Towing a heavy travel trailer without proper weight distribution is one of the fastest ways to turn a relaxing trip into a white-knuckle drive. A good anti-sway weight distribution hitch levels your tow vehicle and trailer, shifts load back onto the front axle for steering control, and fights the side-to-side wag that crosswinds and passing semis love to start. The result is a rig that tracks straight, brakes evenly, and stops feeling like the tail is wagging the dog.
We looked at the hitches RV owners actually rely on, comparing how aggressively each one resists sway, how fiddly they are to hook up at the campground, and how well they hold up over thousands of towing miles. Below are our seven top picks, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one shines and where it falls short so you can match a system to your trailer and tow vehicle.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Andersen Hitches No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch (3344) Best Overall Greaseless friction sway control, 14,000 lb GTW capacity, weighs about 60 lb |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch (90-00-1000) Best Sway Control Integrated 4-point sway control, 10,000 lb GTW, 1,000 lb tongue weight |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch Best Spring Bar System Trunnion spring bars with integrated sway control, 800 to 1,200 lb tongue weight |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT 17063 TruTrack Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control Best Adjustability Adjustable 2-point sway control, 8,000 to 10,000 lb GTW range |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Fastway e2 2-Point Sway Control Hitch (92-00-0600) Best Value Built-in 2-point sway control, 600 lb tongue weight, 6,000 lb GTW |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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EAZ LIFT Elite 1000 lb Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control Best Heavy-Duty Bars 1,000 lb tongue weight, 10,000 lb GTW, includes friction sway control bar |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Blue Ox BXW1000 SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch Best Continuous Sway Spring arm with under-mount brackets, 1,000 lb tongue weight, 10,000 lb GTW |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Andersen Hitches No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch (3344): Best Overall
The Andersen No-Sway 3344 earns our top spot because it solves the two biggest complaints about traditional hitches at once. Instead of heavy steel spring bars, it uses chains and a greaseless friction bushing that delivers continuous, self-correcting sway control without any clanking. Owners consistently mention how quiet it is over rough roads and how much lighter it feels when hooking up alone in a campground. It distributes weight effectively across a wide range of trailers, and the conversion ball makes dialing in level ride height straightforward once you understand the system.
The honest weakness is the setup learning curve. Getting the chain tension and bushing torque exactly right takes a few tries, and if you over or under tension it, you will not get the sway performance the design is capable of. The friction bushing also wears with use and needs occasional replacement, which is a small ongoing consideration. Stick with it through the first couple of hookups and read the instructions carefully, and you end up with the quietest, most refined towing experience on this list.
- Greaseless design uses a friction bushing instead of spring bars, so there is nothing to grease or clang
- Conversion ball and chains let you fine tune tension and ground clearance for your exact trailer
- Dramatically lighter than traditional bar systems, making solo hookup far easier
Pros: Quiet operation with no metal-on-metal clanking over bumps; Lightweight and easy to install or remove without heavy bars; Strong continuous sway resistance from the friction system
Cons: Chain tensioning has a learning curve on the first few setups; The friction bushing is a wear item you will replace over time
2. Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch (90-00-1000): Best Sway Control
The Equal-i-zer 4-Point is the system many seasoned RV owners recommend when sway control is the absolute priority. Its four friction points work both at the spring bar sockets and the L-brackets, applying resistance in every direction the trailer wants to move. That gives it a planted, confidence-inspiring feel when a semi blows past or a gust hits from the side. Because the sway control is integrated, there are no separate friction bars to add or adjust, which keeps hookup simple once the brackets are set.
The trade-off is noise. The same friction interfaces that fight sway so well also click and clunk audibly over speed bumps, driveways, and rough pavement, and that sound surprises a lot of first-time owners. The hitch is also on the heavier side, so lifting and storing the bars is a workout. If you can live with the soundtrack, the Equal-i-zer rewards you with some of the most dependable sway control available.
- Four friction points combine downward and rotational resistance to stop sway before it builds
- Sway control is built into the head and brackets, so there are no separate add-on bars to bolt on
- Rugged steel construction designed for frequent long-distance towing
Pros: Excellent, proactive sway resistance in crosswinds and truck passes; All-in-one design with nothing extra to buy or attach; Proven durability with a strong warranty reputation
Cons: Spring bars and brackets produce noticeable clicking and clunking over bumps; Heavier system that takes effort to lift and store
3. Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch: Best Spring Bar System
The Husky Center Line TS hits a sweet spot between the quiet refinement of friction systems and the proven muscle of spring bars. Its trunnion bars transfer weight smoothly to level the trailer and tow vehicle, while the integrated sway control keeps things tracking straight on the highway. Owners frequently praise how much quieter and less bouncy it feels than older bar designs, and the pre-torqued head means you spend less time fighting the initial install. For someone who wants traditional spring bar reliability without the constant rattle, this is a strong choice.
Where it gives ground is in extreme sway situations. The integrated control is good for most travel trailers, but it is not as aggressive as a dedicated four-point system when battling strong crosswinds with a tall, heavy trailer. The spring bars are also genuinely heavy, so hooking up and unhooking is a physical task every time. For typical weekend and cross-country towing, though, the Husky delivers a smooth, stable ride that punches above its weight.
- Center Line spring bars provide smooth weight distribution and built-in sway resistance
- No-bounce, no-rattle design rides quieter than many competing bar systems
- Pre-torqued head assembly speeds up the initial installation
Pros: Quieter and smoother than typical spring bar hitches; Easy initial setup thanks to the pre-torqued head; Solid weight transfer that levels heavier rigs well
Cons: Sway control is less aggressive than dedicated four-point systems; Spring bars are heavy to lift and reattach at each hookup
4. CURT 17063 TruTrack Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control: Best Adjustability
The CURT TruTrack stands out for owners who like to tinker and want a hitch that adapts to changing loads. Its sway control and spring bar tension are both adjustable, so you can fine tune how firmly the system resists sway based on whether you are running light or fully loaded, and whether you are facing calm roads or gusty open highway. The integrated friction control means you do not need to add separate sway bars, and the overall build quality and finish hold up well to weather and road grime.
That flexibility comes with a setup cost. To get the most out of the TruTrack you will spend time with the instructions and a torque wrench finding the right settings, and it is less of a hook-and-go system than a friction hitch. The components are also heavy and a bit bulky in the storage bay. For a hands-on owner who values being able to tune the ride, the adjustability is a genuine advantage rather than a chore.
- Adjustable sway control lets you tune resistance to the load and conditions
- Spring bar tension is adjustable without removing the bars from the brackets
- Built-in friction sway control integrated into the spring bar design
Pros: Highly tunable for different trailers and tow vehicles; Integrated sway control with no separate bars to buy; Good build quality and corrosion-resistant finish
Cons: Dialing in the adjustments takes patience and a torque wrench; Bars and head assembly are heavy and bulky to store
5. Fastway e2 2-Point Sway Control Hitch (92-00-0600): Best Value
The Fastway e2 is the hitch we point lighter-trailer owners toward when they want real integrated sway control without buying a separate friction bar. Its two-point sway resistance is built right into the head, so the same spring bars that distribute the weight also fight sway, keeping setup simple. For half-ton trucks and SUVs pulling mid-size travel trailers, it delivers a noticeably more planted ride than a basic distribution hitch with a bolt-on sway bar, and the pre-set head angle takes some guesswork out of the install.
The catch is capacity. With a 600 lb tongue weight rating, the e2 is sized for smaller and mid-size trailers, so heavier fifth-wheel-adjacent rigs need to step up to a higher-rated model. And like every spring bar hitch here, it produces the familiar clunk over driveways and speed bumps. Within its weight class, though, the Fastway e2 offers an honest combination of stability and simplicity that is hard to beat.
- Two-point sway control is built into the head, with no add-on friction bar needed
- Trunnion spring bars distribute weight and resist sway in one integrated unit
- Pre-set head angle simplifies the initial installation process
Pros: Strong stability for the value compared with add-on sway bar kits; Simpler hookup with sway control already integrated; Trusted brand with a long track record among RV owners
Cons: Lower tongue weight rating limits it to smaller trailers; Spring bars clunk over bumps like most bar systems
6. EAZ LIFT Elite 1000 lb Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control: Best Heavy-Duty Bars
The EAZ LIFT Elite is a no-nonsense heavy-duty system for owners hauling larger travel trailers who want proven spring bar weight transfer plus dedicated sway control in one box. The interlocking bars handle a 1,000 lb tongue weight with ease and keep a big rig level, while the included friction sway control bar adds meaningful resistance against side-to-side movement on the highway. The hardened steel components are built to rack up miles, and many owners report years of reliable service hauling full-size trailers.
The drawback is the separate friction sway bar. Unlike integrated four-point or friction-bushing designs, this add-on bar has to be disconnected before tight turns and backing into a site, and remembering to reconnect it every time is an extra step some owners find annoying. The overall system is also heavy and a bit more involved to set up. If you want maximum capacity and do not mind the manual sway bar routine, the EAZ LIFT Elite delivers durable, dependable stability for heavy loads.
- Heavy-duty interlocking spring bars rated for larger travel trailers
- Includes a friction sway control bar for added side-to-side stability
- Hardened steel components built for high-mileage towing
Pros: Robust weight transfer for heavier rigs at this rating; Sway control bar included rather than sold separately; Durable construction that survives heavy use
Cons: Add-on friction bar must be disconnected for tight turns and backing; Heavier setup that is more involved to hook up
7. Blue Ox BXW1000 SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch: Best Continuous Sway
The Blue Ox SwayPro takes a different approach to sway, using spring arms that latch into under-mount brackets to apply continuous positive control rather than relying on friction surfaces. Because the tension stays engaged through turns and while backing up, you do not have to disconnect anything to maneuver into a site, which is a real convenience over add-on friction bars. On the highway the system feels firm and planted, and the powder-coated finish holds up well against road salt and weather over the years.
The honest weakness is installation. Getting the under-mount brackets positioned and the chains set to the correct link is precise, fussy work, and a poor setup undermines the whole system. Latching the spring arms also takes more muscle than dropping a friction bar into place. Once it is correctly installed and you have the routine down, though, the SwayPro provides steady, continuous stability that many owners come to trust on long trips.
- Spring arms latch into under-mount brackets for continuous positive sway control
- Positive latching design keeps tension constant rather than relying on friction alone
- Rugged powder-coated finish for long-term corrosion resistance
Pros: Continuous sway control that stays engaged in turns and backing; Solid, planted highway feel once dialed in; Tough finish and build for the long haul
Cons: Bracket and chain setup is precise and time-consuming to install; Latching the spring arms requires more effort than friction systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a weight distribution hitch and an anti-sway hitch?
A weight distribution hitch uses spring bars or chains to spread your trailer’s tongue weight across all the axles of your tow vehicle and trailer, which levels the rig and restores steering and braking control on the front axle. Anti-sway control is a separate function that fights the side-to-side wagging caused by crosswinds, passing trucks, and uneven loads. Many modern hitches, like the Equal-i-zer 4-point and Andersen No-Sway, combine both functions in one integrated unit, so you get level weight transfer and sway resistance from a single system rather than bolting a separate friction sway bar onto a basic distribution hitch.
How do I know what size weight distribution hitch I need?
Match the hitch to your loaded trailer’s tongue weight, not just its total weight. Weigh or estimate your tongue weight, which is typically 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, and pick a hitch whose rated tongue weight range brackets that number with the trailer fully packed. A hitch rated too high for a light trailer will ride stiff and harsh, while one rated too low will sag and lose effectiveness. Also confirm the gross trailer weight rating covers your loaded trailer, and check that your receiver and tow vehicle are rated for the same loads.
Do I really need sway control if I already have a weight distribution hitch?
For most travel trailers, yes. Weight distribution alone levels the rig and improves control, but it does little to stop the side-to-side sway that crosswinds and passing semis trigger, especially with tall, boxy trailers or longer wheelbases. Sway control is what keeps a small wag from building into a dangerous oscillation. If your trailer is short, light, and low to the ground you may get by with distribution alone, but anyone towing a typical mid-size or larger travel trailer should choose a hitch with integrated sway control or add a dedicated sway bar for safe highway towing.
Why does my weight distribution hitch make a clunking noise?
Clunking and clicking are normal on most spring bar systems with friction sway control, including the Equal-i-zer, Husky, and EAZ LIFT models. The sound comes from the spring bars and friction surfaces shifting slightly as you go over bumps, driveways, and speed bumps, and it does not indicate a problem. If the noise bothers you, friction-bushing designs like the Andersen No-Sway are dramatically quieter because they have no metal spring bars to shift. You can also reduce noise on bar systems somewhat by keeping the friction surfaces properly maintained and ensuring everything is torqued to spec.
Can I install an anti-sway weight distribution hitch myself?
Yes, most owners install these hitches themselves with basic hand tools and a torque wrench, though the first setup takes time and patience. The trickiest parts are setting the head angle, positioning the under-mount or L-brackets at the correct distance, and getting the spring bar or chain tension right so the rig sits level. Friction-bushing systems like the Andersen need careful chain tensioning, while bracket-based systems like the Blue Ox SwayPro require precise bracket placement. Read the instructions fully, measure your vehicle’s fender height before and after hookup to confirm proper distribution, and budget a couple of practice hookups before your first big trip.
Our Verdict
For the best all-around towing experience, the Andersen Hitches No-Sway 3344 is our top pick thanks to its quiet, greaseless friction control, light weight, and refined ride that solves the clanking and heavy-bar complaints of traditional systems. If aggressive, proactive sway resistance is your single biggest priority, the Equal-i-zer 4-Point is the runner up and a proven favorite, trading some noise for rock-solid stability in crosswinds and truck passes. Match either one to your loaded tongue weight, take time with the initial setup, and you will transform a nervous, wandering rig into a stable, confident tow.
