Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Douglas
Swaying and rocking are two common problems that many people experience with their travel trailers. There are a few reasons why this might happen, but the most common is due to the weight distribution.
This article discusses how to fix this problem and what you can do to prevent it in the future.
How do I stop my trailer from swaying?
Proper Trailer Weight Distribution. Ensure that your trailer is loaded to the appropriate weight and is properly balanced to reduce trailer sway. Ensure your Trailer is not Overloaded. Use a Tow Vehicle with a Longer Wheelbase. Use a Tow Package. Avoid Sudden Movements. Slow Down.[1]
Does weight distribution hitch reduce sway?
Weight distribution hitches offer additional features to help with sway control. Better distribution of weight reduces the up-and-down motion of a trailer, while sway control addresses the side-to-side motion. Elements like passing cars and wind can lead to your trailer swaying back and forth.[2]
How tight should trailer sway bars be?
You would make it about as tight as you think it needs to be and then tow the trailer to see if it needs to be tighter or looser. If you made it as tight as you can then you would not be able to move the bar by hand but the force of the trailer pushing it around can move it.[3]
What do sway bars do on a camper?
A sway bar is part of your vehicle’s suspension, which includes your wheels / tires, springs, shocks, steering system, linkages, bushings, and joints. Sway bars help your ride handle turns and prevent body lean, the last thing you want while operating a motor coach or RV![4]
What should you do if a trailer starts to swing from side to side?
Explanation: Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side (‘snake’). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Don’t brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.[5]
Can too much tongue weight cause trailer sway?
If you don’t have enough weight on the trailer tongue, the trailer may be prone to swaying from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, if you have too much weight exerted on the hitch ball, the force could overload the rear tires of the tow vehicle and push the rear end of the vehicle around.[6]
How can I improve my towing stability?
Helper Bags. Adding helper air bags to the rear of your pickup is a safe and easy way to support additional tongue and bed weight. More Springs. Full-Air Replacement. Block It. Long-Travel Bags. Spring Stable. Weight-Distributing Hitch.[7]
Should travel trailer be level when towing?
Inspect the trailer to be sure it is level. If it is not level, the hitch ball height should be raised or lowered, as necessary. You may need spring bars rated for more weight if you cannot keep the tow vehicle from sagging in the rear.[8]
At what speed does a trailer sway?
Going faster than 65 mph or the max speed your trailer is rated for greatly increases the chances of trailer sway. The wind is a huge cause of trailer sway. Sudden strong gusts of wind can hit your trailer from the side and cause it to start rocking from side to side.[9]
Where should the most weight be in a trailer?
Where should the weight be on a trailer? More weight should be placed in front of the trailer axle and less weight behind. The ideal distribution of weight is 60% in front of the axle and 40% behind the axle.[10]
How do I know if my sway bar is bad?
Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system.[11]
How much trailer Sway is normal?
A good rule of thumb is 60 percent to the front, 40 percent to the back. Take into account things like slide-outs and appliances, and make sure you compensate by putting heavier items on the opposite side while packing. Check the weight of your loaded RV at a local scale and move gear around as needed.[12]