Tips to Control Trailer Sway

Using a trailer can be a great way to get a difficult job finished quickly. But towing a trailer can be a bit tricky. This is particularly true if you’re fairly new to towing in general. While you’ll want to spend plenty of time practicing and perfecting this skill in your spare time, you’ll want to be aware of one of the biggest hazards: sway. If a trailer gets big enough and the sway starts rocking the unit, you can create a seriously dangerous situation. That’s why Mountain West Trailers, LLC has provided you with some tips to preventing and reducing sway risk. If you need additional help, visit us in Heber City, Utah and we’ll help you with all your trailer related needs. We’re near SLC, Provo, Wasatch County and Summit County.

Prevention

Once sway starts, it can be incredibly difficult to control, so a lot of sway safety is about sway prevention. Start with a simple inspection before the trip. Check the tire pressure and treads to make sure they’ll be performing as is prescribed by your owner’s manual. Also make sure all your weight is distributed evenly, so if your trailer continues to underperform, you’ll know you’re looking at a mechanical problem with the unit. And of course, make sure the tongue, trailer, and tow vehicle aren’t overloaded, as this can be a major contributing factor to sway.

Tongue Weight

Speaking of weight, weight distribution should be one of your top priorities, no matter what you’re towing. Following good habits can not only make it safer and easier to drive, but it’s better for your trailer. You’ll want the cargo weight to be distributed evenly from side to side and follow the 60/40 rule for front to back distribution. This means 60% of the total weight is in the front half closer to the hitch and the remaining 40% tapers off the back. In fact, 10-12% of the overall weight should be resting on the tongue, also known as tongue weight. When this balance is off, you can wind up fighting your trailer for control.

Trailer Upgrades

At some point, your load will be heavy enough that you’ll need a friction sway control device. This helps stop the sway as it starts by stiff arming it in a way. They’re not only helpful, they’re required after a certain cargo weight, so make sure you’re investing in one that’s going to suit your trailer size. You can also get an adjustable one for a little more convenience.

Dealing with Windy Conditions

There are certain conditions that trigger sway even after all these preventative tips. The biggest offender is wind. Even a gentle push can start a snowball effect that can put you in a scary situation. To avoid the worst of it, make sure you check the weather every morning before you hit the road. High wind warnings that may not have been a big deal in the past may now dictate when, where or even if you can take your trailer. 

But wind in general isn’t avoidable. Whether it’s a surprise gust or a passing car, you’ll eventually have to reorient yourself after getting pushed around a little. Simply remain calm and keep the nose of the tow vehicle point towards where you want to be. Avoid slamming on the brakes or over correcting, as this can aggravate the problem. If the wind doesn’t seem to be dying down, consider pulling over for a little while until you can create a new gameplan. 

While there are certainly dangers to towing a trailer, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a stressful experience every time. By remaining calm and spending plenty of time practicing behind the wheel, you’ll have the confidence to get through any sticky situation. If you still need a trailer to tow around, stop by Mountain West Trailers, LLC and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We proudly serve Heber City, Salt Lake City, Provo, Wasatch County, and Summit County, UT.