Travel Trailer Sway Control Tips
Every time you take your travel trailer out for an adventure, you’re at risk of experiencing trailer sway. It can be a stress-inducing event, so it’s important to know what you can do to minimize its effects. Read on for some tips on controlling travel trailer sway. If you need any more advice or you want to buy a new RV, call Casa Grande RV Sales in Casa Grande, Arizona. We are proud to serve Chandler and Gilbert too!
Prevention
A little prevention can go a long way when dealing with trailer sway. There are some proactive steps you can take to decrease your chances of experiencing this scary situation. Make sure to conduct a pre-ride inspection of your camper. Check the tire pressure as well as tread and make sure they are up to the standards laid out in your owner’s manual. Focus on packing your camper so that weight is evenly distributed and don’t overload your rig. There’s a weight limit for a reason!
Tongue Weight
The most common cause of trailer sway is misplaced weight on the tongue. You should shoot for resting about 10 to 12 percent of your rig’s weight on the tongue. Take your RV to a scale and adjust the weight as needed. Load heavier cargo towards the front of your camper and center it from left to right. Don’t forget to tie down the cargo so items don’t move around and undo your intentional weight placement!
Upgrades
If you want to do whatever you can to control trailer sway, consider getting some upgrades for your camper. Purchase a friction sway control device. This device will place resistance on the travel trailer and tow vehicle which will in turn reduce the impact of wind and sharp turns.
Dealing with the Wind
One more common cause of trailer sway is the wind. You should try to avoid driving in windy conditions as much as possible, but we know this isn’t always possible. Sometimes you have to deal with trailer sway in the moment. Try to avoid slamming on the brakes and instead gradually decrease your speed and apply the travel trailer brakes first. Keep the wheel steady and try to drive in as straight of a line as you can. Avoid making any sudden turns. If the wind is particularly bad, it may be best to pull over and wait it out.
We hope these tips will help you stay safe on the road! We know travel trailer sway isn’t fun, so if you want any more guidance, reach out to our team at Casa Grande RV Sales today. We are located in Casa Grande, Arizona and proudly serve Chandler and Gilbert. Let us help you find the perfect RV for your next road trip!