If you are new to towing or considering purchasing a new trailer, investing in a sway control hitch is an essential decision that you need to make. These hitches can enhance the safety and stability of your towing experience, especially when dealing with windy or uneven road conditions. On the surface it may seem straight-forward, but there’s one major pitfall a new hitch buyer can make when browsing the market: the difference between a sway control hitch & an anti-sway hitch. To ensure you make an informed decision, stick around for some advice from our Equal-i-zer Hitch experts!

The Sway Control Hitch

A sway control hitch, also known as a weight distribution hitch, is the most common style of trailer hitch on the market today. Using points of friction via sway control bars, these hitches intended to reduce any and all wobbling on the back end of your towing setup.

Without a sway control hitch, there is very little to act as a counterforce and keep the ride stable. Using a high quality sway control hitch allows the motorist a greater level of mobility and maneuverability without the risk of a wobbling trailer.

These style of hitches are easy to install and often inexpensive to purchase. They’re also compatible with a variety of ball mounts which adds a greater level of customizability for your towing needs.

The Anti-Sway Hitch

Although the term “sway control” and “anti-sway” are often used interchangeably, they are actually very different. While the standard sway control hitch has functionality similar to Equal-i-zer’s 4-point sway control Hitch, the standard anti-sway hitch is in a market of its own.

Often called a “zero sway hitch”, these hitches intend to offer the maximum in sway control, perfect for precious cargo. These hitches are distinct from standard sway-control by both their price and specifications.

While the standard sway control hitch is usually under $1,000 USD, a reliable Anti-Sway hitch can cost up to $2500 or more depending on the brand.

In terms of specifications, anti-sway hitches often boast of their guaranteed turning radius and increased wind resistance. In particular, keeping the trailer tightly attached behind the towing vehicle will reduce wind resistance and may lead to better fuel economy. And while standard hitches may require highly cognizant driving, an anti-sway hitch ensures a tight turning radius, so you can trust the trailer is always close behind your towing vehicle.

What’s The Difference Between Anti-Sway & Sway Control

Anti-sway hitches, also called zero sway hitches, are significantly more expensive than standard sway control hitches. Naturally, they are preferred for unusually heavy cargo that may be more prone to swaying out on the open road. For the standard travel trailer or camper, a Fastway e2 or Equal-i-zer Hitch will be more than sufficient.

Generally speaking, sway control hitches are more of a “brick and mortar” item you can find at a local business, while the so called “zero-sway” hitches are less common for purchase. More often than not, anti-sway functionality is matched with a price tag in the thousands. And frankly, its simply unnecessary for the vast majority of trailer and towing enthusiasts out on the road today.

You don’t need to break the bank to be safe on the open road. When you’re looking for a high quality trailer hitch that reduces sway and makes your drive safer, Equal-i-zer Hitch Products has the right option for you. Our e2 hitch is an award winning piece of American manufacturing that has served the trailer and towing community for decades. When you’re looking for the best sway control hitch around, choose Equal-i-zer’s 4-point sway control Hitch today!