Preventing Trailer Sway
If you own a towable RV, then you run the risk of encountering trailer sway. This is a risky, unsafe situation that happens when the camper begins swaying out of the driver's control. You want to avoid this hazard at all costs. That's why we gathered up the following strategies for preventing trailer sway. If you have any questions or want to shop RVs for sale, chat with the experts at The RV Guys. Our dealership is based in Valley View, Texas, and we proudly serve those in North Texas.
Limit The Chances Of Trailer Sway Happening
There are steps you can take that reduce the possibility of encountering trailer sway. Sure, you may not be able to prevent every possible situation from occurring. But it can certainly help reduce the chances, which help increase the safety of your road trips.
Inspect Your RV Before The Trip
If there are hidden problems with your camper, it could increase the chances of encountering trailer sway on the drive. Before your vacation, take a minute to inspect your RV. Make sure the tires are in good condition, the braking system is working fine, and so on. If you catch any problems, bring your camper to a service department and get them fixed before your trip date.
Know The Weight Limits
There are three key weight limits to know: the one for the tow vehicle, the one for the hitch, and the one for the trailer. Always stay within those limits! They exist to promote a safe drive. Exceeding those limits can boost the chances of trailer sway. If you can't remember the weight limits, look them up in the corresponding owner's manual.
Load Up Cargo Intentionally
It's tempting to load up the trailer with speed, not strategy, in mind. But it's important to be mindful of where you are placing the supplies. Putting too much weight on one side of the RV can increase the chances of trailer sway. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed from left to right. It's also helpful to put the heavier items at the front of the RV.
Don't forget to secure everything you pack. Loose items can tumble about the camper and easily break. This will also undo the efforts of evenly distributing the weight.
Add An Upgrade To The Camper
If you don't mind a little financial investment, there are accessories that help reduce the chances of trailer sway. A popular one is a friction sway control device. It works by putting resistance on the camper and tow vehicle, which reduces the impact of turns and wind.
Be Flexible With Departure Time
For some vacations, the time that you leave does not matter as much. You may be driving to a campground with a wide check-in window, for example. If you are ready to hit the road, but notice an excessive amount of wind, consider adjusting your departure time. Waiting an hour can help you avoid windy conditions altogether - without altering your trip that much.
Know How To Handle Trailer Sway
Your best line of defense is to prevent trailer sway. But trailer sway can still happen - and it's important to know how to navigate that situation.
The first key step is to avoid slamming on the brakes. It can be a knee-jerk reaction, but it's better to apply the trailer brakes first and slowly decrease your speed.
Next, focus on driving in a straight line. Try to keep yourself as straight as possible, which will help the camper sway less.
Finally, know when to pull over. Heavy winds can be brutal for large vehicles towing an RV. If a safety situation arises, get to a safe spot at a rest stop or the shoulder of the road and wait it out.
We hope you found this guide on preventing trailer sway helpful. For more advice or to shop RVs for sale, talk to the friendly staff at The RV Guys. We are happy to assist with anything you need, from repairing your camper to helping you pick your next purchase. Our RV dealership is located in Valley View, Texas. We are also proud to serve those throughout North Texas.