Travel trailer sway can be stress-inducing for all types of travelers. Whether you’re new to towing an RV or you’re a seasoned expert, the uncontrollable moving of your rig can be enough to make anyone sweat. We've created this brief guide to help you control sway. If you have any questions or you want to look at some quality travel trailers for sale, visit Camping in Style in Whitby, ON.
Perform a Pre-Ride Inspection
A thorough pre-ride inspection can help you catch issues that contribute to travel trailer sway. First, give your tire treads a close look. Good traction is essential for staying in control of your trailer, and tires that show excessive or uneven tread wear should be replaced. Check your tire pressure and adjust as needed to match the range specified in your owner’s manual.
Distribute Weight in the Right Proportion
Placing too much or too little weight over the hitch of your travel trailer is a common cause of sway. Try to aim for 10 to 12% of the total cargo weight resting on the hitch. To do this, you can go to a commercial scale at a truck stop or a material supply store. Move and add or remove weight as needed. Try to keep heavy cargo towards the front of your trailer, centering it left to right. Use reinforcements to tie down the cargo so that it doesn’t shift as you drive.
Install a Friction Sway Control Device
A friction sway control device is a handy upgrade for preventing travel trailer sway, and there are a variety of these products available for different campers. They work by placing resistance on the trailer and tow vehicle, reducing the impact of wind gusts and sharp turns. You can adjust the resistance according to road and weather conditions. Higher tongue-weight campers can use friction sway control devices on both sides of the hitch for added protection.
Drive Carefully
Swaying can be a result of crosswinds and drafts from large vehicles passing you in the same or the opposite direction. Descending a hill without braking properly can also cause your unit to fishtail. Try to gradually decrease your speed, rather than slamming the brakes suddenly. When you need to engage brakes, apply your travel trailer brakes first. As you cruise down the road, focus on keeping your tow vehicle driving in a straight line.
By following these tips, you should be able to reduce the risk of sway while towing your camper. If you are looking for travel trailers for sale in Whitby, Ontario, feel free to get in touch with us at Camping in Style. We carry a wide range of models so it will be easy for you to find what you’re looking for! We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Oshawa and Mississauga.