Travel Trailer Sway Control Tips

Towing a travel trailer can be somewhat challenging if you’re new to it. One common issue that you might encounter is trailer sway, where your trailer drifts left or right due to winds, high speeds, or instability. Trailer sway can quickly become dangerous if you don’t get it under control, so you’ll want to take action to prevent it. Here’s what you can do.

Balance Your Cargo

Unbalanced cargo is a common cause of trailer sway. Try to balance your load from left to right when putting items in your cargo trailer. Place about 60% of the load towards the hitch and 40% of the load towards the rear. Also, don’t overburden your trailer, as this puts undue pressure on your tires.

Check the Forecast

High winds and slick roads can both cause trailer sway. If you take the time to check the weather before you head out, you may find that the forecast isn’t great for driving. You can delay your trip or take a different route that might be less challenging. If the weather gets bad while you’re driving, don’t be afraid to pull over and wait for it to pass.

Drive With Caution

When you’re towing your travel trailer, you should stay five to ten miles below the posted speed limit, but if conditions are bad, you’ll want to slow down even more so that your trailer doesn’t swerve out of control behind your towing vehicle. You’ll also want to give yourself lots of space so that you have room to bring your towing setup to a stop. Finally, try to avoid changing lanes, as this can lead to your trailer starting to sway.

When you’re ready to check out our wide stock of new and used travel trailers for sale, visit our California dealership in El Cajon. We can also help you with trading in your current model for a new camper. MYRV is proud to serve our customers in the greater San Diego, CA, metro area.