Eaz-Lift Sway Control

Product Overview

The Eaz-Lift Sway Control system is designed to enhance trailer stability during towing. It attaches to the trailer tongue and works by applying friction to the connection with the tow vehicle's hitch ball, reducing trailer sway.

[Image Description: A visual representation of the Eaz-Lift Sway Control unit mounted on a trailer hitch. The unit features the Eaz-Lift branding, an ON/OFF handle, an adjustable tensioning screw, and the main body that connects to the trailer tongue ball.]

Installation and Operating Instructions

⚠ SWAY CONTROL CANNOT BE USED ON TRAILERS WITH SURGE BRAKES.

Proper trailer loading is crucial for preventing dangerous instability and sway. Heavy items should be placed on the floor in front of the axle, balanced side-to-side, and secured to prevent shifting. Tongue weight should ideally be 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Insufficient tongue weight can lead to sway.

• The On/Off handle is a simple on/off device; the Tensioning Screw is used for adjustment.
• When towing in slippery conditions (wet, icy, snow-covered roads, or loose gravel), turn the On/Off handle counter-clockwise to remove all tension from the unit. Failure to do so could impede the tow vehicle and trailer's ability to turn properly.
• Do not accelerate if sway occurs, as sway increases with speed. Never continue driving a swaying vehicle. Investigate trailer loading, sway control adjustment, and all other equipment to determine and correct the cause of sway.
• Never paint or lubricate the slide bar.

CAMCO CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES DUE TO IMPROPER USE OR INSTALLATION ON THIS PRODUCT.

Tools for Installation

• Tape Measure
• 11/32" Drill Bit
• Electric Drill
• Appropriate Safety Protection (e.g., eye protection, gloves, welding clothes)
• Arc Welder
• "C" Clamps
• Center Punch
• Torque Wrench
• Socket Set

Notice

Parts List

[Image Description: A visual representation of the Eaz-Lift Sway Control parts. It shows numbered components corresponding to the parts list: a trailer tongue ball plate (1), slide bar (2), spring clips (3), sway control ball plate (4), self-tapping screws (5), and a ball lock washer/nut (6). Separate views show the Right Hand (#48380) and Left Hand (#48381) sway control units with their respective attachment points.]

Installation

CAUTION: Wear appropriate safety equipment during installation: eye protection, gloves, welding clothes, etc.

Step 1: Connect Trailer to Tow Vehicle

Position the vehicle and trailer in a straight line on a level surface.

Step 2: Mount Sway Control Ball to Hitch

Mount the sway control ball using the nut and lock washer to the hitch as shown in Figure 1. Torque the nut to 100 ft-lbs. If necessary, notch and weld the sway control ball plate into position as shown. Any welding should be performed by a qualified welding professional.

[Figure 1 Description: Diagrams illustrating the mounting of the sway control ball to the trailer hitch. The "Side View" shows the trailer hitch ball, the sway control ball plate, and the recommended welding area on the hitch. The "Top View" shows the trailer tongue, hitch ball, and the placement of the ball plate, indicating the "Left hand Application" and the area to "Fit And Weld Here".]

* For a bolt-on solution for attaching the sway control ball, see Camco Item #48386 (sold separately).

Installation (Continued)

Step 3: Mount Ball Plate Assembly

• Measure and mark a point on the trailer tongue 24 inches from the center of the trailer hitch ball to the right side of the trailer frame (for #48380) or the left-hand side of the trailer frame (for #48381) to determine the location of the Trailer Tongue Ball plate, as shown in Figure 2.
• Align the center of the ball on the Trailer Tongue Ball Plate with the 24-inch mark on the trailer tongue and center punch the six hole locations.
• Drill the six holes using a 11/32" drill bit. Before drilling, ensure the drill will not damage any electrical wires routed inside the frame.
• Align the Trailer Tongue Ball with the holes on the trailer tongue as shown in Figure 3. Install screws.

[Figure 2 Description: Diagrams illustrating the mounting of the ball plate assembly to the trailer tongue. The "Side View" shows the trailer tongue, trailer hitch ball, trailer tongue ball plate, and the sway control unit's connection. It indicates the 24-inch measurement from the hitch ball. The "Top View" shows the trailer tongue, trailer hitch ball, trailer tongue ball plate, and the "Left hand Application" with the area to "Fit and Weld Here".]

[Figure 3 Description: A diagram showing the correct orientation of the trailer tongue ball plate for both left and right side applications, emphasizing the 5-1/2 inch dimension and the "Fit and Weld Here" area.]

* For a bolt-on clamping solution, see Camco Item #48385 (sold separately).

Step 4: Hook-up Sway Control

• Apply a small amount of grease to both sway control balls. Place the socket of the slide bar over the sway control ball and secure with a clip.
• Turn the On/Off handle counter-clockwise until the slide bar can easily slide in the main body. Place the socket of the main body onto the trailer tongue ball. Secure it in place with the other clip.
• Turn the On/Off handle all the way clockwise until the threads bottom out.
• On some installations, damage to the sway control may occur during extremely sharp turning maneuvers. To check this, slowly back the vehicle in both directions into a jackknife position while someone watches. Ensure the sway control does not hit the bumper or trailer frame and does not become fully compressed or come apart. If any of these situations occur when jack-knifed, the sway control must be removed while backing up.

Step 5: Adjustment

Towing characteristics are affected by road and weather conditions, trailer loading, trailer design, power steering, wheel alignment, and the oscillation point of the tow vehicle and trailer.

• Start with the factory preset tension and road test the sway control. If insufficient sway control is achieved, adjust the brake tension screw 1¼ turn clockwise. Road test again and repeat if necessary until proper sway control is achieved. Larger or heavier trailers, or trailers with broad sides, may require the use of two sway controls.
• After a 1,000-mile break-in period, remove the slide bar and clean it using a wire brush or steel wool. The slide bar should then be cleaned every 10,000 miles.

Important Safety Information

⚠ By towing a trailer, you can change the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle.

Short wheel-base vehicles may induce sway when towing a trailer.

Any welding should be done by a qualified welding professional.