Best Caravan Sway Bars & Weight Distribution Hitches in Australia

Are you worried about your caravan’s stability when you’re on the road?

This is something that should concern every driver. A swaying caravan is dangerous for you and other road users. There’s also the risk of damage to the tow hitch or other parts of your rig.

Caravan sway bars are a viable way of avoiding this scenario.

These accessories improve the weight distribution of your caravan. Even if your caravan is overloaded, there’s still the risk of losing control. However, caravan stabiliser bars are a realistic solution and won’t break the bank.

Let’s look at some of the best caravan weight distribution bars available in Australia today!

Best Caravan Sway Bars & Weight Distribution Hitches Australia

Hayman Reese 285lb Intermediate Weight Distribution System

Hayman Reese is one of the most popular weight caravan sway bar manufacturers in Australia.

This weight distribution system has a maximum ball weight capacity of 80kg to 135kg. As a result, it’s suitable for medium-sized trailers. Meanwhile, it has a four-bar system with snap-up brackets.

These make it easier to lift and lower the chains. Furthermore, it has triangular plates that enable easy adjustments. At 20kg, it’s also relatively light compared to some of its competitors.

Like all caravan anti-sway bars, this set-up links the trailer and towing vehicle in a correct alignment with the road. This creates a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

One flaw is that it has a lower working range than other products in the same price range. It’s not the cheapest system but it’s not suitable for heavier caravans.

The Hayman-Reese anti-sway bars are available for a bit under $600 with a one-year warranty.

Eaz Lift 600 Series 272kg Hitch-No Shank

The EAZ Lift Weight Distribution Hitch is another fine system.

It has a much wider working range of up to 272kg. This offers a lot more flexibility than the equivalent Hayman Reese sway bar. It’s suitable for larger caravans.

EAZ Lift has created a strong and durable set-up using steel as the dominant material. The heights and angles are fully adjustable. Furthermore, the assembly is relatively simple and doesn’t take long!

The system is compatible with multiple styles of shanks. There is also a mounting system for sway control mechanisms. But these are sold separately, so bear that in mind.

It’s crucial to shop around for this system because of the wide price range. If you can find it at the lower end, then it’s a massive bargain.

Andersen 'No-Sway' 4" Drop Weight Distribution Hitch

If you’re looking for the most advanced caravan sway bars, then check out the Andersen ‘No-Sway 4’ Weight Distribution Hitch.

This system is one of the best in the business. It has several premium features that help it to stand out from the crowd. These include mechanical friction sway control and true motion dampening.

This technology provides a smoother and safer ride.

Meanwhile, the hitch is greaseless so that the ball and coupler move together. It’s easy to install and remove from the towing vehicle with a single pin. It also has no negative effects on reversing.

These sway bars have an impressive ball weight limit of 350kg. The gross trailer mass is 3,500kg so it’s suitable for big caravans.

The only negative is the price.

Andersen systems don’t come cheap. This one costs around $900 so it’s really for people who need a stronger anti-sway bar and will get plenty of use out of it. Otherwise, it may not represent good value.

It’s also worth mentioning that Andersen provides a limited lifetime warranty, compared to the rest of the options here, which just come with a 1 year warranty.

Pro Series 600LB Weight Distribution Hitch

The Pro Series 600LB Weight Distribution Hitch has a lot of positive aspects.

Firstly, it’s got a strong tow ball weight capacity range of 135kg to 275kg. Overall, it can hold a gross trailer mass of 2,750kg. It’s suitable for all standard tow balls.

The head is easily adjustable with six tilt positions. These allow for extra flexibility when the caravan hits bumps or potholes. There are snap up brackets with chains as well as a lift handle for extra security.

Furthermore, the Pro Series provides extra clearance underneath the caravan by using round style bars. It’s easy to set up and provides a real difference when driving. The only issue is that they're not the lightest caravan stabiliser bars at 33kg.

This product is available for about $500 with a one-year warranty. You may even prefer it to the EAZ LIFT if you can’t get a good deal on that WDH.

Lippert LCI Sway Command Kit

Perhaps you’d like to prevent sways before they even happen.

If that’s the case, a Lippert LCI Sway Command Kit may appeal. This system uses anti-sway technology to preemptively prevent loss of control. It works by using an accelerometer and gyroscope to analyse the caravan’s movement.

Lippert rigorously tests this system and it meets all Australian safety standards. The microprocessor enables the command kit to prevent false activation. You won’t need to worry about it affecting your driving.

Meanwhile, it’s compatible with many brake controllers from different brands. These include Hayman Reese, Tekonsha, Red Arc, and many others.

The main issue is the price. It’s over $700 with a one-year warranty which isn’t cheap. Some people may also feel less comfortable with a computerised system than a tangible weight distribution hitch.

However, it must be said that the set-up is completely safe and effective.

Points To Consider When Purchasing Caravan Sway Bars

Now let’s briefly look at some important aspects to consider before buying caravan anti-sway bars.

Caravan Sway Bars - FAQs

Do I need anti-sway bars on my caravan?

Anti-sway bars aren’t legally required in Australia. However, they are an excellent investment and will provide peace of mind.

Caravans with a gross weight of 2,000kg or more must have an electronic brake control system. It’s a good idea to use a command unit like the Lippert LCI in conjunction with these. Otherwise, a sway hitch will do the job.

Nobody expects something to happen to them, but it’s useful to be able to deal with any potential situation. There is a wide range of caravan anti-sway bars on the market. So there are no excuses!

How do I stop my caravan from swaying?

Even if you have sway bars or an anti-sway command unit, the risk is still present. These systems greatly reduce the risk but they don’t remove it. Follow these steps to stay safe on the road.

1.  Stay calm and hold the line

Don’t overreact when the caravan begins to sway. Avoid steering because this is what will cause the trailer to jack-knife.

This is an instinct but it’s the worst possible reaction.

Try to maintain a straight line without swerving or erratic movements to prevent the situation from escalating.

2.  Take your foot off the accelerator

Next, you should remove your foot from the accelerator. However, don’t hit the brake pedal if because this rapid change in speed can be very dangerous.

Allow the caravan to gently slow down so that it falls naturally in line behind the towing vehicle.

3.  Hit the brakes

Once the swaying stops, then it’s safe to hit the brakes.

Do it gently and take a deep breath!

How do caravan sway bars attach?

Caravan sway bars attach easily. The general steps are the same but there may be some differences between products. Follow the user manual for specific instructions for your caravan stabiliser bars.

First, position your vehicle and caravan on a flat surface. Then, mount the sway control ball to the towing hitch.

Next, follow the steps to fit the trailer tongue ball. Finally, hook up the sway control system.

How do caravan weight distribution bars work?

Caravan weight distribution bars don’t prevent swaying from occurring. However, they limit the possibility and effects by evenly spreading the caravan’s weight.

They provide resistance between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

When the former is in motion, the sway bars move forward and backward. The bars move in sync with the vehicle and prevent the caravan from applying forward force.

This creates a more balanced equilibrium and a lower risk of swaying.

Final Thoughts

Caravan sway bars are a brilliant accessory.

Many drivers don’t realise how valuable they are until they use them. Then they say that they would never be without them again. They greatly reduce safety hazards for you, other vehicles, and your caravan.

We recommend the EAZ Lift 600 series because of its excellent weight capacity and great price. However, the Pro Series alternative is also a dependable alternative.

If you have a heavier caravan, the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is a superb option. The system has a lot of fine features and it’s also very strong. Meanwhile, the Lippert Sway Command Kit is a fine high-tech option to preemptively prevent swaying.

Finally, if you’ve any questions about these products, please leave a comment below.