Controlling Travel Trailer Sway

When you’re new to towing a travel trailer, you have some things to learn. The task isn’t hard, exactly, but it does make driving different. One area where you may struggle is in controlling your travel trailer’s sway. Trailer sway can occur for a few different reasons, and prevention is key. Here’s what you can do about it.

Balance Your Load

Unbalanced cargo is a common cause of sway, as the heavier side of your trailer will lean awkwardly. Take the time to balance your cargo evenly between the left and right sides of your trailer, and place about 60% of the weight towards the hitch and 40% towards the rear of the trailer.

Drive Slow & Steady

Speeding is a common cause of sway, as it unbalances your trailer and reduces traction. Go at least five to ten miles below any posted speed limits and try not to switch lanes randomly. Signal your turns and lane changes in advance and take them carefully. Create a buffer between yourself and the vehicles ahead of you, too.

Check the Forecast

Finally, it can be helpful to check the forecast before your departure to see whether high winds or heavy rains are coming. You may want to find a different route or delay your trip if the weather looks bad; wet roads reduce traction and winds can cause sway even without any other factors.

If you end up driving through high winds unexpectedly, don’t be afraid to pull over until they pass. It’s better to be late than to get yourself into an accident.

Stop by our Utah dealership in Vernal to check out our wide variety of new and used travel trailers for sale. We also offer financing options. B&D RV Center is proud to be your Tri-State area family-owned travel trailer dealership, serving Salt Lake City, UT; Grand Junction, CO; and Rock Springs, WY.