trailer sway control

new to forum. i have a 2016 sr5 v6 with tow package. i have a 20 foot travel trailer that weighs 3000 lbs dry. have read what the trailer sway controller does. my question is do i still have to use a brake controller?

 

If your trailer has ELECTRIC brakes, then you need a brake controller.
If your trailer has HYDRAULIC brakes, then you do NOT need a brake controller (master cylinder is in the coupler).

Sway control has NO relation to brakes.
Sway control keeps the trailer from SWAYING.
Brakes allow you to make the trailer STOP.
If the trailer's tongue weight is high, you may also consider a weight distribution setup, which may INCLUDE sway control.

Sway control is generally NOT needed, if the trailer is balanced correctly.
Brakes ARE needed if the trailer is heavy.
Weight distribution isn't technically needed, but can improve control and ride quality dramatically.

 

Your Tacoma is almost certainly wired for trailer brakes if it has the tow package. $100 self install and you're setup for ebrakes. Didn't truly appreciate ebrakes until my 7pin plug came loose as we were coming down out of the Sequoias a few years ago. Damn trailer nearly pushed us off the road. Now check the connection at every stop. Sway bars aren't a must, but you'll appreciate them. Pain in the butt to hookup every time but levels the load. Just do it.

 

I tow pretty much same exact size trailer. You definately want a trailer brake controller in fact most dealers won't let you leave the RV lot without one. Mount it somewhere you actually get ahold of the manual over ride controll if need be and not in the glove box.....
I towed our trailer home with out a weight distribution system or sway controll due to the dealers ridiculous cost. It towed well without it but towed even better with it. I'm using passive friction sway device since the trailer is equipped with the active sway command system. The friction device makes a huge difference alone when getting passed by semi trucks. The WDH noticeably improves handling. I'm also running airbags which also help with handling and controll.

With that said the brake controller is a must. Sway controll is highly recommended with a trailer of that size per toyota (see your owners manual).
A WDH and airbags are not necessarily necessary but you will never regret using them.

 

Sway bars do NOTHING to "level" the load.
You're thinking of a load distribution hitch, which can also help reduce sway to some degree, since it helps you hold more load on the front of the trailer.
Some load distribution hitches ALSO incorporate one or two sway control bars, or facility to install them.

Load distribution are the big heavy spring bars, typically attach to the trailer by chains.
Sway bars are smaller bars that hook to the truck by ball and coupler. It looks like a smaller trailer ball beside the main ball. The sway bars are essentially shock absorbers that resist side-to-side oscillations

 

Toyota manual says sway control is required at past a certain weight.

 

My Sway bar cost $120 and I tow a 3000lbs camper. It is a very simple device that I attach after the camper is connected to the truck. It basically is a set of brake pads that pinch a shaft. You preload the tension by tightening a lever. The brake tension on the shaft keeps things rolling very smooth. DON'T confuse the brake tension on the sway controller with brakes on your truck or trailer.