Travel Trailer Sway Control Tips

Driving while towing a travel trailer is not necessarily hard, but it does require you to make some changes to your typical driving habits. For example, one difficulty you may encounter while towing your trailer is a phenomenon called “trailer sway,” where the trailer is buffeted by wind or unbalanced in some fashion, so it sways into other lanes of traffic while on its hitch. Trailer sway can be quite dangerous, so it’s important to do everything you can to prevent it.

Don’t Overload Your Trailer

A common cause of trailer sway is the overburdening of the travel trailer itself. If you load up too much cargo in your trailer, the extra weight can put strain on it. Additionally, if the weight you have in your trailer is really unbalanced from left to right, you may experience sway. Always balance your loads carefully, pack light, and use a highway weigh station to double-check your weight if you’re concerned about it.

Avoid High Winds

Wind is another factor when it comes to trailer sway. High winds that blow on the sides of your trailer can push it to the left or right, causing it to sway precariously. Check the weather forecast before you start driving to make sure your route doesn’t have any storms or high winds on the horizon. If you encounter wind while you’re driving, don’t be afraid to pull over and wait it out in a safe area.

Drive With Care

Finally, as the driver, you must be cautious in how you operate your towing vehicle to reduce the risk of trailer sway. Always remain five to ten miles below the posted speed limit and avoid making lots of lane changes or sharp turns. Be prepared to cope with sway when it happens: keep a firm grip on your steering wheel and gently press down on the brake to slow your towing setup down until you get control of the trailer again.

Visit our dealership in Kyle, TX, to take a look at our fantastic stock of new and used travel trailers for sale. RV Land is proud to serve our customers in the cities of Austin and San Antonio, TX.