Why Should You Opt for Sway Control When Buying a weight-distribution Hitch?
A weight-distribution hitch is an important piece of equipment when using a bump trailer hitch ball. If you have spent time pulling heavy equipment with your truck, like heavy-duty farm equipment, a fishing boat, or a car hauler, you might have experienced sway with your trailer.
Many people get confused with weight distribution and sway control and think they are the same thing. However, they are both different, and you need to understand their importance.
You can always buy a hitch with sway control like the Blue Ox weight distribution hitch to bolster safety, among other reasons.
Here are the cases where a weight-distribution hitch is essential.
Poor weight-distribution
Towing a trailer without a proper weight-distribution hitch can be dangerous. As per the Transportation Board of the United States, you need to use a good weight-distribution hitch with electronic sway control if the trailer’s weight is more than 50% of the truck’s weight.
Bad Hitch Adjustments
Hitch adjustment is essential to prevent any trailer from swaying. The weight and height of the trailer should be proportionate to that of the truck. You need to understand that the truck will be pulling the trailer, and it should be able to pull the load easily.
However, not every truck owner gets the hitch adjustment right. In such scenarios, a weight-distribution hitch with sway control can come in handy. It can eliminate the sway control, making it safer for both you and other drivers on the road.
Excessive Wind Shear
Wind shear refers to the difference in wind velocity along a direction at right angles. The variation in wind velocity exerts a turning force on a moving vehicle.
Excessive wind shear can lead to fatal accidents within a span of twenty-five seconds. Most vehicles can overcome this factor as standalone vehicles. However, the conditions are different when you are pulling a trailer.
If your truck is pulling a trailer, excessive wind shear causes the trailer to sway. But, with a solid hitch, such as the Blue ox weight-distribution hitch offering sway control, you can overcome this problem quickly and prevent accidents.
Excessive Speeds
According to US transport department rules, the minimum speed on rural interstate highways is 45mph, while the maximum is 70mph. While it is okay to drive a vehicle at high speed on interstate highways, driving at high speed is not recommended when your vehicle is pulling a trailer.
When you drive your truck at high speeds with a trailer attached, it exerts high pressure on the trailer, and it is more likely to sway, leading to an accident. You can prevent this even when driving at high speeds when you buy a weight-distribution hitch with sway control.
Poor Trailer Design
Trailers come in various shapes and sizes. Some trailers are aerodynamically designed, while some are not. The trailer designs have a massive impact on swaying. One design issue is that one side of the trailer is heavier than the other.
A weight-distribution hitch with sway control may compensate for this issue to prevent accidents.