Weight distribution hitch maneuvering

[Matt Todd]

Hey guys, maybe a quick question...I have this WDH that came with my camper that I bought. It’s a pro series 49903 WDH with the friction sway control. I was wondering what the rules are when backing up with one of these attached, do I have to disengage the bars marked with the red arrow or do I have to JUST disengage the friction sway control bar only(it’s not attached in the picture but y’all know what I’m talking about).

 

[OC455]

It would be easier to back up without the sway control hooked up.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Matt Todd]

The sway control is not the 2 bars on either side of the trailer is it? Your referring to the bar not yet installed?

 

[crash68]

Just pull the sway control when your going to have to maneuver backing into a spot where you'll turning the truck a lot in relation to the trailer.
Use a little bit of lube on the tension bar ends get inserted into the hitch, it will hel keep the hitch quiet while turning.

 

[Matt Todd]

Thanks guys

 

[crash68]

Your referring to the bar not yet installed?

Yes, the sway control is the bar not installed yet.

 

[Toddbigboytruck]

I tow a lot with my wdh and yes as all the others say I only remove the friction bar when I back up most of the time I don’t even use the friction bar you Well you will hear some noises when you turn sharp but it is all good.

 

[Blue2500CC]

The sway control is not the 2 bars on either side of the trailer is it? Your referring to the bar not yet installed?

As mentioned, remove the not pictured sway control bar.

To clarify, what is pictured with your red arrow pointing to it is the wd bar.

If you just bought the rig, did you go through the hitch set for your truck? If not, chances are it needs to be adjusted due to the tv being different, AND your packing/ loading being different. If you need help, just ask. Usually having the direct tools is the biggest challenge to adjust the wdh.

Guessing this is a recent purchase, Congrats!!!

 

[Shiva]

With my setup I have 2 friction away bars and the 2 wdh bars. Only lube the 6 connection points and the hitch ball...never the flats of the sway bars.
I am properly adjusted and don't have to remove anything when backing close to near jackknife angles. Yes get snapcracklepop at times but attribute that to chain tension.
I've had the co-pilot drive while doing clearance tests with no problems.
Just do the same to yours for verification.

 

[Matt Todd]

Thanks everyone, that’s what I thought but just wanted to be sure. I actually just tackled adjusting the head height and angle to fit my particular vehicle with the camper today. Which while I’m on that topic, does anyone know what the torque specs are for the assembly bolts for the head of the hitch? I tried emailing someone but haven’t heard back yet. Again, It’s a pro series 49903.

 

[crash68]

I actually just tackled adjusting the head height and angle to fit my particular vehicle with the camper today. Which while I’m on that topic, does anyone know what the torque specs are for the assembly bolts for the head of the hitch? I tried emailing someone but haven’t heard back yet. Again, It’s a pro series 49903.

260 ft.lbs per the instructions from the Reese website. https://www.reese-hitches.com/produ...t_With_Friction_Sway_Control___1_000_lb,49903
The best way to set up a WDH is by using CAT scales.

View attachment 49903.pdf

 

[Shiva]

Thanks everyone, that’s what I thought but just wanted to be sure. I actually just tackled adjusting the head height and angle to fit my particular vehicle with the camper today. Which while I’m on that topic, does anyone know what the torque specs are for the assembly bolts for the head of the hitch? I tried emailing someone but haven’t heard back yet. Again, It’s a pro series 49903.

Just Google 'bolt head grade markings'
Then
Google ' (enter your grade of bolt here) + (your bolt thread diameter) torque value.
That'll get you there

 

[Ryan Andersen]

Glad you were able to find a solution. I was going to give my opinion but you figured it out haha!