Camco Sway Control Compatibility Problems — Buyer Review

Data basis: This report is based on dozens of written reviews and user comments plus video demonstrations collected between Jan 2015 and Feb 2026. Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by video demonstrations and Q&A posts.

Top failures

Who knew it wouldn't fit my hitch?

Compatibility shock: Many buyers find the unit only works with specific weight-distribution hitches and must be mounted on the right, passenger side.

Primary issue: This pattern is commonly reported at first setup and during pre-trip checks, and it causes immediate installation failure for many buyers.

Category contrast: This is worse than most mid-range sway controls because many alternatives accept a wider range of hitch styles and left/right mounting.

Why does installation take so long?

• Hard-to-align: Early signs include struggle to line up the slide bar with socket while under the trailer tongue.
• Fiddly clips: Owners report clips and self-tapping screws require extra time and force during setup.
• Secondary issue: Installation friction appears repeatedly across written reports and video demos during first assembly.
• Impact: Adds extra pre-trip time compared with the category baseline of easy clamp-on setups.

Does it actually reduce sway reliably?

• Inconsistent reduction: Some trailers show steady improvement while others report minimal change after installation.
• Usage context: Effectiveness often declines during long highway runs and in high crosswind conditions.
• Tertiary pattern: This outcome appears repeatedly but is not universal across all trailer setups.
• Cause: Limited contact pressure and pad wear are commonly cited as contributors in hands-on reports.
• Attempts to fix: Users try re-tightening, repositioning, or adding shims, with mixed success documented in demos.
• Category contrast: This is more disruptive than expected because mid-range units usually maintain consistent friction across varied conditions.

Will it survive long-term use and storage?

• Storage fuss: Removal is described as awkward by many users when stowing for seasonal storage.
• Wear signs: Reports show friction pads and clips can loosen or wear after repeated seasonal use.
• Edge-case issue: Late failures are less frequent but persistent across multiple seasons in some reports.
• Maintenance needed: Buyers commonly perform periodic tightening and pad checks to preserve function.
• Hidden requirement: Works best only with compatible hitches and regular maintenance, a step many buyers miss before purchase.
• Fixability: Replacement parts or upgrades are not always straightforward for non-Eaz-Lift hitches.
• Category contrast: This demands more upkeep than most mid-range alternatives, increasing long-term cost and effort.

Illustrative excerpts (not real quotes)

Excerpt: "It wouldn't latch on my hitch, so I had to return it." — primary

Excerpt: "Took far longer to set up than my old sway bar." — secondary

Excerpt: "Pads felt loose after a season of travel." — secondary

Excerpt: "Works only on the passenger side—surprising limitation." — primary

Who should avoid this

• Non-Eaz-Lift owners: Avoid if your trailer uses a different weight-distribution hitch; compatibility is a primary failure.
• Frequent travelers: Avoid if you need low-maintenance hardware for long highway trips; effectiveness can vary over time.
• First-time installers: Avoid if you want a quick clamp-on product; installation adds time and fiddly steps.

Who this is actually good for

• Eaz-Lift users: Good if you already own the matching Eaz-Lift adjustable hitch and need on/off sway control.
• Occasional campers: Good if you accept occasional re-tightening and storage effort in exchange for lower upfront cost.
• DIY maintainers: Good if you are comfortable with periodic pad checks and minor adjustments to keep performance.

Expectation vs reality

• Expectation: Reasonable for this category is a universal fit for common weight-distribution hitches.
• Reality: The Camco unit is limited to specific hitch styles and the right side, which causes immediate incompatibility for many buyers.
• Expectation: Reasonable is easy, quick removal for storage.
• Reality: Removal requires fiddly clips and extra steps, increasing prep time more than expected.

Safer alternatives

• Buy universal-fit: Choose sway controls that list broad compatibility with weight-distribution hitches to avoid the Camco fit issue.
• Prefer quick-release: Pick models with clamp or quick-release mechanisms to neutralize the installation friction problem.
• Look for tested durability: Choose units with documented long-term pad life or replaceable pad systems to avoid mid-season wear issues.
• Check side-mounting: Confirm left/right mounting options before purchase to avoid the hidden passenger-side restriction.

The bottom line

Main regret: The primary trigger is limited compatibility with specific hitches, which often becomes obvious at first setup.

Why it stands out: This exceeds normal category risk because many mid-range alternatives fit more hitch types and reduce the chance of immediate return.

Verdict: Avoid this unit if you need universal fit or low-fuss installation; keep it only if you already have the matching Eaz-Lift hitch and accept extra maintenance.