One of the dangers in towing something behind your truck is trailer sway. It can happen in a blink of an eye and catch even the most seasoned driver off guard. Thankfully, there are ways and equipment to mitigate trailer sway. Continue reading below to learn more about them.
Trailer sway, or fishtailing, happens when your trailer begins to move sideways while being towed. Unchecked trailer sway increases the wear and tear on your equipment and can tip over your vehicle and trailer.
Trailer sway can be caused by several factors, such as:
Ensure that the weight of your trailer is spread evenly, with a little extra weight in front of the axle. Load the front part of the trailer with roughly 60% of the total weight so that your trailer will remain stable and less likely to sway. You can also secure the load with nets or straps to prevent your load from moving while in transit, which could cause the trailer to become unstable.
Overloading your vehicle or trailer can compromise their handling and braking capabilities. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum towing capacity and ensure your setup stays within safe limits. Aside from causing trailer sway, exceeding the towing capacity can void your vehicle’s warranty and increase the risk of mechanical failure.
Having a truck and a trailer with a long wheelbase increases stability and reduces the tendency for the trailer to sway. When selecting a vehicle, consider models designed for enhanced towing stability. A shorter wheelbase might be easier to maneuver but could lead to increased sway, especially at higher speeds.
Avoid sudden steering, speeding, or braking when driving. By minimizing abrupt changes, you can keep your vehicle and trailer in line. It is also important to anticipate road conditions and plan your actions ahead of time to avoid unexpected corrections. Defensive driving techniques can also lessen the likelihood of trailer sways.
Reduce your speed when large vehicles pass by or when you’re driving over potholes and uneven roads. By slowing down, you can reduce factors that may cause sway and maintain more control of your vehicle. Additionally, slower speeds allow you more time to respond to unexpected wind gusts or changes in the road’s conditions.
Slowly reduce your speed by removing your foot from the pedal and steering straight. Avoid sudden movements and ensure that your truck and trailer are in line to avoid making the sway worse. The secret to regaining control is to remain composed and respond gradually.
Avoid using the brakes or overcorrecting the steering. Excessive steering adjustments may result in losing control, while braking may cause sway. Instead, when you slow down, hold onto the wheel steadily and let the trailer settle itself. If one is available, you may also use a trailer brake controller to help align the trailer.
Once you’ve got everything under control, stop and park somewhere safe and assess your trailer. Look for any problems that may have caused the instability, such as uneven loads or incorrect hitch connections before continuing your trip.
Following the advice we’ve mentioned above can drastically prevent trailer sway. But you can take it up a notch by installing our weight distribution hitch, specifically designed to prevent trailer sway and keep everything steady. Here’s an in-depth engineering breakdown of our product:
When you use our interconnected motion-dampening chains and sway-control ball housing system, your trailer or truck’s weight is distributed equally across the axles. This even allocation reduces rear-end sagging and improves handling. By creating a more level setup, you will have better control and stability of your vehicle even on rough roads.
Our built-in sway control system reduces the side-to-side motions that might make towing feel uncertain. This feature keeps your trailer stable behind you whether you’re traveling on a crowded highway or in windy circumstances.
Since our weight distribution hitch is tough but lightweight, your vehicle won’t be as strained as it should be. Additionally, these have noise-reducing features built in, so you can tow more quietly and smoothly, thus avoiding those annoying creaks and clanks.
Our sturdy weight distribution hitch reduces trailer drag. Aside from having efficient aerodynamics, you can also improve fuel economy and make towing easier due to the reduction of sway and retaining the alignment of the vehicle.
Our products were designed with ease of use in mind. Even beginners can easily install, modify, and uninstall our hitches. You’ll spend more time enjoying your trip and less time setting up because of our straightforward design and user-friendly manuals.
Our hitches are made of high-quality materials and designed to resist even the most extreme conditions. They are also resistant to rust and wear. Even with frequent use, this durability guarantees that your hitch will continue to be useful for many years.
Trailer sway is a serious concern for anyone towing a vehicle, but it can be managed effectively with useful information and the right tools. Knowing the common causes of trailer sway and practical prevention tips combined with high-quality equipment, you can tow with confidence and peace of mind. If you need assistance in finding the right hitch for your vehicle to prevent trailer sway, feel free to contact us.
Discount Applied Successfully!
Your savings have been added to the cart.
