Travel Trailer Sway Control

While it’s not too tricky to tow a travel trailer, there are some things you need to be aware of. One of the risks of towing is the chance that you’ll experience trailer sway, where the trailer sways on its bumper-pull hitch connection due to various conditions. This is dangerous, as it makes it harder for you to control the trailer while driving and your trailer could end up skating into other lanes of traffic. Here’s what to do to minimize the risks.

1. Don’t Overload Your Trailer

First, you need to make sure that you’re not overburdening your trailer with too much cargo. You can use a weigh station on the highway to determine if you’ve overloaded your trailer by matching the weight at the station with the weight limit in the owner’s manual. You should also endeavor to balance your cargo from left to right so that you’re not putting too much pressure on one side of tires.

2. Know the Weather Forecast

High winds and slippery roads are conditions that can cause trailer sway, so you should be appraised of the weather before every departure. Make sure that your route is going to be reasonably calm and dry. If the weather turns bad while you’re on the road, don’t be afraid to carefully pull over to wait it out.

3. Inspect Before You Go

Finally, make sure you inspect your towing setup by walking around the travel trailer and towing vehicle. Check your hitch to make sure it’s secure and double-check your towing chains are in place. Push in all slide-outs and make sure windows and doors are secured. You should also check the tire pressure on both vehicles so that low tire pressure doesn’t impact you.

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