Do You Need an RV Anti Sway Bar for Better Control?

Things are going good on the road and all of a sudden, you feel your rig sway from side to side. Your heart starts racing, and you start white knuckling the wheel. One of the most nerve-wracking parts about towing a trailer is the unexpected sway on the road. This guide is going to break down what an RV anti sway bar is, if you need one, how it works, and which ones are the best.

Comparison Table: Top 4 RV Anti Sway Bars

What Is an RV Anti-Sway Bar?

When you are towing your rig and suddenly get hit by a gust of wind…and your trailer starts that side-to-side motion. Yeah, that’s trailer sway, and we all know that feeling.

Situations like that are where an RV anti sway bar can really make a difference. They are designed to reduce the dangerous side-to-side motions caused by wind, curvy roads, uneven terrain, or improper weight distribution.

One of the ways to accomplish some sway control is by trailer sway bars. These can be standalone devices, but oftentimes some form of sway control is built into a good weight distribution hitch, which is able to provide both vertical and lateral stability when you are moving down the road.

Difference Between Sway Bars, Sway Control, and Weight Distribution Hitches

• Anti Sway Bars: Single add-on device that can reduce the lateral sway. These are best for light trailers or just supplemental sway control.
• Sway Control Hitches: These are hitch systems that have built-in sway resistance, often using chains or 2-4 point friction. These usually include the hitch and bars or chains that are attached to the trailer.
• Weight Distribution Hitches: These redistribute the trailer tongue weight across the axles of the tow vehicle. This helps improve balance and control. Some weight distribution hitches include sway control, while others do not.

✅ Pro Tip: There are many fantastic hitches that combine both weight distribution and built-in sway control technology. Always check your trailer weight and towing capacity.

Do You Need an Anti Sway Bar?

No, a sway bar isn’t required. While an anti-sway setup is suggested in general, it’s really more of a, “if you don’t need it, you don’t need it” situation.

So, not every trailer will need it, but here is when it might be a good idea:

• Your trailer weight more than 50% of your tow vehicle
• You frequently tow in strong winds, inclement weather, or areas with lots of hill/mountain roads
• You’ve got a lighter tow vehicle
• You’ve got unevenly distributed weight in the trailer

If you don’t have any sway when you haul, and you are well within your weight capacities, you might not need one. With that said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And if your trailer is large enough, you should be using a weight distribution hitch with sway control regardless.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best RV Anti Sway Bars and Hitches

Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch

• Best for: Large travel trailers, heavy wind areas
• Features: Patented 4-point system; excellent sway control even at high speeds
• Pros: Reliable, strong steel build, USA-made, highly recommended by RVers
• Cons: Noisy at slow speeds; premium price
• Buy From: Camping World or Amazon

Fastway e2 Sway Control Hitch

• Best for: Quick installs and everyday towing
• Features: Built-in 2-point sway control, no chains
• Pros: Affordable, low maintenance
• Cons: Less control for heavy trailers
• Buy from: Camping World or Amazon

Camco Eaz-Lift System Recurve

• Best for: Quiet and smooth towing
• Features: Top-mounted spring bars, adjustable friction sway control
• Pros: Cleaner clearance, easily adjustable sway
• Cons: Slight learning curve for tuning
• Buy from: Camping World or Amazon

Andersen No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch

• Best for: Versatility across many trailer types
• Features: Chain tension + friction plate system
• Pros: Lightweight, quiet, grease-free, easy to store
• Cons: Less effective on heavy trailers compared to 4-point systems
• Buy from: Camping World or Amazon

Why a Weight Distribution Hitch with Anti-Sway Is the Way to Go

While you can just buy a weight distribution hitch and add sway bars to it, nowadays it’s far easier (and better) to purchase a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway built-in.

Or, at the very least, a hitch with sway bars already installed.

There are a few reasons for this:

• Integrated systems are more reliable: The full setup is designed to work together and will almost always outperform solutions that are pieced together. If you buy separate parts, there is no guarantee that they will work well together or give you the sway reduction for your towing vehicle that you expect.
• Anti-sway bars alone may not be enough: If you have a medium or large rig, a solo sway bar likely won’t cut it. For bigger rigs, the most benefit would be gained from a weight distribution hitch with built-in sway control technology. These systems offer more safety and stability.
• Start with the right foundation: If you start off by investing in a hitch that includes the anti-sway technology, you may save money in the long run. If you buy pieces at a time and try to build your own system, you will likely have to buy a comprehensive sway control system in the end anyway.

Expert Tips for Preventing Trailer Sway

• Balance your load: Keep heavy items over the axles
• Check trailer tongue weight: Target 10–15% of total trailer weight
• Monitor tire pressure: For both trailer and tow vehicle
• Drive smart: Avoid sudden turns, drive slower in wind
• Inspect equipment: Check bolts, bars, and components for wear and tear

Related Resources

If you’re exploring different towing solutions, check out these companion guides:

Best Weight Distribution Hitches – Discover top-rated WDHs for better load balance and towing stability.

Best Sway Control Hitches – Compare hitches with built-in sway control technologies like 2-point and 4-point friction systems.

Best TPMS for RVs – Check out the best TPMS to keep on top of your tire pressure