Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

6 Best Friction Sway Control Hitch in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Friction sway control starts with the right mounting parts: ball mount adapters and a sway ball compared, with a clear note on what each one is and is not.

By Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab6 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

A friction sway bar is a sliding bar that links the ball mount to the trailer frame and resists sideways motion. Every pick below is a mounting part for that system, either an adapter plate for the ball mount or a replacement sway ball, and none of them is the friction bar itself.

That distinction drives the ranking. Each entry says what the part attaches to, what it needs from you, and the checks to make before you order, since a part that fits the wrong ball mount is the most common mistake in this category.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

Start with the job: Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter leads this shortlist for Flexible bar placement. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
Specs that separate the picks: The first details to compare are Two-sided sway adapter plate, Two-sided opening adapter, Replaces part 26003. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Friction bar is not included

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Friction Sway Control Hitch

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Adapter versus the bar
A friction sway bar is the slide bar and bracket that resists sway. An adapter plate or sway ball only gives that bar a place to attach. Read the title for the words adapter, plate or ball, and buy the bar separately.
02
Ball mount compatibility
These plates fit Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts. Mounts with other shank sizes or odd geometries may not take them. Check your ball mount class and the stud diameter before ordering.
03
One side or two
A two-sided plate lets the bar attach on either side of the ball mount, while a single-sided plate fixes you to one side. Two-sided plates cost slightly more. Look at your trailer's bracket position before choosing.
04
Hole sizes
The ball stud must pass through the main hole, and a mismatch means the plate will not seat. SHUJUKU lists a 1.02 inch main hole and a 0.66 inch secondary hole. Compare the numbers with your ball stud.
05
Finish and rust
Sway hardware lives near the hitch ball, where it gets road spray. A black anti-rust layer or chrome plating slows corrosion. Look for a named coating on the listing.
06
When to take it off
Friction sway bars resist motion both ways, so they should be loosened or removed when backing up and on slick roads. A sway ball makes that quick on some systems. Read the bar maker's guidance on removal before towing.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on rig fit and power or hookup compatibility, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review RV gear →

Detailed reviews

The 6 best friction sway control hitch, explained

Best Two-Sided Adapter · 1 of 6

Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter

Two-sided sway adapter plate
Class III and IV 2 inch mounts
Thickened steel construction

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Flexible bar placement

Our take

Best for a friction bar system where you want the flexibility of either side.

Why it made the shortlist

The JIANBENKJ is a two-sided sway control adapter plate for the ball mount, upgraded from a one-sided design. The listing says it fits Class III and Class IV 2 inch square ball mounts and is made of thickened steel.

Against the single-sided JIANBENKJ 26003 below, it gives you a mounting point on both sides, so the bar can go on whichever side suits your trailer. It costs a little more than the single-sided plates.

What works

Mounts on either side of the ball mount
Fits standard 2 inch square ball mounts
No welding needed
Steel built to take towing friction

Watch out for

Friction bar is not included
Fit is limited to Class III and IV mounts

Check price on Amazon

Best Two-Sided With Dimensions · 2 of 6

Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter

Two-sided opening adapter
1.02 inch main hole
0.3 inch thickness

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Best for: Checking fit by measurement

Our take

Like the others, it is a plate, not a sway bar.

Why it made the shortlist

The SHUJUKU two-sided adapter fits Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts, and its listing gives sizes: a 1.02 inch main hole, a 0.66 inch secondary hole and 0.3 inch thickness. It is made of thickened steel.

What works

Lists hole sizes for a fit check
Two-sided opening
Fits Class III and IV 2 inch mounts
Thickened steel is hard to bend

Watch out for

No rust coating is mentioned
A plate only, not a sway bar

Check price on Amazon

Best Single-Side Replacement · 3 of 6

Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Adapter

Replaces part 26003
Single-sided sway adapter
No welding needed

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Best for: Replacing a 26003 plate

Our take

Best for replacing a lost or bent 26003 plate on a bar you already own.

Why it made the shortlist

The JIANBENKJ 26003 listing describes a single-sided friction sway control ball mount adapter that replaces part 26003. It fits Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts and needs no welding.

It is a direct replacement for the 26003 plate on an existing friction system.

If you are starting fresh, the two-sided plate gives more flexibility.

What works

Direct replacement for a 26003 plate
Fits Class III and IV 2 inch mounts
No welding needed
Steel adapter plate

Watch out for

Mounts on one side only
Friction bar is not included

Check price on Amazon

Best Lowest-Priced Plate · 4 of 6

Shimeyao Replace Part #26003 Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

Replaces part 26003
Slides onto ball stud
Class III and IV 2 inch mounts

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Best for: Budget plate replacement

Our take

Best for a budget replacement of a 26003 plate.

Why it made the shortlist

The Shimeyao is listed as a replacement for part 26003, an anti sway ball mount adapter for Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts. The listing says it needs no welding, installs by removing the ball, sliding the plate onto the ball stud and tightening.

It is the cheapest of the adapter plates here, below the JIANBENKJ 26003 and SHUJUKU 26003.

What works

Bolts on without welding
Clear install steps in the listing
Thickened steel is hard to bend

Watch out for

No hole sizes are listed
Friction bar is not included

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Single-Side With Rust Coat · 5 of 6

Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Adapter

Single-sided 26003 adapter
Black anti-rust coating
1.02 inch main hole

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Best for: Rust-resistant replacement plate

Our take

Best for a replacement plate where rust protection and listed sizes matter.

Why it made the shortlist

The SHUJUKU 26003 is a single-sided adapter plate that fits Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts. The listing gives a 1.02 inch main hole, a 0.66 inch secondary hole, 0.3 inch thickness and a black anti-rust layer.

Compared with the JIANBENKJ 26003 above, it adds a stated rust coating and hole sizes.

What works

Rust-resistant black finish listed
Hole sizes are stated
Fits Class III and IV 2 inch mounts
One side opening for extra support points

Watch out for

One mounting side only
Friction bar is not included

Check price on Amazon

Best Replacement Sway Ball · 6 of 6

CURT 40093 Replacement Trailer Sway Control Ball

1-1/4 inch sway ball
5/8 by 1-3/4 inch shank
Chrome-plated steel

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Best for: CURT 17200 owners

Our take

Best for replacing a worn or lost sway ball on a CURT 17200 bar setup.

Why it made the shortlist

The CURT 40093 is a replacement sway control ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter and a 5/8 by 1-3/4 inch shank. The listing says it is the hitch-mounted attachment ball for CURT sway control unit 17200 and fits most weight distribution hitches or the CURT sway tab ball mounts.

Unlike the adapter plates above, it is the small ball the bar snaps onto, not a plate for the ball mount. It is chrome-plated, and the listing includes a zinc-plated hex nut and lock washer.

It does nothing without the bar and a trailer-side ball.

What works

Fits the CURT 17200 sway control unit
Includes hex nut and lock washer
High-strength steel with chrome finish
Fits most weight distribution hitches

Watch out for

Only useful with a compatible bar
Does not mount on a plain ball mount

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Part type

We separated adapter plates from replacement sway balls, and noted that none of the picks is a friction bar.

Fit statement

We compared which listings name Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts and which give hole dimensions.

Install effort

We checked whether each listing describes a no-weld, bolt-on install.

Corrosion protection

We noted stated coatings and finishes.

Side options

We compared one-sided and two-sided mounting plates.

Decision guide

Match a Friction Sway Control Hitch to Your RV

By What You Need to Replace

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Bar can go on either side	JIANBENKJ Two-Sided	Two-sided plate gives both mounting sides.
Want hole sizes to verify fit	SHUJUKU Two-Sided	Lists 1.02 inch and 0.66 inch holes.
Lost or bent 26003 plate	JIANBENKJ 26003	Direct 26003 replacement, single side.
Lowest cost plate	Shimeyao 26003	Cheapest plate with clear install steps.
Worn sway ball on a CURT 17200	CURT 40093	The hitch-mounted ball for that unit.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$10 to $30	CURT 40093 or Shimeyao 26003
$20 to $30	SHUJUKU 26003 or JIANBENKJ 26003
$20 to $30	SHUJUKU Two-Sided or JIANBENKJ Two-Sided

Plate vs Ball

Adapter plate

A flat steel plate that sits on the ball stud and gives the bar a mount. JIANBENKJ Two-Sided, SHUJUKU Two-Sided, JIANBENKJ 26003, Shimeyao 26003 and SHUJUKU 26003 fit here.

Sway ball

A small ball that the sway bar's socket snaps onto. CURT 40093 is the one sway ball here.

Most buyers rebuilding a friction setup need a plate, so default to JIANBENKJ Two-Sided unless you own a CURT 17200 bar.

By Finish and Detail

Preference	Recommended pick
Stated anti-rust coating	SHUJUKU 26003
Stated hole dimensions	SHUJUKU Two-Sided
Lowest price	Shimeyao 26003
Chrome-plated ball	CURT 40093

For a Travel Trailer Owner Adding a Friction Bar Specifically

Look for

A plate that fits your Class III or IV 2 inch ball mount, with a way to attach on the side your trailer bracket sits, such as the JIANBENKJ Two-Sided.

In this comparison

The JIANBENKJ Two-Sided and SHUJUKU Two-Sided give both mounting sides, while the single-sided plates fix you to one side.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the JIANBENKJ Two-Sided for the flexibility of either side, or the SHUJUKU 26003 if a stated rust coat matters.

Save if

Save with the Shimeyao 26003, which is the cheapest plate and lists a clear install, or the JIANBENKJ 26003 as a plain replacement.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Is a friction sway control hitch the same as a sway adapter?

No. The adapter plates and ball in this guide only mount a friction bar. The bar itself is a separate part, so check that you are buying what you need.

What mistake do shoppers make?

Ordering a plate without checking the ball mount class. The listings say Class III and IV 2 inch square ball mounts, so confirm yours before buying.

Is the JIANBENKJ Two-Sided worth it over the Shimeyao 26003?

If you may mount the bar on either side, yes. The Shimeyao 26003 costs less but gives one mounting side.

How do I install an adapter plate?

Remove the ball, slide the plate onto the ball stud, and tighten the ball fully, as the Shimeyao 26003 listing describes. No welding is needed.

Should I leave a friction bar on all the time?

Not on slick roads or when backing up. Friction bars resist motion in both directions, so loosen or remove them in those cases, following the bar maker's instructions.

Bottom line

The short version

Best Two-Sided Adapter
Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter
Check price for Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best Two-Sided With Dimensions
Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter
Check price for Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best Single-Side Replacement
Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Adapter
Check price for Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best Lowest-Priced Plate
Shimeyao Replace Part #26003 Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
Check price for Shimeyao Replace Part #26003 Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount (opens in a new tab)
Single-Side With Rust Coat
Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Adapter
Check price for Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best Replacement Sway Ball
CURT 40093 Replacement Trailer Sway Control Ball
Check price for CURT 40093 Replacement Trailer Sway Control Ball (opens in a new tab)

Browse more friction sway control hitch on Amazon →

About the author

Bowen Higgins

RV Editor at RV Gear Lab

Bowen covers RV power, water systems, towing and leveling, upkeep and interior comfort, with a focus on matching gear to the rig, the hookups and the way you actually travel.

6 Best Friction Sway Control Hitch in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Friction Sway Control Hitch

Adapter versus the bar

Ball mount compatibility

One side or two

Hole sizes

Finish and rust

When to take it off

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 6 best friction sway control hitch, explained

Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter

Trailer Hitch Sway Control Adapter

Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Adapter

Shimeyao Replace Part #26003 Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

Anti Sway Trailer Hitch Adapter

CURT 40093 Replacement Trailer Sway Control Ball

How We Built This Shortlist

Part type

Fit statement

Install effort

Corrosion protection

Side options

Match a Friction Sway Control Hitch to Your RV

By What You Need to Replace

By Budget

Plate vs Ball

By Finish and Detail

For a Travel Trailer Owner Adding a Friction Bar Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Is a friction sway control hitch the same as a sway adapter?

What mistake do shoppers make?

Is the JIANBENKJ Two-Sided worth it over the Shimeyao 26003?

How do I install an adapter plate?

Should I leave a friction bar on all the time?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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