Correct Way to Hook Up Camper Sway Bars

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A sway bar is a necessary tool when towing a camper down steep hills, winding roads or at moderate to high speeds. Failure to minimize how much your camper sways and rocks back and forth can place unnecessary stress on the hitch of your vehicle and cause damage. The best way to avoid this problem is to attach a sway bar. The process is moderately easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Install the sway bar mounting plate, using a drive ratchet and socket. Locate the cross-member behind the axle and align properly before mounting the plate. Make sure each bolt is tightened before moving on to the next step.

Step 2

Locate the center line of the sway bar. Install the rubber bushings on each side of the sway bar.

Step 3

Bolt the sway bar to the mounting plate.

Step 4

Position the arms of the sway bar so they reach just above the axle. Lower the sway bar link brackets just below the holes in the sway bar. Secure the sway bar links with a long bolt and a washer. Add a rubber bushing.

Step 5

Position the long bolt so it moves through the top of the hole located in the sway bar end. Hold the bolt above the hole as you add a second rubber bushing and washer. Add a metal sleeve over the bolt.

Step 6

Add a washer and a metal washer to the long bolt.

Step 7

Insert the bottom end of the bolt into the mounting bracket on the axle housing.

Step 8

Add a rubber bushing, a metal washer and a nut, using a ratchet and socket.

Tips & Warnings

Loosen the sway bar if you hear a grinding sound.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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