Abstract:
A sway control device for mounting on a towing vehicle employing a flexible connector passing over a frictionally damping surface or surfaces for preventing uncontrolled lateral movements of the towed vehicle. The flexible connector comprises preferably a tough, durable belt or cable having an external surface suitable for frictional damping use. A curved or arcuate structure is used in conjunction with the flexible connector for providing the friction damping surface which is positioned to encompass the common pivotal hitch connection of a towed trailer to the towing vehicle to retain and limit vertical, lateral, forward and rearward movement of the trailer coupler in event of disconnection while the trailer is being towed. Means for attachment of a safety chain linkage is incorporated into the device for additional safety when towing. Simplicity of installation, operation and interchangeability of the device is dependent on the design and utility of its component structure for proper operational functioning and for use on other trailers to be towed by the same vehicle are features of the disclosed device.