to maintain optimal performance.
Lubrication: The threads on the On/Off handle should be lubricated with a drop of oil to ensure smooth operation.
Prohibited Lubrication: It is explicitly stated that the slide bar itself should NEVER be painted or lubricated. This is critical as the friction mechanism relies on specific surface properties to function correctly. Lubricating the slide bar would reduce friction and negate the sway control's purpose.

Important Warnings and Considerations:

The manual includes several critical warnings to ensure safe operation:

Handling Characteristics Change: Towing a trailer inherently changes the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle.
Short Wheel Base Vehicles: These vehicles may be more prone to sway when towing a trailer, requiring extreme caution.
Welding: Any welding required (e.g., for the weld-on sway tab) must be performed by a qualified welding shop.
Surge Brakes: The sway control CANNOT be used on trailers equipped with surge brakes.
Speed and Sway: Do NOT speed up if sway occurs, as sway increases with speed. If sway persists, stop and inspect all towing equipment.
Trailer Loading: Heavy items should be loaded on the floor, in front of the axle, with the load balanced side to side. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of the gross trailer weight. Insufficient tongue weight or tail-heavy trailers can cause sway.
Slippery Conditions: The sway control MUST be removed when towing in wet, icy, gravel, or snow-covered roads, as it can negatively impact vehicle control in low-traction environments.