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Find Your Perfect Hitch in 60 seconds
Why You Need to Ditch Friction-Based Sway Control—Before It’s Too Late

Why You Need to Ditch Friction-Based Sway Control—Before It’s Too Late

While many drivers rely on friction-based sway control devices, these systems may be putting you at more risk than you realize.

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The Truth about Friction Hitches

Towing your trailer or RV can be an exciting adventure, but lurking behind every turn or gust of wind is a serious hazard—trailer sway. While many drivers rely on friction-based sway control devices, these systems may be putting you at more risk than you realize. Friction-based hitches don’t eliminate sway; they only react after it has already begun.  In those critical moments when a sudden force like wind or passing trucks hits your trailer, your friction-based hitch could actually *hinder* your ability to regain control. 

Does my hitch use friction to control sway? 

Does my hitch use friction to control sway? 

Virtually all sway control hitches are based on friction, even if they aren't advertised as such. Some use separately attached sway bars and others integrate the friction with the weight distribution, this style is sometimes referred to as “4-point” sway control.    

The Dangerous Downside of Friction-Based Sway Control

Most traditional sway control hitches use friction to resist side-to-side movement. The problem? Friction works both ways. While it can help reduce trailer sway, it also restricts the tow vehicle’s ability to turn or stabilize the trailer once sway occurs. Worse still, friction-based systems can be overpowered by strong forces like high winds or uneven roads. When this happens, instead of helping, the hitch becomes a barrier to regaining control, creating a dangerous situation that can escalate quickly. 

Friction is unpredictable when conditions change 

Using a friction- based sway control hitch in rainy conditions dramatically affects the ability to resist sway or if you start out in dry conditions and it begins to rain, the hitch may cause erratic behavior as the moisture prevents the hitch from operating as designed.  

Hensley Arrow Anti-Sway Hitch

The Urgent Case for Sway Elimination 

Why wait until you’re caught in a high-wind situation or battling passing trucks to realize your friction hitch isn’t enough? 

There’s a better, safer solution:sway elimination hitches. Unlike friction-based systems that dampen sway after it starts, a sway elimination hitch, the Hensley Arrow®, prevents sway from happening at all. It completely stops the side-to-side movement that leads to sway, offering you a smoother and more predictable towing experience.  

Learn More About the Hensley Arrow
Hensley Arrow® Sway Elimination Hitch  Standard Friction Sway Control Hitch 
Sway Control Method

Eliminates trailer sway before it begins

Dampens trailer sway once it already begins.

Trailer Pivot System

Trailer pivots on a unique linkage around the tow vehicle's rear axle

Trailer pivots on the ball

Sway Prevention Mechanism

Prevents any side movement on the trailer ball

Uses friction and weight distribution to resist sway

Trailer Sway Initiation

Makes it impossible for trailer sway to begin

Trailer will sway when force exceeds friction

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike 

Every time you tow with a friction-based sway control hitch, you’re gambling with safety. Why risk your vehicle, your trailer, and the safety of your passengers when there’s a more effective solution? With the Hensley Arrow® sway elimination hitch, you eliminate sway altogether, ensuring a stable and safe towing experience no matter the conditions. 

Waiting until you encounter a critical situation could cost you. Upgrade now to a sway elimination system and tow with confidence, knowing your hitch won’t let you down when it matters most. 

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Testimonials

Our test run of 400 miles round trip was impressive and relaxing. After the white knuckles trip of last fall, fighting just to keep my rig on the road when a Semi passed us, I could not believe the difference. I had a string of 6 Semi’s go past without disturbance. GREAT!!

Your hitch is well worth the cost to get my family to our destination and back in safety.

David Dorsett

Since purchasing our Hensley Arrow hitch for our 30-foot travel trailer, we have traveled many thousands of miles around the United States and Canada, driving on freeways, state highways, and numerous back roads. The Hensley hitch has been great in all cases. Sway is not “almost” eliminated—it is “totally” eliminated.

James R. Hart

I received the new Hensley Arrow on Monday and installed it. We left for our 2 week trip on Wed. Everything worked very well. I was not stressed from the trip. There was absolutly no sway. The cost of the hitch was a shock, but now I will not pull my trailer without it. I consider it an investment, the same as the camper. With each trip, the hitch gets cheaper. The cost of safety can not be measured. Thanks for a very good product.

Gene Fisher

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