If a lot of weight as at the back, it acts as a pendulum. Check out our guide to towing. Trailer sway is usually set off by a strong gust of wind, either from a side wind in exposed areas or from a passing truck, and quick changes of direction such as on winding mountain roads.
If you can apply the trailer brakes separately, do this immediately as that will drag the trailer back into line. Steer gently against the motion of the trailer. As you slow down, the trailer will stop swinging so violently. The risk of you losing control will depend on the overall weight of the trailer in relation to the towing vehicle.
If you have trailer brakes, you can manually apply them very gently once the speed has decreased. In some cases, a slight increase in speed can put forward pressure on the trailer tongue and straighten it a bit. Do NOT increase your speed if you are going downhill. Once you have regained control, pull over to a safe area and check your cargo to see if it shifted or needs to be moved around, so more weight is at the front of the trailer.
Stay about 10 mph under the speed at which you noticed the trailer sway starting. Get your hitch inspected to ensure it is not defective. Replace it if necessary. Consider upgrading your brake control system and install a weight distribution hitch.
What Causes Trailer Sway? Wind Gusts Wind is the most common cause of trailer sway. Poor Driving Conditions Aside from wind, there are other driving conditions that can cause your trailer to sway. Excessive Speed Many of the tires that come on a trailer are only rated for speeds up to 65mph, but many highway speeds allow you to go mph. Excessive Tongue Weight Excessive weight could be in the tongue weight or the weight of your trailer load.
Low Tire Pressure Without enough tire pressure on either the trailer or tow vehicle tires, the sidewalls can start to bow and compress. How To Prevent Trailer Sway While knowing what to do when trailer sway starts is important to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe, knowing how to prevent it is just as crucial.
Get Stiff Tires If you are towing with an SUV or a passenger vehicle, it likely came with Passenger tires designed to give you a smooth ride. Check You Tongue Weight Having a tongue weight that is too high or too low can increase the likelihood of trailer sway. Load Your Trailer Properly A trailer that has been loaded improperly is more likely to cause trailer sway. Be Safe on the Road Be a responsible driver and do your part to prevent trailer sway from starting.
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Only load cargo on the inside of the trailer. Maintain a speed of 55 miles per hour or less. Call Customer Service: Join Our Newsletter. Name First Last. Subscribe to Owner Resources.
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