why does my travel trailer sway so much

Ask The RV Engineer

11 causes of trailer sway and how to stop it – myths vs facts.

Trailer sway is the stuff of nightmares. It’s a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. It’s the number one cause of RV accidents in this country.

If you’re the sort of person who can’t help but rubberneck when driving past a car crash, there’s no shortage of nail-biting trailer sway footage on YouTube. Here’s one I curated for your horrified enjoyment:

Now that I’ve made your palms a little sweaty, let’s make sure you stay on the correct side of a dashcam recording.

What Is RV Trailer Sway?

Trailer sway is also known as fishtailing or whipping. It’s a persistent side-to-side swaying motion, usually at higher speeds.

The cause is when the trailer is moving faster than the tow vehicle. This manifests itself as a side-to-side oscillation of the trailer. This can be due to crosswinds, uneven roads, steep mountain roads, insufficient tongue weight, or evasive driving maneuvers. I’ll talk more about common causes of trailer sway below.

Trailer sway is insidious because it’s so difficult to predict. Under some circumstances, a swaying trailer will quickly re-align with the tow vehicle. In others, a swaying trailer will continue to sway in increasing oscillations until it completely overwhelms the tow vehicle and BOOM! – crash! This can happen in a matter of seconds.

Do All RVs Have Trailer Sway?

No, not all RVs are subject to trailer sway. It only affects towable RVs (although motorhomes can have their own sway problems!). And because 5th wheels pivot directly atop, not behind, the rear axle, the trailer sway problem mostly affects travel trailers – which just so happen to be the most popular kind of RV!

Trailer sway has literally caused RV owners to quit the lifestyle because they’re so terrified of losing control. It’s a serious problem if you’ve never towed an RV before .

(This is one reason why practically no other country allows drivers without a special permit to tow something so large and so heavy.)

As American RV owners, we enjoy unparalleled, unfettered access to public highways and larger-than-life RVs. That’s a privilege not to be taken lightly. Your safety – and the safety of those around you – depends on it.

If you intend on towing a 7,000-lb mini-house, you need to learn how to mitigate and eliminate trailer sway.

11 Common Causes of Trailer Sway

1. insufficient tongue weight.

One of the most common causes of trailer sway, particularly for travel trailers, is insufficient tongue weight. Tongue weight must be at least 10-15% of the gross trailer weight for travel trailers, and 15-25% for fifth wheels.

You should always weigh your camper trailer before every trip to determine proper gross trailer weight and tongue weight. If you haven’t weighed your camper, assume tongue weight should be 10-15% of the GVWR. That is the more conservative option.

Without sufficient tongue weight, this can happen:

2. Poor Weight Distribution Adjustment

If your WDH isn’t set up correctly, it can be returning too much weight to the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer’s rear axle. This effectively reduces tongue weight and, even worse, reduces traction on the tow vehicle’s rear axle.

You also want to centralize the weight distribution of your camper. Tongue weight is not the be-all-end-all. The distribution of mass matters as well. Keep the heaviest loads close to the trailer’s axle (preferably just in front of it), and avoid stashing heavy loads near the ends of the RV (this includes full water tanks, too).

3. Stiff Crosswinds

If you’ve ever driven across Wyoming, you’re familiar with wind’s incredible power. The broad, flat side of your towable RV is nothing but a sail. C rosswinds will attempt to push your RV right off the road – but it’s coupled to your tow vehicle with a coupler or 5th wheel hitch, a rotating pivot point.

And if we go back to high school science, we realize that this is a classic lever-and-fulcrum situation. Your RV has become a multi-thousand-pound lever trying to pry and spin your tow vehicle out of alignment. The trailer applies a steering torque to your tow vehicle.

Do not drive in stiff crosswinds. Listen to the DOT. No amount of careful driving can save you from a hellbent crosswind.

4. Semi-Truck Gusts

I used to ride a Honda Rebel 250cc motorcycle (not much bigger than a dirtbike) down the Interstate. I rode at wide-open throttle every mile – out of safety! I couldn’t let a semi-truck pass me trundling along at 50 mph; the crosswinds alone could rip me out of the saddle!

Give semi trucks a wide berth as they pass you. They create a powerful bow wave and vacuum vortex that will blow you out and then suck you back in a few seconds later. It’s very disorienting.

5. Too Small a Tow Vehicle

There. I said it. I said what your RV salesman won’t!

Ok, so here’s what I mean. Does a smaller or shorter tow vehicle cause trailer sway? No, not technically … but once a trailer starts swaying, it’s up to your tow vehicle to resist it. And a lightweight, short-wheelbase SUV just can’t handle the fishtailing of a massive RV.

There are three design geometries you want to watch out for:

• What’s the tow vehicle wheelbase? In other words, how far apart are the front and rear axles? The longer, the better! It’s like the difference between a sea kayak and a whitewater kayak.
• What’s the tow vehicle rear overhang? The farther away the tow vehicle hitch from the rear axle, the more susceptible the vehicle will be to the effects of trailer sway. Hitch extenders are bad for this same reason.
• What’s the tow vehicle weight? Ceteris paribus, a heavier tow vehicle will always resist trailer sway more than a lighter one. A tiny tail can’t wag a giant dog!
• (Bonus) What’s the width (track) of the tow vehicle? Generally, a wider tow vehicle, such as a dually truck, will tow with much more stability than a narrower vehicle, like a crossover SUV.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of this topic. In fact, we’ve barely scratched the surface of trailer sway! For more information, check out one of my favorite YouTubers and his video on 10 causes of trailer sway:

6. Underinflated Tires

Underinflated tires are squishy tires, where the sidewalls can bow and compress like springs. Inflate your tires to the correct pressure!

7. Evasive Driving Maneuvers

The last time I hit a chipmunk while driving, I almost cried. I hate needlessly killing animals. But if I’m towing a trailer, chipmunks and turtles had better get out of my way, because I’m not swerving!

When towing an RV camper trailer, avoid quick changes of direction.

• Merge slowly
• Turn early and turn wide
• Crawl around hairpin turns
• Drive like Grandma
• Follow the 3-Second distance rule

8. Potholes and Rough Roads

Anything that pushes your RV sideways can cause trailer sway. Potholes, rumble strips, asphalt cracks, and other road imperfections can all cause sideways forces.

Your solution to rough roads is simple: Reduce your speed. This is particularly important in construction zones, where clearance is minimal, and any trailer sway could become catastrophic.

9. Rain, Ice, and Snow

If your trailer tires lose traction, the trailer may begin to slide or slip due to its own weight. Here’s a guide to driving in RV in winter weather conditions.

10. High Speeds

A full explanation of why increased speed amplifies trailer sway is beyond the scope of this guide. People much smarter than me have composed full dissertations in differential equations on the physics of this matter. According to ProPride, s peeds above 45 mph tend to create trailer sway in any trailer! Physics dictates that every trailer-tow vehicle combination will sway at some speed, and the threshold can be immediate. Just increasing your speed by 5 mph can have drastic effects.

Here’s a Changing Gears guide to how fast you should really be driving your RV.

11. Driving Downhill

Towing downhill can cause your trailer to roll faster than your tow vehicle – especially if your trailer brakes are old and worn out. When your trailer wants to move faster than your tow vehicle, it will begin to yaw (sway) to one side.

Bonus: NOT Weight

Did you notice what’s not on this list? Weight!

That’s right – the total weight of your RV doesn’t usually factor into the cause of trailer sway. With that said … the full answer is a little more complicated.

• Because while a lighter RV may not be less susceptible to trailer sway, a lighter camper is less likely to overwhelm your tow vehicle once it starts swaying.
• And a lighter camper of the same length and height as a heavier camper will respond more quickly to sideways forces.

So while weight doesn’t cause trailer sway, it does affect the aftermath, as a larger RV relative to the tow vehicle is liable to overwhelm the tow vehicle.

How to Stop Trailer Sway

Step 1: let off the gas pedal to reduce speed.

Resist the instinct to stomp on the brake pedal. Without getting too technical, what usually happens is your tow vehicle stops “faster” than your trailer, which means your trailer wants to accelerate into your tow vehicle – and if it’s off balance, that’s exactly what it’ll do.

If you’re going downhill, apply light pressure to the brake pedal to gradually and safely slow down.

Now, some people suggest slightly increasing your speed to reduce trailer sway. This is because accelerating the tow vehicle naturally tries to bring the trailer into alignment and equalizes their speeds. If, for instance, your trailer gets knocked off course by a pothole, a slight acceleration can bring the trailer to heel.

But don’t do this!!

Because your panicky human brain isn’t a supercomputer than can calculate the exact cause of trailer sway. Because if you’re wrong, and the trailer sway is due to improper loading or sideways forces, then you’re just adding fuel to the fire. You’ll only amplify the oscillations and increase the risk of an all-out high-speed rollover crash.

Step 2: Keep the Steering Wheel Straight

Don’t oversteer. Keep the wheel straight, even if the tow vehicle begins spinning left or right. Cranking the wheel back and forth will only amplify the problem.

Step 3: Manually Activate the Trailer Brakes

If possible, manually activate the trailer brakes from the trailer brake controller. Most of the time, your trailer brakes are activated when you push on the brake pedal (and in the case of a proportional brake controller , are linked to the intensity of the push as well). Since you don’t want to stomp on your brake pedal, you’ll need to activate the trailer brakes manually.

Step 4: Pull Over at a Safe Place

Congrats – you didn’t become a statistic!

But you need to sleuth out what went wrong. Is the camper loaded improperly? Were you driving too fast? Are the crosswinds too strong? Do you need to adjust the friction on your anti-sway bars?

Take your time. Your life is literally on the line!

You Are Towing With a Weight-Distribution Hitch, Right?

Look, I get it. As an RVer, you’re drowning in gadgets. Do you really need on more? One that costs several hundred dollars?

Yes, you do. I’m not a “retail therapy” kind of guy, but if you’re towing a heavy travel trailer, a weight-distributing anti-sway hitch is mandatory. Forget all the myths and misconceptions about WDHs; you need one!

Essentially, an anti-sway hitch either dampens the sway or locks/extends the pivot point. Now your tow vehicle and trailer move as one.

This is not a what’s-the-best-weight-distribution-hitch review article. But I do want to quickly break down your options into three categories:

The Good: Friction Control

Your typical entry- to mid-level weight-distribution hitch, like a basic Reese, Curt, or Husky, uses an adjustable friction pad to dampen sway. Details vary by manufacturer, but they all work more or less the same way. You can adjust the amount of friction depending on your setup and road conditions.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with an anti-sway friction control bar. But they don’t really eliminate the problem; they just mitigate it. If you put a lot of miles on your RV, or you’re towing with a marginal TT/TV combination (aka, short-wheelbase SUV), then you can do better.

The Better: Variable Resistance

Now we’re looking at something like the Blue Ox SwayPro, the Andersen No-Sway WDH, or the Equal-I-Zer. All great hitches, and t hey all employ some clever mechanism that can modulate the resistance to lateral swaying. Many experienced RVers soon upgrade to one of these hitches.

The Best: Lock It Out!

The two big names in premium travel trailer hitches are Hensley and ProPride 3P hitch. Of these two, the ProPride 3P hitch has a reputation for being easier to use.

I haven’t used either one. But they’ve achieved near cult-level status. Airstream owners, in particular, seem to go absolutely ga-ga over the ProPride 3P hitch.

Yes, they’re expensive: $2,000+. But buy once; cry once!

There’s no perfect hitch – not even a ProPride 3P. If you’re limited to 500 lbs hitch weight, for instance, you might not be able to afford the weight of a ProPride. You might be better off with a lightweight Andersen WDH, which is one of my favorites. Just don’t wait for an accident to make your decision for you.

4 responses to “11 Causes of Trailer Sway and How to Stop It – Myths Vs Facts”

The ball on my antisway hitch is positioned 6.5 inches farther behind my receiver than my standard hitch that I use for small trailers. Is there a reason for this? I could easily move my antisway hitch closer to my reciever (and rear axle) 2 inches or more. Would this be a mistake?

As long as you don’t run into clearance or interference issues (such as when taking sharp turns), it is recommended to keep the hitch overhang as minimal as possible. So if you can move the hitch 2″ closer to your rear axle, do it! 🙂

In terms of performance, is a chain WDH or a bar WDH superior? Or is that even the right question?

That’s a difficult question to answer, Karl! Different pros and cons of both: different setup times, weight ranges, ease of backing up, etc. Sometimes the construction of the travel trailer tongue and coupler makes a big difference, since some types of couplers aren’t approved for use with chain (Andersen) weight-distribution hitches. There’s nothing wrong with either one as long as they’re set up properly.

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How To Stop Travel Trailer Sway

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Towing a travel trailer can be tricky, and even dangerous if you don’t know how to stop travel trailer sway. If you’ve ever seen your trailer drifting side to side or felt the force of it pulling you all over the road, you’ve experienced sway.

Trailer sway, or fishtailing as it’s often called, can be a true white-knuckle experience. If you’re in love with your travel trailer, but not with the thought of towing it down the road, we’re here to help! 

In this article, we will share with you a few simple things you can do to minimize travel trailer sway. We will also prepare you for how you can stay calm, and recover if fishtailing occurs.

We will cover everything you need to know to proceed with confidence and stay safe on your next travel trailer adventure!

6 Reasons Why Does a Trailer Sway?

If you want to stop travel trailer sway, you must first understand why sway occurs. There are six main causes of sway.

One of the most common causes of travel trailer sway is the wind. Travel trailers sway because they are top-heavy. Also, with their large, flat sidewalls, a small gust of wind can push them to one side or another.

2. Passing High Profile Vehicles

Any time your travel trailer passes by a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck, a vacuum is created between your RV and the semi-trailer. Once one of you passes the other, the low pressure is broken, pushing you away from each other. Being prepared for this attraction/detraction effect can minimize travel trailer sway.

3. Improper Distribution of Weight

Improper weight distribution, particularly if there is not enough weight near the hitch, will cause increased sway. According to Purdue University , the optimal tongue weight of a travel trailer is 10-15% of the RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Fifth wheels should have a hitch weight of 20%.

4. Overloading Your Trailer or Your Tow Vehicle

Every tow vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If your RV has a total weight over that manufacturer-approved amount, you risk fishtailing. It is important to consider the weight of all cargo, including passengers, in your calculations. If something unfortunate happens, insurance companies deny claims due to exceeding the GVWR.

5. Improper Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires can reduce the load capacity of your tow vehicle. Remember, overloaded vehicles are prone to sway.

6. Uneven Roads or Potholes

Uneven roads, potholes, dirt roads, and other road hazards can also cause sway. If there is no alternative, you should cross these sections of the road at a slower speed for better control.

The Right Towing Set Up to Minimize Travel Trailer Sway

Now that we have established what might cause an RV to fishtail, we can focus on building the right towing set up to minimize travel trailer sway.  

1. A Vehicle With a Tow Package

The vehicle that you use to tow your travel trailer can have a huge impact on how much sway you experience. A vehicle with a long wheelbase will be less susceptible to sway. 

You should also choose a car, truck, or SUV equipped with a tow package. A tow package ensures your vehicle has all of the installed components needed to “grip it and rip it” down the road.

2. Weight-Distribution Hitch

When you pair the best towing hitch with your properly equipped vehicle, you have the greatest chance of minimizing travel trailer sway. Weight-distribution hitches spread across all of the axles, so it’s not focused completely on the ball hitch.

Proper weight distribution will help prevent sway from starting. Weight distribution hitches also help prevent the back of the tow vehicle from dipping. This ensures the driver has more control to overcome sway should it occur. Additionally, weight distribution hitches with spring bars apply some side-to-side counterpressure that can help reduce sway.

3. Sway Control Device

Even more important than a weight-distribution hitch is a sway control device. This crucial piece of equipment creates resistance against side-to-side movement. Its sole purpose is to reduce sway.  

If you have a smaller trailer, a sway bar may be all you need to reduce travel trailer sway. But more commonly, you will want to use a sway control device in addition to a weight-distribution hitch. Many weight distribution hitches come equipped with sway control devices. Even if your weight distribution hitch doesn’t include a sway control device, it is usually very easy to add one.

What Causes Trailer Sway?

Travel trailer sway is sometimes unavoidable, but more often sway is caused by human error. Fortunately, there are many new habits you can employ that will help prevent sway. 

It is very important not to overload your trailer or your tow vehicle. Always check the specifications of both your tow vehicle and RV (the Gross Combined Weight Rating or GCWR) and stay well within the guidelines. Keep the tires of your travel trailer and tow vehicle properly inflated to avoid accidentally reducing the load capacity.

U-Haul suggests loading 60% of your cargo in the front half of the trailer to avoid sway. The same can be applied to packing gear for a camping trip. Don’t forget to secure it so it doesn’t shift as you travel down the road.  

If you properly pack your camper, you will reduce the likelihood that the backend of your camper will start to fishtail. Proper weight distribution also puts more weight near the tongue, thereby giving you better control of the RV.

A cardinal rule while towing a travel trailer is to avoid sudden movements whenever possible. Remember that every small movement of the steering wheel is amplified when towing a trailer.

You should familiarize yourself with your route before you travel. If you know what lane you need to be in well before an exit, you can avoid sudden lane changes.

It is also a best practice to anticipate travel conditions and plan accordingly. If possible, avoid traveling on exceptionally windy days. Finding alternative routes that go around construction zones can prevent many potential travel trailer sway battles.

Use RV-friendly trip planners like RV Life Trip Wizard that help you avoid construction zones and other roads that are not suited for your motorhome or travel trailer.

What Is Trailer Sway and Why Is It Dangerous?

Trailer sways side-to-side, it can be dangerous to you and other vehicles on the road. If not properly corrected, the side-to-side movement of the travel trailer can build momentum. If not corrected, the tow vehicle’s tires can lose their grip on the road as the car, truck or SUV starts rocking.

This can cause the trailer to drift into neighboring lanes, jackknife into the tow vehicle, or even flip itself and the towing car. The bottom line is that travel trailer sway puts everyone on the road in great danger.

4 Steps To Recover From Trailer Sway

Even the most prepared drivers will not always be able to prevent sway, so you need to know how to recover from trailer sway.

If you grew up in the midwest as I did, you have likely heard the term “don’t veer for deer.” This popular euphemism warns against overcorrecting. We can apply this same warning to trailer towing. If you feel your trailer start to sway DO NOT react impulsively and steer the wheel rapidly in the opposite direction.

1. Keep the Wheel Straight

If you try to steer out of the sway, your sudden movement will only increase the problem. You will almost certainly cause your travel trailer to fishtail more. Instead, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep it straight.

2. Gentle Brakes

Your next priority should be to slow down. But do this carefully. Resist the urge to slam on the brakes since this will intensify the problem. Instead, you should let up on the gas pedal and allow your vehicle to slow on its own. Once you have started to slow, you can gently apply the trailer and tow vehicle brakes.

3. Pull Over and Inspect the Aftermath

As soon as you regain control, pull off the road and evaluate your weight distribution. Make sure your cargo has not slid around. Also, make sure that your hitch and sway bar are both properly connected. 

4. RVs Cruise, Racecars Race

When you venture back onto the road after experiencing sway, you will probably be a little timid.  That’s for good reason as sway can be both dangerous and scary. You will want to reduce your speed to avoid sway going forward. 

RVers sometimes forget that the tow vehicles are made for torque, not speed. Cruise down the road at a manageable pace. A good rule of thumb is to continue at a speed 10 mph slower than the speed you were traveling when you first felt sway.

Controlling Sway on Your RV is Possible

You can control sway on your RV when you are aware of the many causes. Wind, high profile vehicles, improper weight distribution, overloading your trailer, improper tire pressure, poor road conditions, and human error can all contribute to travel trailer sway. 

You can minimize the likelihood of sway by investing in and maintaining quality equipment, packing carefully, and pre-planning your route.

Even with the best equipment and preplanning, there will always be factors out of your control.  The most experienced and aware drivers can be caught off guard. How you attempt to recover when your trailer begins to fishtail can make all the difference.

Do not slam on your vehicle brakes. Instead, allow the vehicle to slow on its own. While slowing, be sure to firmly grip the steering wheel keeping it straight. Once you begin to slow, gradually apply your trailer brake if you have one. Never try to steer out of the sway.

Keeping your composure, and reacting appropriately will ultimately help you recover from sway should it occur.  Doing all of the above will build your confidence and keep you safe on the road.  

Related Reading:  

Most common travel trailer ball hitch size, which rv is the easiest to drive, 35 biggest rv beginner mistakes to avoid, 20 best ways to reduce rv weight, when is it too windy to drive an rv, about the author, laura tyrell – author and part time rver.

Laura is a part-time RVer and a full-time mom of three.  Long-time campers and RVers before children, Laura, and her husband have fallen even more in love with the RV lifestyle since becoming parents to a child with food allergies. 

Having her own kitchen on wheels makes her RV trips amazing. Laura is passionate about finding ways to make traveling with young children fun, easy, and attainable.

1 thought on “How To Stop Travel Trailer Sway”

It makes sense that you should avoid overloading your trailer. I need to get a trailer that I can use to load some equipment. I’ll be sure to avoid loading too much.

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What is Trailer Sway and How to Avoid It - Trailer Valet

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Trailer Towing Tips: How to Prevent Trailer Sway

There are few things more frightening while towing your recreational vehicle than trailer sway. A sudden gust, a passing 18-wheeler or a quick steering correction can start your trailer swaying or fishtailing. The loss of control can mean tipping your valuable recreational vehicle or causing a serious accident.

Even the most experienced drivers have lost control of their towed trailers with disastrous results. A brief encounter with sway on the highway can quickly put a damper on your vacation and make you think about putting the camper back in the garage or up for sale. This article can help you understand what causes trailer sway and help keep yours upright.

What causes trailer sway?

Listed below are the most common causes of trailer sway.

1. Hitch adjustments

Any trailer towed with a hitch set behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle can sway or fishtail while driving. The hitch acts as a pivot point between the centers of gravity of the two vehicles. Any trailer sway or side-to-side force will turn the vehicle and create an unexpected steering force.

If that sideways force is strong enough, it can be more powerful than the road-tire friction of the drive wheels on the vehicle. This can cause the trailer, and maybe even the truck or car, to tip over or separate.

2. Wind and drafts

A truck passing at a fast speed can cause a powerful gust of wind, hitting your trailer and creating side-to-side movement. It’s almost impossible to avoid this happening on most roads, so you should expect this to happen and equip your truck with RV sway control systems that help reduce swaying caused by crosswinds. [1]

Because trailers tend to be taller and wider than other vehicles on the road, they are more sensitive to crosswinds. This causes the “sail effect,” which happens when the trailer catches the wind. If the wind comes from the side, this can change its trajectory. However, if the wind comes from the front, it slows down the trailer, and if it comes from the back, it accelerates the trailer. And the impact of the wind on the road can be quite dangerous. In 2020, there were more than 1,000 large truck crashes due to severe crosswinds. [2]

To safely tow a trailer, it’s recommended to reduce your usual operating speed based on the severity of the wind. The safe driving speed decreases as wind speed increases. [3]

3. Weight distribution and balance

Since one of the main reasons that trailers sway is improper load placement, it’s important to balance your load. It’s also important that your trailer weight does not exceed axle ratings, towing capacity or weight ratings of the hitch, receiver or hitch ball. [3a]

Having an imbalance of weight in your trailer can be dangerous, making it swing more dramatically once a sway starts, like a pendulum around its center of gravity. [4]

10 tips to prevent trailer sway

The best way to correct trailer sway is to avoid it in the first place. Follow these general tips when towing:

• Use the manufacturer-recommended gear when towing.
• Slow down. Moderate driving speeds produce less strain on your vehicle and trailer, reducing the chance for trailer sway.
• Stay vigilant of what’s happening around you. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
• Check the tire pressure. Underinflated tires reduce the load-carrying capacity of your vehicle or trailer, which can cause sway.
• Don’t drive onto a soft shoulder when passing. This could cause your trailer to jackknife or sway out of control.
• Make wider turns at corners and curves.
• Release the accelerator and grip the steering wheel when larger vehicles pass you.
• Check that the hitch is secured to the trailer that you are towing.
• When turning or adjusting direction, make slight movements of the steering wheel.
• If you have an electric trailer brake system, activate it if swaying occurs. Applying your tow vehicle brakes in an attempt to correct the situation could actually increase the sway. [5]

Evenly distributing the cargo weight toward the front of the trailer should help reduce instability and sway. The tongue weight of the trailer, or the downward weight at the front of the trailer carried by the hitch ball, is determined by the placement of the cargo. Your average tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of your overall weight. [6]

To distribute the weight in your trailer correctly, follow the 60/40 rule. 60% of the weight should be in the front of the axle, while 40% should be placed behind the axle. If you accidentally load too much cargo into the front (exceeding the 10-15% tongue weight range mentioned above), you could experience increasingly poorer handling of your vehicle and trailer. [6]

How to reduce trailer sway

Several hitch designs claim to reduce sway through differences in design. Do your research on which hitch is right for your vehicle, your trailer, and your load weight.

Sway control hitches

There are several options, including friction bar sway control, 2- and 4-point sway control, electronic and duel-cam sway control systems. Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages for the context. Make sure you understand your towing specifications and the capabilities and limitations of each type before choosing one and hitting the road. [6a]

Weight distribution hitches

Weight distribution hitches use special parts to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer among all the axles, on both the tow vehicle and trailer. As stated above, when the trailer weight is unevenly distributed, it can lead to poor handling and sway.  Weight distribution hitches are aimed at mitigating any imbalance to create a smoother and safer ride. [7]

Controlling trailer sway

If your trailer starts to sway on the road, activate the manual trailer brake controloverride by hand by following these steps:

• Lift your foot from the accelerator to reduce your speed but don’t step on the brake pedal unless you’re in danger of hitting something.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to control sway caused by large passing vehicles and make sure to not increase your speed.
• Find a safe place to park and check for proper weight balance and hitch adjustment. [8]

Hooking up and towing a trailer or camper might not seem difficult, but the hitching process can be tough.

Key takeaways

Prevent trailer sway and control it when it happens by:

• Using the manufacturer-recommended gear.
• Slowing down: Moderate driving speeds produce less strain on your vehicle and trailer reducing the chance for trailer sway.
• Avoiding sudden turns: Don’t make any sudden steering maneuvers.
• Checking the tire pressure: Under-inflated tires reduce the load-carrying capacity of your vehicle or trailer, which can cause sway.
• Controlling trailer sway: Lift your foot from the accelerator but don’t step on the brake pedal unless you’re in danger of hitting something. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, find a safe place to park and check for proper weight balance and hitch adjustment.
• Checking weight distribution: Make sure that the load is evenly balanced on both sides to avoid sway.

[1] “Causes of Trailer Sway and How to Prevent Them,” hayesbc.com/causes-of-trailer-sway-and-how-to-prevent-them (accessed June 9, 2023).

[2] “Crashes Involving Large Trucks by Weather Conditions and Crash Severity, 2020,”  fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/crashes-table-20-crashes-involving-large-trucks-weather-conditions-and-6 (accessed June 28, 2023).

[3] “Analysis of Operating Safety of Tractor-Trailer under Crosswind in Cold Mountainous Areas,” mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12755/pdf (accessed June 9, 2023).

[3a] “Definitive Guide to Safe Towing,” weigh-safe.com/towing-safety/definitive-guide-to-safe-towing/ (accessed June 28, 2023).

[4] “Top 10 Towing Risks to Keep in Mind,”  https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/vehicle-towing/maneuvers/10-towing-risks-to-keep-in-mind.htm (accessed June 28, 2023).

[5] “Towing a Trailer: Being Equipped for Safety,” dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/CG-CVC/CVC3/training/dmgcontrol/G-PCV-3_CFVS_DC_Trainer_NHTSA_TowingSafety.pdf (accessed June 28, 2023).

[6] “How To Properly Load A Trailer for Safety,” weigh-safe.com/towing-safety/how-to-properly-load-your-trailer/ (accessed June 28, 2023).

[6a] “What is the best sway control hitch for me?” etrailer.com/faq-which-sway-control-hitch.aspx (accessed June 28, 2023).

[7] “Best Weight Distribution Hitches For 2023,”  forbes.com/home-improvement/garage/car-accessories/best-weight-distribution-hitches/ (accessed June 28, 2023).

[8] “Methods For Trailer Sway Control,” thervgeeks.com/trailer-sway-control (accessed Feb. 26, 2023).

Disclaimer:

The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024 Nationwide

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RV Sway Control Basics for Travel Trailers

By Rob Cochran

When it comes to RVing, sway is best saved for the hammock. Feeling your travel trailer sway from a gust of wind is scary, but there are products and strategies that can help reduce sway and keep your RV aligned. 

What Causes Sway?

The most common causes of sway are gusts of wind, drafts from passing semi-trucks, turns on curvy roads, and imbalanced loads in the trailer. Even a small amount of sway can be exhausting for a driver, forcing constant steering adjustments. Weight distribution and sway prevention systems make for a safer and smoother ride.

How Can I Prevent Sway?

There are a few simple, practical things you can do to reduce the risk of sway. 

• Pay attention to weather conditions. If it’s very windy, it may not be a good day to travel. 
• Consider your load distribution. Distribute the weight in your RV evenly from front to back and side to side. Move heavier items to the front if needed. A good rule of thumb is 60 percent to the front, 40 percent to the back. Take into account things like slide-outs and appliances, and make sure you compensate by putting heavier items on the opposite side while packing. 
• Check the weight of your loaded RV at a local scale and move gear around as needed. Make sure you don’t exceed the GVWR or GAWR and test after adding propane or water you plan to use during travel. 

How Do Weight Distribution Systems and Sway Control Bars Help?

Weight distribution systems distribute a portion of the trailer’s tongue weight from the back of the tow vehicle to the front. This allows the tow vehicle to ride more level and have more control because the proper weight will be on the steering tires. Sway controls use a friction type device to prevent the trailer from easily swaying from side to side. There are several common types that all work a bit differently and come at varying price points. Trailer weight distribution systems and sway control bars can be separate components, or in some cases, the sway control device can be built into the weight distribution system. Make sure any weight distribution or sway control setup you purchase is rated to your towing weight and your tongue weight.

Weight Distribution System

You should use a weight distribution system if your travel trailer is at least 50 percent as heavy as your towing vehicle, or the rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up. A typical weight distribution system uses spring bars attached to the hitch to distribute the load evenly between the axles on the tow vehicle. The result is a smoother and more level driving experience. Popular brands include Reese , CURT , and Camco .

Another type of weight distribution system uses a built-in sway control feature that adds additional sway protection without adding a separate friction control device. These are generally a little more expensive but can save hook-up time and storage space when not in use. Popular brands include Equal-i-zer , Blue Ox SwayPro , Husky Towing Center Line . 

Average Cost: $300 to $700

Dual Cam Sway Control System

A dual cam sway control system is useful for large trailers. It attaches near the hitch and hooks onto either side of the trailer. The cams prevent sway but unlock when the trailer needs to turn.

Average Cost: $300 to $500

Friction Sway Control Bars

Friction sway control bars can be added to any hitch, and use friction to prevent the towed vehicle from swaying and bring it back into alignment. They come in a right-hand or left-hand application and one or both can be used for additional sway protection. Friction sway control bars are cost-effective but interfere with the trailer’s ability to turn, so they need to be removed when backing up or driving in slick conditions. This type of sway control is most useful for smaller towing situations as opposed to longer trailers.

Average Cost: $50 to $75

Electronic Tow Control

If you do start to sway when towing your travel trailer, it’s useful to have a device that electronically monitors forces on your trailer. When sway is detected, it pulses your trailer brakes automatically to keep the trailer tracking straight. This can be used in addition to other weight distribution and sway control systems.

Average Cost: $400 to $500

What If I Start to Sway?

Even with the best sway bars, stabilizers, and careful packing, you’re bound to encounter sway. Don’t panic. 

• Slow and steady steering will help straighten your trailer and tow vehicle. 
• Don’t attempt to counter-steer, as this can cause the sway to get worse and make you lose control. 
• Don’t brake the towing vehicle. Instead, brake the towed RV very slowly, using your auxiliary brake’s manual override.
• You can use an electronic tow control monitor which automatically brakes the towed vehicle with the proper amount to stop sway.

By choosing the right weight distribution or sway bar system for your trailer—and taking steps to prevent sway before you leave home—you’ll be on track for a great trip.

This article has links to products that were carefully selected by our editors. We may earn commission on your purchases from these links.  Visit this page  for the full details of our affiliate marketing policy.

Meet the Author

Rob Cochran

Rob Cochran is the Head of RV Service at Togo RV. With over 30 years in the RV service industry, he’s passionate about making life better for RV owners and technicians. He’s an RV Industry Association Master Certified RV Technician and the Education Chairman for the Florida RV Trade Association. In addition to working in the industry, Rob has been RVing since 1993, which is when he purchased his first camper.

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How to stop a travel trailer from swaying while towing

Table of Contents

One of the biggest problems many RVers face is the inevitable rocking and swaying that when towing a travel trailer. Extra movement is a common problem that can occur while driving at high speeds down the highway.

The best way to stop a travel trailer from rocking and swaying while traveling is to use sway bars. If your trailer didn’t come with pre-installed sway bars, then you can purchase them at most camping or trucking stores.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best ways to keep your camper’s movement to a minimum while driving down the road. If you’re new to RVing and have worries about how much your trailer sways while driving, then you’ve come to the right place

3 Key tips to prevent trailer sway while towing

Rocking and swaying can be a huge problem while driving on the freeway. If you’re not careful, it can even result in severe damage to you or your RV. All it takes is one big gust of wind for you to lose control of your big rig, and a simple overcorrection can lead to a devastating accident.

In the rest of this article, we will discuss how to prevent rocking and swaying while driving and what causes it. If this is your concern, then read along and see what you can do to protect your RV and your family.

1. Install sway bars… obviously!

The purpose of sway bars is right there in the name: they keep your RV from swaying. The way they work is by connecting your truck to your camper on either side of your hitch to add extra stability and protection. Some RVers complain that this gives them less turning ability, but the pros might outweigh the cons depending on your needs.

Some sway bars also serve an additional function too: weight distribution. Our recommendation is to look for a system that can do both, rather than only control the sway. That said, they are often still just referred to as sway bars.

Sway bars are great at protecting you from things like high winds, rough roads, and high-speed traveling. Sway bars also offer improved weight distribution between your truck and camper. The good news is that many newer trailers are designed with sway bars built into the hitch. If you’re not sure if your unit is equipped with this feature, check with your RV distributor, and they will advise you on this matter.

2. Learn to load your trailer properly to control tongue weight

Proper weight distribution is a great trick to keep in mind when towing a camper. If you have too much weight on the back of your camper and not enough on the front, it breaks the tension that is necessarily in the system and often causes a “fishtailing” effect where the rear of the trailer sways back and forth.  In an extreme scenario, this could cause the front end of the trailer to pop free from the hitch.

Likewise, too much weight in the front of the trailer (and not balanced in the back) is also a problem. It could cause you to exceed your truck’s payload rating and will cause problems with braking.

The general rule of the thumb is that the “tongue weight” of your trailer, when fully-loaded, should be about 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight (also loaded).  The strikes the right loading balance for optimum towing safety.

A weight distribution hitch can help out here – transferring a portion of the weight from the tongue (or back of the truck) towards the front axle. That said, these generally only move the weight slightly. The far bigger factor is how you load your trailer.

For most instances, when loading the trailer its best to load the heaviest items over the axle, and then try and roughly balance the weight on either side of the axles.  A 50/50 forward/rear split is generally okay, or 60/40 forward/rear. 

One thing to keep in mind is that on most travel trailers the axles are further towards the back, meaning you’ll physically have more room in front of the axle.  Be careful not to overload the front just because you have more floorspace there.

Additionally, having too much weight on either side of your RV will cause an imbalance in weight distribution. Improper distribution to one side of the other could lead to swaying or a blowout if the weight is too much for the tires to handle. Make sure you check your RVs manual and know how much weight (cargo carrying capacity, or CCC) you can have in your camper at any given time (the gross vehicle weight rating or GWVR for the trailer).

3. Don’t tow in heavy winds

The biggest thing that causes swaying and rocking while driving is a sudden gust of wind. This can come from Mother Nature, or from an 18-wheeler that has decided to pass you.

Hauling an RV and driving in overly windy conditions can be extremely dangerous for someone without sway bars, especially if they lack towing experience. If you begin to feel the vehicle you’re towing sway or move excessively, it may be necessary to slow down, pull over and wait for things to calm down.

Surprising to many first-time RV owners, the simple act of passing a semi on the highway (or getting passed by one) can cause enough of a backdraft to make your camper sway. The best thing you can do when towing is to have two hands on the wheel and always be prepared to counter a sudden pull in another direction. Towing a camper is completely different from other forms of driving, and until you get used to it – you should be very cautious.

Understanding Sway Control: Travel Trailers vs. Fifth Wheel Trailers

One of the most significant factors that affect how much your trailer (and tow vehicle) sways is the location of the hitch and the type of camper you have. Travel trailers or tow-behind trailers (aka “bumper pulls”) are more prone to swaying because of how it connects to the truck towing it. Anytime the hitch connection is behind the towing vehicle, there is an increased risk of swaying.

This increased risk is because the hitch acts as a pivot point between the two vehicles’ centers of gravity. Any movement or swaying on by the trailer will turn the truck and create an unexpected steering force.

If the force from this side-to-side motion is strong enough, it can overpower the friction between the road and the RV tires. The result from this uncontrollable swaying can lead to rolling your truck and RV or separation from the vehicle you’re towing.

Fifth-wheel campers struggle less with swaying because the hitch on the camper connects to the hitch head on the bed of the towing truck. This results in more even weight distribution between truck and RV and reduces the risk of swaying. The pivot point of the fifth wheel trailer is also within the wheelbase of the truck, which adds stability.

The one tradeoff here in favor of travel trailers is that they tend to have a lower side profile. Since fifth-wheel trailers connect above the truck bed, then over are raised and just taller in general – leaving a larger side surface for a gust of wind to push against.  That said, the anchor point being over the truck axle mitigates this and gives the truck a better ability to control a side gust than with a travel trailer that connects at the very rear of the truck.

The point here is that if you are really concerned about sway and haven’t yet bought a trailer, you might want to opt for a fifth wheel over a travel trailer.

Additional tips to control trailer sway

• Slow down!   You’re not in a race when hauling an RV. Slow down on the freeway and take your time. Slower speeds greatly reduce the risk of swaying.
• Don’t overcorrect.   Don’t be herky-jerky with the steering wheel. Most camper accidents occur from an over-correction due to losing focus and drifting to one side of the road. Pay attention when hauling a camper and avoid sudden changes in direction.
• Ensure proper tire pressure.   Always check your tire pressure before going on a road trip. RVs are holding a lot of weight and put a lot of strain on your tires. Having a flat tire or a blowout can quickly lead to disaster.
• Get the right equipment. Only use equipment approved by your manufacturer when towing. This includes hitches, sway bars, and anything else that you use to assist in the hauling of your RV. Yes, this even includes your truck or TV (tow vehicle) – make sure your trailer is within the limits of your tow vehicle!

Final Thoughts

Don’t let rocking and swaying keep you from enjoying your camper in the great outdoors!  Whether it’s on the highway while towing or after you settle down at an RV park, a rocking trailer can negatively impact every part of your RVing experience. Take the proper precautions and steps to reduce rocking and swaying, and maximize the fun and memories! 

Jalin Coblentz is a full-time RVer, along with his wife (Kate) and their goldendoodle (Harper). They became full-time RVers while Kate was in physical therapy school and doing clinical rotations.  Home is their 2019 Palomino Puma, which is currently touring the southeast US.  Jalin writes and works for a grocery delivery company full-time, and prior to that he worked as an HVAC technician.  Jalin and his wife enjoy hiking, running, and basically anything outdoors activity.

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This Travel Trailer Sway Control Advice Prevents Wrecks      

Published on March 2nd, 2023 by Dave Helgeson

Travel trailer sway control is a subject every trailer owner should be well versed in. Uncontrolled sway can lead to loss of control of the tow vehicle and travel trailer. The result is extensive damage to both, and the potential of bodily injury, too.

Yes, you will experience sway when travel trailer towing. Knowing the causes of trailer sway and how to control it are key to a safe and enjoyable RVing experience.

Towing a travel trailer can be tricky, and even dangerous if you don’t know how to stop travel trailer sway. If you’ve ever seen your trailer drifting side to side or felt the force of it pulling you all over the road, you’ve experienced sway. DON’T MISS OUT ON LET'S RV UPDATES Sign up for the newsletter today! Please enter a valid email address. An error occurred. Please try again later. × Thank you for subscribing to the Let's RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates. How To Stop Travel Trailer Sway, RVBlogger

The Top 6 Causes of Travel Trailer Sway

Before you can fix a problem like travel trailer sway, you need to know why it happened. Let’s discuss what causes a trailer to fishtail or “sway” when towing. Here are the top six causes of travel trailer sway.

Improper weight distribution within the trailer

Too little tongue weight can cause dangerous sway.

Excessive tongue weight can overload the tow vehicle. This leads to poor handling and sway.

Experts agree that tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

Unequal weight distribution side to side within the trailer can sometimes lead to handling problems, like sway.

Overloaded tow vehicle

Tow vehicles carrying too much weight on either or both axles can lead to sway. The weight can be a combination of the travel trailer weight, passengers and cargo stowed in the tow vehicle.

Rough and uneven roads can lead to travel trailer sway. This is especially true where heavy vehicles have worn depressions in the road with their tires. The resulting swales can cause sway as your tow vehicle and trailer drift in and out of them while in transit.

Passing large vehicles

Being passed or passing by large vehicles can lead to sway and the need for sway control.

Improper tires or tires that are improperly inflated can lead to trailer sway.

Swirling and driving in side winds can be a cause of trailer sway too.

Easy Ways to Control Travel Trailer Sway

Now that you know the causes of travel trailer sway, let’s review how to manage it under each of those situations.

Improper weight distribution can be a major cause of sway. To make sure the tongue weight of your trailer remains around 15% of the total weight, consider the following when loading the trailer for a trip.

Counter balance freshwater tank weight

Do you travel with the fresh water tank full or nearly full? If so, then consider its location. Since water weighs over 8 pounds per gallon, a full 50-gallon water tank weighs in excess of 400 pounds. This weight can significantly impact the handling of your trailer.

• Is the water tank located over the axles? You don’t have much to worry about, provided you haven’t exceeded the GVWR of your trailer.
• Or is the water tank located in the back of your trailer, say under a bed? If yes, be certain the weight of the water is not reducing the tongue weight below acceptable levels.
• Is the water tank in the front of your trailer? In that case, the added weight of the full water tank might impact the handling of the tow vehicle. This is because too much weight on the back of the tow vehicle can lighten the front end. The results are steering and handling problems. Your front tires may not have enough weight on them to properly steer.

When you do travel with a nearly full water tank, consider counter balancing the weight of the water. This can be accomplished by storing heavy items like canned goods at the opposite end of the trailer from the tank.

Black and graywater tanks can affect tongue weight, too.

For example, if you have a rear bath travel trailer with a 40-gallon black and a 40-gallon grey tank, the combined weight when they are both full can exceed 640 pounds. This weight at the rear of the trailer can definitely lighten the tongue weight on a smaller travel trailer.

What if these holding tank location scenarios are not applicable to your travel trailer? In that case, your only concern is to evenly load the trailer from front to rear. Keep the tongue weight around 15% of the total weight. And when possible, keep heavy items, like canned goods, cases of soda, etc. stored towards the center of the trailer, over the axles.

Pass large vehicles with care

Large vehicles can cause travel trailer sway. To achieve sway control when passing or being passed by large vehicles, move over in your lane as far as possible from the other vehicle. Maximize the air space between the two of you. A larger air space minimizes travel trailer sway between you and the other vehicle.

Maintain your trailer tires

Unmaintained trailer tires are another cause of travel trailer sway. Here are two items to keep in mind when considering sway control for tow vehicle and trailer:

Overloaded trailer tires are dangerous. Exceeding RV tire load range can lead to poor handling and sway. I recommend installing truck tires on the tow vehicle when towing a larger travel trailer.

Avoid trailer towing in wind

Strong and swirly winds lead to drifting and lack of travel trailer sway control. Even if your rig is equipped with a sway control device, it’s best to avoid traveling in windy conditions.

If you must drive in crosswinds on windy days, slow down. Be prepared to correct for powerful wind gusts when steering.

Don’t overload a tow vehicle or travel trailer

Do you know the total towing / carrying capacity of your tow vehicle? What about with the carrying capacity for each axle? As noted above, if you’re not utilizing a weight distributing hitch , you increase the risk of overloading the rear axle. This lightens the front axles, tires and wheels responsible for safe steering.

When steering function is reduced, sway and poor handling follows. And overloading the carrying capacity of any travel trailer is not only dangerous, but can result in lack of travel trailer sway control.

Drive carefully on bad roads

It’s easy to sway and drift because of the swales in the road surface created by large trucks. To counteract it, keep your travel trailer tires centered in the swales. Or, steer to either side of the lane where the road surface is less worn out. This keeps you out of swales and helps avoid travel trailer sway.  

What is The Best Travel Trailer Sway Control Gear to Avoid RV Wrecks?

The term sway control is often misunderstood among travel trailer owners. Many times, standard weight distributing hitches, (aka an equalizing hitch ) are thought to be sway controls. This is why equalizing bars are often called by the misnomer “ sway bars .”  Unfortunately that is not how they work. Let me explain.

• A standard weight distributing hitch helps control sway by properly distributing the load between the tow vehicle and trailer.
• But a standard weight distributing hitch contains no mechanism to reduce side-to-side motion of the trailer, the same way a sway control device does.

I purposely listed the causes of trailer sway and methods to reduce or eliminate sway before mentioning sway control devices. This is because during my years of being in the RV business, I often saw sway control devices employed as a band-aid instead of determining the root cause of the sway.

Sway control band-aids result in the travel trailer owner purchasing something they may not have needed. Even worse, a lack of travel trailer sway knowledge can mask a potentially dangerous problem, such as inadequate tongue weight.

Types of Sway Controls

Here are the most popular sway control devices in use today:

Friction sway control

You’ll see that friction sway controls have been around forever. The design makes them easy to understand the principles of operation and are simple to adjust and use.

Friction Sway Control uses friction to resist pivotal movement and thereby works against the effects of induced sway. It operates on the principle of “stiffening” the coupling between the tow vehicle and trailer. The degree of “stiffening” or friction is adjusted to suit various trailer weights and towing conditions . . . It doesn’t prevent the generation of sway (but) simply works to resist the forces once they have started. Draw-Tite Weight Distribution Sway Control, Friction

Weight distributing hitch with incorporated sway control.

As noted above, a standard weight distributing hitch is designed to equalize the tongue weight of the trailer between the two axles of the tow vehicle and the axle(s) of the towed trailer. By doing so, the back of the tow vehicle is not overloaded. This allows the tow vehicle to handle as it should.

Equalizing the weight does nothing to keep the tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line with one another. A weight distributing hitch with incorporated sway control, uses some type of added resistance to keep the trailer in line with the tow vehicle.

With these systems, the trailer is designed to stay in line with the tow vehicle. It does this until an additional external force, like turning a corner, causes it to disengage. Methods used to accomplish this include:

• Cams mounted on the end of the equalizing bars
• Large spring-loaded bearings
• Or, large springs, or a friction surface where the equalizing bar bears on the hanger (aka snap up bracke t) on the trailer or other applications.

Check out several examples of weight distributing hitches with incorporated sway control:

  Reese Dual Cam

Equal-i-zer

Camco ReCurve

Electric brake sway control.

This relatively new sway control device mounts on the trailer, to monitor sway. Then it gently applies the brakes on either the left or right side of the trailer to eliminate sway. This action keeps the trailer going down the road straight.

Tuson Asymnmetric Sway Control

An electric brake sway control manufacturer says this “system automatically detects when your trailer is swaying too much and its connection to your braking system allows you to easily bring everything back under control. They go on to state that “it also helps you to brake just the right amount to get control back over your vehicle without having to slow down to a crawl.”

As noted at the beginning of this article, trailer sway can become uncontrollable resulting in a serious accident.

Don’t think uncontrolled trailer sway can’t happen to you. Take the time to understand trailer sway. Employ the tips and / or the devices listed above. You’ll enjoy a safer and more enjoyable towing experience.

See our Travel Trailer Towing Guide for additional tips.

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About the author:.

Dave Helgeson’s knowledge about RVing earned him the title of “ The foremost expert on boondocking ,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer ( The RV Doctor ). He and his wife Cheri owned an RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest and spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as advisor to many industry trade organizations. When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently own their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.

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Why Do Travel Trailers Sway?

Published on May 6th, 2019 by Ray & Tammy Roman This post was updated on February 14th, 2021

Several of the most common causes of travel trailer sway include:

• Strong winds to moderately strong winds
• Suddenly braking
• Road conditions such as ice
• Driving maneuvers, evasive or quick
• Inadvertently driving off the shoulder
• Tractor-trailer / semi-truck “bow wave”

Travel trailer sway is the leading cause of accidents for RV owners. It is also one of the reasons travel trailer enthusiasts give up after one or two seasons and place their camper up for sale.

Most accidents occur when you have multiple factors acting on your RV at the same time. For example, you are driving on an icy road and encounter very strong crosswinds. Even the most experienced drivers will have a tough time controlling these conditions.

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Here is what travel trailer swaying looks like. (Swaying start at about 48 seconds into the video)

Are the factors that can cause a travel trailer to sway be controlled?

The answer is yes, in most cases. A driver can counter the effects of any of the above and regain control of his camper. However one of the best ways to control trailer sway is to avoid it in the first place. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips when towing.

• Drive at moderate speeds. Trailer sway is more likely to occur as your speed increases.
• Avoid any sudden driving maneuvers such as sudden stops and start. This can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing.
• Avoid sudden steering maneuvers that might create sway.
• Slow down when driving over uneven roads, railroad crossing, etc.
• When passing larger vehicles ease up on the gas to slow down and keep a firm grip on your steering wheel.
• Be sure to check the tire pressure on the trailer and tow vehicle.
• Load your travel trailer correctly so that weight distribution is balanced. To much weight in the front or rear will cause sway or tire blowout.

Solutions To Control Or Avoid Travel Trailer Sway

There several manufactured solutions to help avoid, minimize, and/or control sway on your camper. Let’s take a look at two of the most effective.

Anti Sway Bar

An anti-sway bar creates stability by using the weight of your RV. The bars are installed to the frame and chassis of the camper. By bracing the weight of the vehicle axle on the chassis an anti-sway bar reduces the side-to-side motion of the RV.

The bars also help with steering around curves giving the RV more maneuverability. This is especially true when passing. One added benefit of an anti-sway bar is the reduction in sway helps keep the structural integrity of your travel trailer intact. Too much sway will compromise the vehicle structure which may result in leaks.

There are several kinds of anti-sway bars and the type you use depends on your type of RV. A 5th wheel will use a different type than a motor home.

Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch has the anti-sway bar attached to it. They prevent swaying by transferring the travel trailers’ weight to the rear of the trailer and its rear axle. They typically use a spring system to distribute the weight of the camper and reduce sway.

Below is the Eaz-Lift weight distribution hitch. You can click on the image for more details.

• LEVEL TOWING. This weight distribution hitch offers a smoother ride and improved control by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer across the vehicle-trailer combination and...
• CONTINUOUS LUBRICATION. This CURT weight distribution hitch with sway control is equipped with an integrated lubrication system for smooth, quiet towing. The hitch head has two...

Last update on 2024-05-03 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Weight Distribution Hitch Setup Explained

Travel trailer sway is going to happen to you at one point or another. To help reduce sway practice safe driving and loading of your camper. For additional safety and sway control install an anti-sway bar or weight distributing hitch.

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5 Common Reasons of Camper Trailer Swaying and Tips to Fix it

lt is no fun at all when a camper trailer is swaying all over the place. It is an awkward moment you don’t want to get involved in. You may probably have seen it or witnessed it firsthand. In that scenario, you don’t want to risk driving behind it or overtaking it. However, have you ever thought of ways of handling that dicey situation? Interestingly, I will take my time to delve into all you need to know about camper trailer sway.

What is Camper Trailer Swaying

Camper Trailer Swaying is a side to side motion that starts as a result of reaching a particular speed while towing a trailer. In order words, trailer swaying is an incessant side to side swaying motion that is abnormal. Trailer sway happens when the side forces on the trailer makes the trailer move or sway side to side violently behind the tow vehicle. This is equally called, ” fishtailing “. It is expedient for you to know that two factors are at stake here: first, the side forces on the trailer and the location and kind of pivot point that the trailer is connected to.

Regardless of its size (big or small) or weight (heavy or light), your trailer will always play host to a bigger side cross section than your tow vehicle. You must always remember that it is the uneven forces between the vehicle and trailer that cause the sway. Hence, in the bid to control the sway, you have to balance those forces. Well, you can change the size of the trailer or truck but interestingly, you can always create a situation in which the two forces seem as one.

The challenge here is not just the side force but the uneven side force. For example, if l connects two objects together, then push one object harder than the other object, it is much likely to surmount any frictional forces (friction hitch, road/tire etc.) faster than the object with less force. Even if you have a good case of a small trailer and large truck, the trailer will have some 30% advantage. This is all it is capable of doing even when a light wind is used. Eventually, the side forces on the trailer will definitely surmount the friction in a sway control hitch.

Causes of Trailer Swaying

1. over speed.

One of the major causes of a trailer sway or whipping is speeding. It is much more likely to have a sway when you are driving above 55 miles per hour. Excessive speed exerts so much pressure and strain on your vehicle and trailer and consequently increases the likelihood of having a trailer sway. When travelling at a very high speed, your trailer becomes less stable. But at a slower speed, its level of stability and safety is quite high and predictable. It is better to drive slowly when you are pulling a trailer unless you want to develop needless problems for yourself and others on the road.

In the bid to prevent trailer swaying from happening on the road, you must strictly take some precautionary measures. When you are on the road, always ensure against all odds that you maintain a speed of 55 miles per hour or less. Anything higher than this speed limit makes you very vulnerable to trailer sway. However, the first line of action to take when you discover that your trailer is beginning to sway is to reduce the speed by letting off the gas pedal. It is highly advisable at this point to slow down and drive at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour which is lower the speed at which the whipping or sway was first noticed.

2. Sudden Braking and Movement

Sudden and abrupt movements are also causing of trailer sway. Sudden movements such as slamming on your brakes and letting off the throttle suddenly are capable of causing your trailer to sway. Also, some harsh steering inputs can lead to a trailer sway. All these movements can destabilize your trailer on the road. To be stable on the road, drive slowly with measured movements. Leave some space for the vehicle in front of you. It is wisdom at its height to plan your lane changes and turns in advance.

3. Overload and Unevenly load

Typically, a trailer sway is caused by overloading and uneven weight distribution. Excessive load on the side of the camper engenders imbalance, making the trailer swing violently and dramatically as the sway begins. This may even cause braking or steering difficulties. When you have excessive weight at the back of a trailer, the front will get lighter, thereby causing an imbalance. This might look appealing but it is very prone to a trailer sway. To have a controlled driving, you must balance weight at the back and at the front. It is often recommended that 12% to 15% of trailer weight should be staying on the tow vehicle’s hitch. Having a less weight on the front may pull up on the rear of the vehicle when you need more control and traction. Carefulness on your part entails that you don’t exceed the tow rating of the hitch or vehicle itself. You can also refer to these caravan parking aid videos to become more expert in parking vehicles under various circumstances.

4. Strong Side Winds

The strong winds striking the side of your trailer can make it to start swaying from side to side dramatically. Unlike a low-profile utility trailer, travel trailers are very prone to sidewind because of high profile. Your trailer sway can also be as a result of gusts and drafts engendered by the passing vehicles especially the tractor-trailers. Given the fact that you might not be able to avert the occurrence of strong winds, you can put yourself on a safer side by having a well-set-up trailer. By having a very strong set-up, you can withstand the forces of nature. You should also note that the front of the trailer is aerodynamic but their sides are not. Given a robust study revolving around commercial vehicle towing accidents conducted by Knott Laboratory in 2005, a 35-mph crosswind could exert as much as 3, 440 pounds of force pushing on the side of a bigger trailer.

5. Faulty Trailer Design

Faulty Trailer design can also account for a trailer sway. There are many different trailers designs out there. There are some trailer designs that are more formidable and resistant to sway than others. Another factor to consider is how the trailer is being used. If not properly used, a well-designed trailer can still develop problems leading on a sway on the road. Apart from opting for a trailer design with high resistance level, paying strict attention to how the trailer is being used is equally vital.

5 Tips to Fix Swaying on Road

1. drive carefully.

To avoid having a trailer sway on the road, you must drive slowly and carefully. Calm down. Slow down. Embrace moderation in your driving speed as this would produce less pressure and strain on your vehicle and trailer, thereby lowering the chances of having a trailer sway. When travelling too fast, your trailer becomes less stable and secured. To steer clear of trailer sway on the road, you must maintain a speed of 55 miles per hour. Anything higher than this makes your vehicle vulnerable to sway or whipping or strong gusts of wind.

2. Load Your Camper Properly

Avoid overloading or uneven loading as much as you can. Excessive loading or uneven weight distribution is one of the major causes of trailer sway. To have a safe and hitch-free trip, you have to properly load your camper trailer before setting out. Never overload your tow vehicle. Never load cargo on the back of the trailer. You should as well ensure that the cargo does not pull out the rear of your trailer. About sixty percent of your trailer’s weight should be at the front of the trailer which is closest to your tow vehicle. This explains why most trailers play host to stowage position in front of the axle or axles. Please, do not go beyond your trailer’s maximum gross weight.

You should also recognize the fact that every travel trailer has a maximum weight capacity. Going beyond these limits will stress your trailer and cause multiple challenges, increasing the chance of trailer sway. It is widely recommended that a tongue weight should be between 10 and 12 percent of your overall trailer weight. Never forget to use weight distribution hitch. Don’t put heavy weight at the rear of the trailer. Ensure you position the tongue weight right. More importantly, you don’t get too close to your maximum towing capacity. Going beyond the weight is another risk factor you must consider.

By going beyond your trailer weight capacity, your trailer will definitely have difficulty pulling the weight and your suspension and frame will consequently be overstressed. This will put you into jeopardy. Paying very close attention to the tips and instructions above will keep you and other road users from the needless road hazards.

3. Connect Anti-Sway Bars

Fixing anti-sway bars to the trailer’s hitch or suspension system will help to make it stable and much resistant to sway or gusts of wind and drafts from the passing vehicles. As a result of the use of anti-sway bars, passing trucks and fierce winds will no longer make the RV to swing back and forth. Anti-sway bars leverage the weight of the RV to ensure stability, resistance and resilience. Anti-sway bars are primarily designed for a trailer’s hitch.

Anti-sway bars greatly help to reduce the trailer’s swaying motion by simply bracing the weight of trailer’s axle against the chassis. The anti-sway bars facilitate an even weight distribution. The bar connected to each side firmly holds the trailer or vehicle when a strong wind strikes it. It is very tiring and tasking when steering wheel back and forth in order to bring the RV’s swaying under control. Even making an attempt to make your trailer curve on a winding road poses a great danger and increases of the risks of swaying. Interestingly, anti-bar sway will grant the vehicle some stability on the curve and prevent it from swaying. Anti-sway bars give the RV more stability and maneuverability, particularly when moving along with other vehicles on the road.

4. Install Electric Trailer Brakes

You start the process by getting rid of your existing hub. Then, remove the wheel. Mildly tap a screw driver at the back of the “lip” and pry the grease dust cap off. For your information, the dust cover cap refers to the metal cap situated at the middle of the hub. Underneath this cap lies a rather big nut with a cotter pin and small metal chip on the nut. Straighten the cotten pin or better still, pry the small metal chip off with a small screwdriver.

Ensure that the nut is loose. Then, remove the nut. Be careful. There is a washer at the back of the nut and an outer “bearing”. They will fall off to the ground if you don’t catch them upon removing the nut. Then, remove the whole hub from the axle. The next line of action is to locate a backing plate. Install the locker washer underneath the nut and then tighten it.

Ensure that the outer bearing is well lubricated. Then, bring in the hub, the washer and then the nut. Next, you should thread the nut down and turn the hub as you tighten it. You can tighten to about 40 ft pounds. Once the nut is tight, you can stop turning the drum. More importantly, mildly and gradually loosen the nut until it is finger tight.

5. Use Brake Controller

A brake controller is an original equipment or aftermarket-installed device that is connected to the tow vehicle’s driver’s dashboard area. Also, it is pertinent to note that electric brake controller is a very important safety element when towing a heavy trailer. You shouldn’t expect your tow vehicle to offer all of the braking required to bring the entire rig to a halt. An electric brake controller which is installed in your tow vehicle engages the trailer brakes automatically when the tow vehicles have been applied. Also, your trailer brakes may skid, grab or not function at all if your electric brake is not adjusted properly.

Camper trailer swaying poses a grave threat not only to you but also to other road users. This article also extensively discusses some proactive measures to be taken in light of uncontrollable gusts of winds hit that your camper trailer on the move. Camper trailer swaying is highly preventable when you are well informed about its potential causes and ways of handling it or averting it.

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Causes of Trailer Sway and How to Prevent Them

Reports from the NHTSA show that an estimated 50, 000 accidents related to trailer towing occur each year. Most of these accidents are a result of preventable trailer swaying. The intensity of the swinging movements can increase and lead to trailer flipping, which may, in turn, overturn your towing vehicle. If you’re towing a swaying trailer, you have all the reasons to get worried because the outcome can be downright dangerous. Here are the reasons why your trailer may sway and steps that you should take to prevent it.

Uneven hitch weight distribution

Uneven weight distribution is a significant cause of trailer swaying. If you load too much weight towards the rear of your trailer, the trailer’s rear gets overburdened. In such cases, the rear end can act as a pendulum that swings back and forth during the movement of your trailer. As the trailer makes this movement, it can pull your vehicle along. Loading too much weight towards the front of your caravan can cause your towing vehicle to sag, and your front tires may lose traction. This problem will diminish your steering control, and make you lose control over your vehicle. Manufacturers tell trailer owners to ensure that the hitch weight exerted by the trailer at the hitching point should be at least 10% to 12% of the entire trailer weight to prevent swaying.

Poor trailer design

If your trailer has wheels that are out of alignment or a frame that is not well designed, then you’re likely to experience trailer swaying. Improper use and driving may worsen trailer swaying for trailers that are not well-designed. As such, you should take your trailer for regular servicing and inspection to ensure that it’s in proper working condition.

Exceeding trailer weight limits

If you exceed your trailer weight, your vehicle may have a rough time towing the trailer. Your suspension and frame will also get stressed, and this increases the risk of trailer swaying. Controlling an overweight trailer is a big challenge. As such, it’s advisable to load your trailer according to its design specifications to prevent swaying.

Side-winds from large passing vehicles

A powerful gust of wind from a passing truck can hit the side of your trailer and give it a side-to-side movement. The high profile of most trailers makes them more likely to get strong sways. It’s impossible to avoid such situations on most roads. As such, you should equip your truck with an RV sway control systems that can reduce the effect of side-winds. The sway control systems help in reducing and controlling swaying caused by crosswinds as well as the other mentioned causes of fishtailing.

Sway control hitch units and how they prevent trailer fishtailing

A sway control hitch unit eliminates or decreases swaying forces, which can cause trailer separation or tip over. Different types of sway control hitch units work via different mechanisms to prevent trailer swaying. Examples of such sway control hitch units include the independent friction-style sway control system, the dual-cam sway control, and the 4-point sway control system.

Controlling trailer sway is essential for your safety. Take caution when hitching, loading, and driving your towing car by considering the insightful tips above. Careful consideration of these tips, coupled with the installation of sway control systems, may improve your towing safety and guarantee a safe journey.

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Understanding and controlling trailer sway.

Trailer sway is a dangerous effect associated with towing a trailer. Trailer sway is a side-to-side fishtail movement, and once out of control it can result in serious accidents. If you want to effectively control trailer sway you must first understand what contributes to trailer sway.

When trailer tongue weight is applied to the hitch ball and the weight is not properly distributed trailer sway can occur. Other contributing factors include tires, weight distributing bars, proper hitch adjustments, the trailer and tow vehicle suspension systems, and cargo weight distribution in the trailer. Imagine for a moment what happens when tongue weight is applied to a hitch ball. This added weight generates friction to the tow vehicle’s rear wheels, but too much tongue weight can affect the tow vehicle’s steering and handling, and too little tongue weight can result in a loss of traction contributing to trailer sway.

So, an important factor in controlling sway is the amount of tongue weight applied to the hitch ball, and how that weight is distributed to the tires on the tow vehicle and the trailer. A general rule-of-thumb is trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight, for trailers weighing over 2,000 pounds. If the tongue weight (what generates friction to the tow vehicle rear tires) is properly distributed to the tires of the tow vehicle most lateral forces you encounter will not be sufficient to start sway. But if the lateral forces do overcome the tire friction trailer sway can start.

This would be a good time to discuss tow vehicle and trailer speed. As speed increases tire traction decreases with a corresponding increase in the possibility of trailer sway. For example, traveling at 60 mph, and under wet road conditions a weak lateral wind could easily initiate trailer sway. This would imply that good tires, properly rated for the weight (on the tow vehicle and trailer) and road conditions are important considerations when discussing trailer sway.

Another consideration is the vehicle and trailer suspension. If the trailer’s vertical stabilization (associated with the suspension) is working properly it helps prevent small sways from starting. Weight distribution bars further reduce any vertical displacements (swings) and transfers the hitch weight to the vehicle and trailer tires. This results in the tow vehicle’s rear tires gripping the road better and helping avoid loss of traction caused be vertical forces. So, it is important, before leaving on a trip, that we complete a checklist of all items associated with the tow vehicle and trailer stabilization. These checks would include inspecting items like tires, weight distributing bars, proper hitch adjustments, the trailer and tow vehicle suspension systems, and that all cargo in the trailer is distributed evenly. If any of these items are not in a good shape, it will decrease the speed that we can safely travel at.

Next, we must consider the size of the trailer. The bigger the trailer is (taller and longer) increases the chance for sway. There are two reasons for this, an increase in weight and an increase in mass (the area that will receive lateral winds). The additional weight will increase the forces applied to the hitch ball, especially when traveling downhill, (due to the gravity & acceleration) and also in case of any vehicle brake activation. If there is any unbalanced item in the towing system, it can contribute to sway starting. If the trailers surface area is larger, the amount of forces due to lateral winds is increased. These forces can destabilize the tow vehicle and trailer motion, increasing the chance for sway.

There is another very important item associated with trailer sway, and that is the number of trailer axles. Compared to a single axle, a tandem trailer axle increases the number of wheels 100% over the ground, and the increased tires gripping the road decreases the chance for sway. Another potential problem with a single axle trailer is the vertical motion (front to back, referred to as porpoising) typically brought on by brake activation. In this situation the trailer’s front end will tend to push downward. This vertical downward motion affects both  front and rear wheel traction of the tow vehicle as it moves up and down, and the larger the trailer is the more unstable it is when talking about porpoising. Proper hitch work can prevent some of this from occurring.

So why is a 5 th wheel trailer not prone to trailer sway? 5th wheel trailers are more stable due to the 5th wheel hitch being positioned over and close to the tow vehicle’s rear axle. In the case of a 5th wheel, lateral forces do not affect it like a trailer that is hitched at the rear of the tow vehicle. The weight at the hitch position of a 5th wheel trailer is higher and over the axle, enhancing the tow vehicle traction on the road surface.

Always keep in mind every tow vehicle has a maximum tow capacity and you must compute total RV weights including, passengers, cargo, and fluids and fuel. Also keep in mind that any weight added to the tow vehicle takes the same amount of weight from the towing capacity.

To recap, the most important items associated with trailer sways are:

a) under-inflated tires b) improper weight distribution c) improper hitch adjustments d) no sway control e) air pressure from transfer trucks passing f) long downhill (descent) g) lateral wind h) towing speed i) inadequate towing vehicle j) overload conditions k) hitch to tow vehicle rear axle distance l) poor trailer design m) mismatched tow vehicle & trailer n) not completing trailer/tow vehicle checklist

So, to help avoid trailer sway here are some remedies:

• Under-inflated tires : Never leave on a trip without a tire inspection. If necessary, adjust the inflation pressure according to manufacturer’s recommendation based on weight. Always check and inflate tires when they are cold, before traveling more than one mile. Whenever you stop inspect the tow vehicle and trailer conditions to include tire conditions. Check tire and hub temperature. In case of abnormally hot tires, or hubs there is something wrong. It may be bearing problems, underinflated tires or axle overloads. Try to identify the problem and correct it.
• Improper weight distribution: When a trailer is manufactured it has very stringent weight balances. When you add after-market equipment or load the trailer with cargo try to balance the loaded weight from side-to-side and front to back. Bad lateral weight distribution can provoke sways and bad front to back weight distribution may generate up/down sways I discussed earlier. Remember that the weight over the hitch ball should be 10 to 15percent of the total loaded trailer weight. If the trailer has less than 10% tongue weight load more weight towards the front of the trailer.

• Hitch adjustments: Whenever using a weight distribution hitch it is extremely important that it is adjusted properly. If you are not sure how to adjust the hitch components take it to an authorized RV service center to have it adjusted.
• No sway control: Sway controls help limit the possibility of sway starting in the first place. Whenever possible have a sway control installed and make sure you understand how to adjust it. I personally use an Equalizer brand hitch with built in sway control when I tow trailers.
• Transfer trucks passing: Large trucks will pass you and you need to be prepared to make slight steering adjustments. When a truck passes the main factor is the air displacement. The air pressure coming off of the truck pulls and pushes against the trailer. Try to observe wind intensity and direction, as well the air moisture which is the main villain. Humid air is heavier and increases lateral trailer displacements when being passed. Being aware of the situation is the best defense. Be prepared to make steering corrections, but do not over-steer.
• Long downhill (descent): When descending inclines reduce your speed, use a lower gear and apply weak vehicle braking, if necessary. Never do any abrupt vehicle braking. Continued use of the vehicle brakes can cause them to fade and not work properly. It may be necessary to manually activate the trailer brakes periodically to help slow down and/or to control sway. Slowly slide the manual brake lever over to activate the trailer brakes. It is important to maintain a safe and manageable speed when descending inclines.
• Lateral wind: Strong cross winds and windy days in general can be very dangerous when towing a trailer. It is better not to travel on extremely windy days. If you do experience lateral wind displacement reduce your speed substantially and stay alert.

• Towing speed: It is difficult to state what a safe speed is when towing a trailer. There are many variables, but not exceeding a speed of 60 miles/hour is a fair assessment. Use lower speeds if the traffic or road conditions are not normal (lateral winds, high humidity, rain, road conditions, traveling downhill all contribute to sway.)
• Inadequate tow vehicle: Your tow vehicle might have enough power to move a trailer down the road, but a major consideration is whether the tow vehicle’s weight is adequate to support slowing down and to help prevent trailer sway. Every tow vehicle has weight limits and ratings. It is very important that these weight ratings are not exceeded. The farther you are from exceeding weight limits the safer it is for you and your family. A very general rule is the tow vehicles towing capacity should be capable of towing the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer you are towing.
• Overload: Never overload the tow vehicle or the trailer. Overloading tires, axles, Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) is extremely dangerous. Make sure all cargo loaded in the trailer is secured and that all weight added is properly distributed.
• Hitch to tow vehicle rear axle distance: The distance from the tow vehicle’s rear axle to the hitch ball can contribute to sway. Less distance is always better. Ideally a longer wheelbase vehicle with a shorter overhang from the rear axle to the hitch ball is the best scenario. Basically, it is associated with the lever effect. The distance between the rear axle and the hitch ball position can be understood as the lever length; and the longer the distance it is the higher the lateral forces applied to the axle position.
• Poor trailer design: When there is too much weight behind the trailers axles causing the tongue weight to be less than 10% of the trailers weight it has a natural tendency to sway. In this case it will be necessary to load some of the weight towards the front of the trailer to increase tongue weight. Ideally tongue weight should be between 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight.
• Mismatched tow vehicle & trailer: The tow vehicle and trailer need to be properly matched to make a safe towing system. An improperly matched tow vehicle and trailer can result in trailer sway. A tow vehicle without the proper towing capacity for the trailer it is towing, too light of a suspension system for the amount of tongue weight, too short of a wheelbase for the size of trailer can all contribute to trailer sway. The tow vehicle should be rated to tow the GVWR of the trailer you purchase.

• Tow vehicle/trailer checklist: The tow vehicle and trailer must be in good mechanical condition to safely tow. The brakes and suspension on both the vehicle and trailer must be in proper operating condition. Prior to leaving on a trip inspect the suspension (shock absorbers, springs, bars, tires and other components on the trailer and the vehicle) and the operation and adjustment of the electric brakes for the trailer. Tires must be in good condition and inflated properly for the load. A checklist can help you remember what items to check.

Note: Adhering to these recommendations can help prevent trailer sway from starting, but keep in mind there are no guarantees you will not encounter sway. If you do experience trailer sway you should gradually reduce speed, avoid using the vehicle brakes if possible, avoid harsh steering movements if possible and manually apply the trailer brakes by sliding the lever over on the electronic brake control to help bring the sway under control.

Everyone towing a trailer, even the most experienced, is a potential sway victim. When it comes to trailer sway caution is a necessity, but not always sufficient. Safety first! Being aware of what sway is and what you can do to help prevent it can help prepare you in the event your trailer starts to sway.

Happy Camping,

Mark J. Polk

RV Education 101

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5 thoughts on “ understanding and controlling trailer sway ”.

Can you have too much sway control. My trailer gvw is 11,000lhs. The hitch system i am considering is rated for 17000. Yes my truck can handle over 17000.

The weight distribution hitch system is based on trailer tongue weight. For example, if your trailer tongue weight is 600 pounds you would not use 550 pound spring bars, you would go to the next size bars like 750 pounds. But you wouldn’t jump to 1,000 pound bars either. Find the system closest to your trailer tongue weight.

Should titres be inflated to maximum on tow vehicle, example normal fill 36 psi, ture can hold 44 PSI?

The more weight you put on the tow vehicle the more air the tires need to support the load. Tire manufacturers have load and inflation tables that specify how much air is needed based on the weight. You can find these online to check your size and brand tires.

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7 Proven Tips on Minimizing Trailer Sway

Trailer sway, also commonly known as fishtailing , is one of the leading causes of trailer accidents. This occurs when a trailer rocks violently across the road. A trailer incident – even a minor one – can result in thousands of dollars of damage or even a life-threatening situation.

In this article you’ll find some practical and proven tips to reduce trailer sway.

Why does a trailer sway?

Any trailer towed with a hitch set behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle can sway while driving. A trailer can sway for many reasons.

Here are some key reasons for trailer sway while on the road –

Strongside winds

A strong blast of wind from the side can cause problems for any vehicle and can become more hazardous still if there is a large trailer involved, resulting in a tow vehicle swinging back and forth. Trailers, particularly travel trailers, are more susceptible to side winds compared to others because of their high profile. Passing large vehicles can also produce strong gusts of wind that make your trailer rock.

As strong side winds are unavoidable, the only way to prevent swinging is to prepare your trailer well.

Improper trailer and tongue weight

Another risk factor that can lead to trailer sway is exceeding the weight limit of your vehicle or trailer. Putting too much weight, for instance overloading the rear of the trailer, makes your vehicle to struggle to pull the load. Additionally, having too light of tongue weight can overburden the back. That is why experts recommend keeping the tongue weight between 9 and 15 percent of overall trailer weight; necessary for balancing the trailer load.

High-speed driving

One of the main reasons trailers sway is high-speed driving. When you drive too fast, a trailer becomes less stable, potentially resulting in fatal consequences. While driving down the road, a trailer towed with a hitch can sway even with the slightest wind. Drive safely to avoid fishtailing.

Watch a video here of what trailer sway looks like :

How to Minimize trailer sway?

Although it is impossible to eliminate trailer sway entirely, taking some preventive steps before it happens can help to reduce fishtailing. Here are some ways to prevent a trailer swinging:

1. Choose the right tow vehicle

An appropriate tow vehicle can reduce a significant amount of fishtailing. Although selecting the right tow vehicle depends on the type of trailer you use; its size, capacity and the total towed load. Make sure the transport you are planning to buy is capable towing a trailer well. Sometimes, manufacturers provide specially designed towing packages for their customers, including trailer hitch receivers and other receiver hitch accessories .

The best way to choose the right tow vehicle is to check the owner’s manual and review the manufacturer’s guide. By doing so, you will learn about the vehicle’s capacities and can explore available hitches to see if they are compatible with the vehicle or not.

2. Stay calm

When a trailer starts swaying, the best thing to do is to keep driving slowly, maintaining a straight drive until the situation becomes stable. Freaking out while swaying will only make the situation worse. If you feel you are losing control because of the swinging, calmly apply the trailer’s brake manually.

3. Load carefully

Every vehicle and trailer has its weight limit. Exceeding these limits can lead to many problems, including the chance of fishtailing. Being careful while loading your trailer can reduce sway. Always make sure that your tow vehicle can safely handle the trailer weight.

4. Avoid driving in high winds

If you want to get rid of trailer sway, always avoid driving when there are extremely high winds. Check the weather before setting out with your carrier. Avoiding strong, high winds can make your travel safer. If you ever find yourself in an area with high winds, reduce the speed of your vehicle for safe driving.

5. Install a traction control system

Setting up a traction control system can help you in recovering control when vehicle traction is lost; with a traction control system, you can reduce the force sent to the slipping wheels while keeping your vehicle stable.

6. Install a brake controller

If your vehicle has an electric braking system, then you should install a brake controller. This system allows drivers to control the force sent to the trailer brakes when the vehicle foot brake is applied. In doing so, you can have manual control over your vehicle brakes, which can help you control the brake when swaying occurs. Use a sway controller to reduce the risk of trailer sway, or fishtailing, and place heavier objects closest to the tow vehicle and the front part of your caravan’s axle.

7. Use products that can reduce trailer sway

Hitches are the perfect solution to fishtailing. They are perfectly suitable for your large trailers, caravans, or other vehicles. Airsafe Hitch Australia can help you in this regard, as they provide different classes of caravan trailer hitches and hitch accessories to ensure a smooth, comfortable and safe ride.

Following the steps above, you can ensure a safer drive by taking some preventive measures to reduce hazardous incidents.

As a blogger, fashion-lover, social media marketer, Starc Maxwell has been writing articles and web content since last three years. He loves to share his knowledge with others through words. His motto is to encourage everyone not being afraid of sharing their failures and their triumphs alike.

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This is some really good information about using a trailer and making sure it is secure while towing. Thanks for explaining that you will want to install a brake or traction control system to help prevent the wheels from slipping. That is good to know because my father wants to get a hunting trailer and he would be taking it out when there is snow on the ground.

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5 Critical Moves to Make When A Trailer Starts To Sway

What Do I Do When A Trailer Starts To Sway?

Trailer sway is when a trailer starts to rock from side to side uncontrollably.

It’s a scary feeling when it starts to happen. Your vehicle will also start to rock from the motion of the trailer. If it gets too bad it can cause you to lose control on the road.

Related Product: Use a TireMinder (click to view on Amazon) to wirelessly monitor the PSI in your trailers tires and be warned of flat tires. 

Trailer sway can happen to anyone towing any kind of trailer. Cargo, utility, travel trailer, 5th-wheel, it doesn’t matter.

In this article, I’ll go over the 5 critical things you should do when trailer sway happens. Failure to do these may end up in increased trailer sway and you could be thrown off the road by your trailer.

See Also: Can Travel Trailer Tires Be Aligned? How To Check Alignment

Table of Contents show What Do I Do When A Trailer Starts To Sway? Trailer Sway Procedure What Causes Trailer Sway? Excessive Speeds Wind Gusts Improper Weight Distribution Over Loaded Trailer Low Tire Pressure Best Ways To Reduce The Risk For Trailer Sway Weight Distribution & Sway Control Hitches Stiffer Tow Vehicle Tires Know Your Tongue Weight Final Thoughts About Avoiding Trailer Sway

Trailer Sway Procedure

• Take Your Foot Off The Gas – You need to slow down, but you need to do it gradually.
• DO NOT BRAKE – Braking will only make trailer sway worse and you could lose control of your vehicle and trailer.
• Keep The Steering Wheel Straight – You don’t want to turn in to or fight the trailer sway. This will only increase it.
• Gently Apply Trailer Brakes Manually – You can usually apply your trailer brakes manually with the brake controller. There’s normally a lever you can push below the steering. Gently apply the brakes on your trailer to slow it down. If your trailer does not have trailer brakes you may be able to straighten your trailer by increasing your speed slightly. Never increase your speed to try and stop trailer sway if you are going down a hill.
• Pull Over & Inspect – Trailer sway can happen for many reasons that I will outline below. Pulling over and inspecting your trailer to determine the cause of the sway and fixing it will hopefully stop it from happening again.

See Also:  Difference Between Weight Distribution & Sway Control

What Causes Trailer Sway?

There are 5 main causes for trailer sway. Understanding each one and taking the necessary steps to fix problems before you start towing will help reduce the risk for trailer sway.

Excessive Speeds

Many people don’t know this but almost all trailers especially travel trailers are only rated to go 65 mph safely.

Some cargo trailers are rated to go even slower. You can find out the rated speed for your trailer through the manufacturer or possibly even the dealer.

Going faster than 65 mph or the max speed your trailer is rated for greatly increases the chances of trailer sway.

The wind is a huge cause of trailer sway. Sudden strong gusts of wind can hit your trailer from the side and cause it to start rocking from side to side.

If your trailer is already at high risk for trailer sway even a gust of wind from a passing semi-truck could send it into sway.

Slowing down when you see a semi-truck coming or even pulling over during high crosswinds are the best ways to reduce your risk for dangerous trailer sway caused by wind.

See Also:  RV Truck & Trailer Towing Capacity – How Much Can I Tow?

Improper Weight Distribution

Having too much weight in the back and even the front of your travel trailer makes it more susceptible to trailer sway.

It’s better to have the heavy stuff over the axles of your trailer and towards the front. But the front should not be loaded so much that your tongue weight is more than 15% of the total trailer weight.

On that same note, the tongue weight should never be lower than 10% of the total trailer weight.

Also having more weight on one side of the trailer can cause it to steer itself towards that side and it will begin to sway on the road.

Weight distribution hitches are one of the best ways to help even out the weight on heavy trailers. I talk more about them and how they reduce trailer sway below.

Over Loaded Trailer

Every trailer has a max weight that it is rated for and not legal to go over. On a cargo trailer, it’s easy to look at the max trailer weight and load it accordingly but on a travel trailer, a lot of people don’ think about their holding tanks.

You can load up a travel trailer right to the max but when it’s time to fill up the fresh water tank you are going to end up even as much as 500 lbs over the weight limit.

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When loading your travel trailer with your stuff make sure you leave enough weight allowance for your freshwater tank to be full without going over the max weight limit.

If you often tow with the grey, black, and fresh water tank full make sure you calculate those weights as well.

The axels and the suspension system on your trailer are made for the max weight. A trailer that’s too heavy could damage the suspension and cause the trailer to start to sway.

Low Tire Pressure

A tire with low pressure will compress and decompress with the road’s bumps and turns.

The more movement the tires are allowed to have through low pressure the higher your chances are that the entire trailer will start to swing and bounce which will result in trailer sway.

Keeping the tires at the correct pressure on your tow vehicle and trailer will solve this problem.

Note that most trailer tires are meant to be inflated to the max psi. This is to keep the sidewalls stiff and working properly.

See Also:  Best RV 5th-Wheel & Travel Trailer Tires Review/Buying Guide

Best Ways To Reduce The Risk For Trailer Sway

Now that you know what to do when your trailer starts to sway and the reasons trailer sway happens you probably are wondering how you can stop trailer sway before you get out on the road.

There are some great products out there made specifically for reducing trailer sway and help you stay safe on the road.

Weight Distribution & Sway Control Hitches

You are usually required to use a weight distribution hitch when your trailer is over a certain weight compared to your tow vehicle.

For instance, half-ton (1500) trucks are required by the manufacturer to use a weight distribution hitch when towing trailers over 5,000 lbs.

3/4 and 1-ton trucks are required to use one when towing over 6,000 lbs. You can find what the exact weight limit for your vehicle is from the manufacturer.

Most travel trailers are also required to be towed with a weight distribution hitch.

As another easy to follow rule of thumb is if the weight of the trailer is over 50% of the tow vehicle’s weight you should use a weight distribution hitch.

See Also:  Best Weight Distribution Hitches With Sway Control

Usually, sway control is integrated into the design of a weight distribution hitch or there is a sway control bar included with the purchase of one.

If you don’t want to use a weight distribution hitch because your trailer is under the required weight, you can use a sway control bar to reduce trailer sway.

For more information on the difference between weight distribution and sway control check out this article here.

Stiffer Tow Vehicle Tires

Heavy-duty trucks that are made for towing have tires that are stiffer than regular passenger vehicle tires.

Many SUVs and half-ton trucks like the F-150 have the capabilities to tow but come with passenger tires.

Upgrading to light truck tires will give you better towing performance and decrease the risk for trailer sway.

Know Your Tongue Weight

I talked a little bit about the importance of having your trailer loaded so the tongue weight is between 10-15% (preferably 15%) of the total trailer weight but I’m going to emphasize it here.

Tongue weight is so important. Having the bulk of the weight of your trailer too much in the front causes your tow vehicle to “squat”. This will lift the front of your vehicle and make it harder to control.

See Also:  How To Install An Electric Tongue Jack On A Trailer

Sway control is just one reason to make sure your trailer is loaded the correct way to keep your tongue weight correct.

To make sure you have the correct tongue weight on your trailer you can use a tongue scale like the Sherline LM 2000 (click to see on Amazon) to weigh the tongue of your trailer.

If you don’t know the total weight of your trailer when it’s loaded down you can use a trailer scale to find the final total weight. This is also a good way to make sure your trailer hasn’t gone over its maximum weight limit.

Public trailer scales can be found at some gas stations, feed stores, and possibly your local scrap metal yard. CAT has scales all over the United States and their locator tool is a great way to find a public trailer scale near you. ( click here to go to CAT Scale Locator )

Final Thoughts About Avoiding Trailer Sway

Trailer sway is a very real and very dangerous threat that everyone towing a bumper pull trailer faces.

Unfortunately, there are people out there towing travel trailers or bumper pull cargo trailers who don’t know about trailer sway and its dangers until it’s too late.

Educating yourself and others on what to do when trailer sway happens and the best ways you can reduce the risk is important to not only keep you safe on the road but others as well.

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Accidents happen and even if you’ve done everything right trailer sway can still happen. Always be aware of what your trailer is doing behind you.

Trailer sway creates a risk for you and the people in vehicles driving around you.

If you find yourself being pulled around the road by a swaying trailer remember to follow the 5 steps calmly and do not slam on the brakes no matter what you do.

Have any questions about what to do when your trailer starts to sway and how to reduce the risk of trailer sway? Leave a comment below. 

7 thoughts on “5 Critical Moves to Make When A Trailer Starts To Sway”

Great information to have safety trip with a trailer. Thanks so much!

Thank you, Natalie!

It’s great to know that it’s recommended to get a weight-distribution hitch with a sway control bar, so your cargo trailer to reduce trailer sway. My father is has been looking for a tilt equipment trailer for sale for his barn needs on the family ranch. I’ll share this information with him later so he can also buy the proper trailer accessories. Thanks a lot!

It’s also important to have an experienced trailer hitch installer properly set up the weight distribution hitch and the anti-sway bar. Those who choose to go the do-it-yourself route should carefully read the installation and operating instructions and seek advice from an experienced person. It’s easy to do it wrong.

Great advice, as someone that normally goes the diy route your comment makes me think twice about this one.

We had a hitch receiver installed on our vehicle and didn’t realize until after the fact that it is not rated to use with a weight distribution system. Can we still use a sway control bar with this type of receiver?

Hi Richard,

A sway control bar should be ok since it doesn’t add pressure to the hitch receiver. I would contact the manufacturer to check just in case.

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Why Does My RV Sway So Much on the Interstate?

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on February 12, 2022

There’s nothing better than looking in your mirror and seeing the beauty of the landscapes behind you. On the other hand, looking in those same mirrors and seeing your RV swaying back and forth can be a nightmare for you and those driving behind you on the interstate.

Today we want to take a closer look at what might cause your RV to sway so much on the interstate and how you can help minimize it.

Let’s get started!

What Is RV Sway?

RV sway is exactly what its name implies. It’s when your RV sways back and forth on its own as you’re traveling down the highway – like a dog wagging its tail. It can cause some serious issues for you and other drivers while you’re traveling.

Ideally, you’ll be familiar with the idea of trailer sway, so you know how to respond when you experience it. Overreacting when you experience side-to-side motion can escalate the situation quickly.

What Causes RV Sway?

Trailer sway is often the result of improperly loading your RV. Putting too much weight in the rear increases the chances that you experience trailer sway. However, even a properly loaded trailer can still experience swaying.

Driving at excessive speeds or crosswinds can also cause a swaying motion. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather and your speed when towing. 

Why Driving on the Interstate Increases RV Sway

RV sway often occurs the faster you’re driving. Interstates typically have some of the highest speed limits across the country. This is why you’re more likely to experience RV sway while on an interstate than on any other road. Combine the high rate of speed with the open road, and it’s the perfect storm to experience sway with your RV.

Just because the speed limit is over 70 mph doesn’t mean that you should be driving that fast. Most RVers will typically keep their maximum speed somewhere between 55 to 65 mph.

This helps reduce the chances of swaying and provides optimal fuel consumption.

How to Keep Your RV From Swaying

If you want to avoid experiencing RV sway while towing, there are some things you can do. Let’s take a look!

Distribute Weight Correctly

One of the best things to avoid sway in your RV is by distributing the weight correctly. You typically want to keep 60% of the weight in your RV in front of the front axles. This helps avoid the rear of the RV being too heavy, which often causes sway.

If you’re often experiencing swaying in your RV, you might look at what the distribution of weight is like in your RV. 

If you are towing a toy hauler or using a bumper-mounted cargo rack, you might have too much weight behind the axles of your RV. Try moving some of the heavy objects into the rear of your tow vehicle in front of the axles. Doing so can greatly improve your towing experience and eliminate the sway.

Don’t Overload Your Camper

Overloading your camper can cause a host of issues, one of which is RV sway. Many RVers get nervous about forgetting something for their trip, so they overpack.

However, loading your RV with too much stuff can not only be bad for the suspension, but the increased weight can cause the trailer to sway.

Keep Your Speed Down

You should never be in a hurry when you’re towing an RV. You need to keep the speed down due to the drastic increase in stopping distance.

The faster you drive, the more likely you are to experience swaying.

If you’re correctly hitching up your RV, you likely won’t notice RV sway if you’re keeping it under 55 mph to 65 mph. 

Control Your Brakes

One of the worst things you can do if you experience RV sway is to hit the brakes. You may think you’ll fix the situation by braking, but this isn’t typically the case. Hard braking will make things worse. You’ll likely lose whatever control you have, and the trailer could start swaying to the point where you’re out of control and unable to regain it.

This often results in severe accidents, potentially even fatal accidents. 

Your best bet is to hold tightly to the steering wheel and maintain as much control as possible. Don’t brake or accelerate, but allow the vehicle to slow down on its own eventually. As you begin to slow down, you’ll steadily start to regain more control.

If you notice the RV sway returning at a certain speed, stay at 5 mph to 10 mph below that speed until you can repack your RV to redistribute the weight.

What Is a Trailer Sway Bar?

A trailer sway bar is an optional suspension system add-on for your RV. The purpose of the bar is to reduce the sway you experience while towing. It does this by increasing the contact between the hitch and the tongue of the trailer.

These bars will dampen and reduce friction between the trailer and the tow vehicle’s hinge point. If you’re planning to tow your trailer regularly or for a considerable distance, you’ll want to spend the extra money to get a quality hitch that includes sway bars. 

Correcting Your RV Sway on the Interstate

You can do some things to correct your RV sway while on the interstate. First of all, keep an eye on the weather. This helps you avoid putting you and your RV on an interstate on a windy day.

Depending on your rig, you may start to feel the wind pushing you around and cause the RV to sway once it hits 12 mph to 15 mph. Most RVers will find a place to park anytime the winds are over 25 mph. The sway becomes too much to battle, and correcting the sway becomes very difficult.

If you experience RV sway when it’s not windy, pull over and make sure you’re loading your RV correctly. You don’t want to have too much weight on the rear of your RV.

If you are loading it correctly, you might need to check the alignment of your axles. Slowing down and using sway bars are great ways to correct RV sway while on the interstate. 

Take Care of RV Sway

RV sway can be very serious and could cause you to overreact and cause an accident. You must be in control of your RV at all times. If you are having regular issues with RV sway, you need to figure out why as soon as possible.

Whether you need to redistribute the weight in your trailer or add a weight-distribution hitch to your setup, fixing RV sway isn’t always that difficult. You may need to make some adjustments to your setup, but it’s typically pretty straightforward. 

Have you ever experienced RV sway while towing?

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The statement that you should not use your brakes is only partially true. When your sway starts to become uncontrollable you SHOULD slowly apply the trailer brakes with the manual override on your brake controller. This will usually greatly reduce the swaying as well as decrease your speed to a safe level. This is also how to safely slowdown in icy conditions.

I have towed several campers over the years and you are correct in saying not to apply the brakes in the tow vehicle when swaying starts. My experience with sway have been corrected by slightly applying the brakes on the towed vehicle using the brake controller. Don’t apply a full amps to the brakes just ease the lever so the brakes apply and the swaying will stop.

I have over 30 years towing travel trailers ranging from 17 ft to 30 ft, single and multi-axle, 4K lbs to 13K lbs. I can verify that speed is the one factor most drivers don’t think about; I’ve see drivers with 30 ft TT’s and 5er’s going 70+ on interstates with the tow swinging back and forth. Needless to say I stay as far behind them as possible. I have been a big proponent of requiring the passing of a license endorsement law that requires at least a minimum of knowledge of how to tow and load. Loading is also important so why do mfg’s design RV’s with big storage area’s behind the wheels, like under the bed? As to stopping swaying I agree that lightly applying the trailer brakes is a good idea if the sway is minimal; however, I also have found that if the sway is extreme, like a gust of wind, that increasing speed by applying a little power will pull the trailer back into alignment than start to slow down. The one thing I know is that remaining calm is very important, over reacting can make things really bad.

How To Stop Travel Trailer Porpoising

There are many factors that contribute to trailer porpoising, but the most common is the trailer’s weight distribution. The weight should be distributed evenly for a smooth ride and for safety reasons.

It is important to make sure that your trailer’s hitch is properly connected and secured. You can also use a sway control device, which will help reduce the risk of porpoising. You can also adjust your suspension system so that it better absorbs the bumps in the road and keeps your trailer level.

What causes porpoising in a trailer?

Porpoising (bouncing like you described) and sway are both commonly caused by the same thing when towing and that is not enough tongue weight for the trailer relative to the total amount of weight the trailer weighs. [1]

What is RV Porpoising?

Porpoising is front to rear bounce; the front hits a bump, then the rear hits the bump, and they both bounce independently of each other, creating an oscillating motion. If the problem is severe enough, it can feel like you’re going to pull the wheels off the ground. [2]

What causes a 5th wheel to porpoise?

The main reason for porpoising when towing a fifth wheel trailer is too low of pin weight in the trailer. If there’s a way you could increase your pin weight by moving the weight in the trailer forward you should see the porpoising decrease. [3]

What causes sway?

Remember that trailer sway and whipping are considered combination disturbances, which also include improper handling of the trailer and tow vehicle, over-steering, and other deviations of the trailer or tow vehicle from their intended path due to causes such as improper loading, excessive speeds, cross winds, passing … [4]

How do you stop an RV from bouncing while driving?

Reduce the Tire Pressure Lowering tire pressure can make for a smoother ride. A general rule of thumb is to reduce your pressure by half to tow an empty trailer. However, the pounds per square inch needed are dependent on the tire size, trailer weight and whether the tire is a vehicle or trailer tire. [5]

How do I stop my car Porpoising?

By running a car higher off the ground you can prevent porpoising, but it also means you’ll create less downforce. With less downforce, your car will be slower. [6]

How do you reduce bounce when towing?

You can try shifting some weight in the trailer forward to add some tongue weight and that would help eliminate some of the bounce you are experiencing. Also, make sure you are towing it as level as possible. You may need a different ball mount. [7]

What is it called when a trailer starts to sway?

Trailer sway occurs when the side forces on the trailer cause the trailer to move side to side behind the tow vehicle. We call it “fishtailing.” Two factors are involved here: (1) the side forces on the travel trailer and (2) the location and type of pivot point that the trailer is linked to. [8]

Why does my travel trailer sway so much?

Wind is the most common cause of trailer sway. When there is a strong force pushing your trailer from one side or the other, it can cause it to sway from side to side. This is usually the result of strong gusts of wind or passing a high-profile vehicle such as an 18 wheeler who is traveling at high speeds. [9]

How do you reduce sway on a travel trailer?

Gradually reduce speed when experiencing trailer sway–do not slam on the brakes. Steady the steering wheel–do not make sudden turns, and do not try to steer out of a sway situation. Do not increase speed, since higher speeds make trailer sway more severe. Apply only the trailer brakes to help reduce sway. [10]

Why does my travel trailer bounce when parked?

The Ground Isn’t Solid Another reason why your travel trailer or fifth wheel might be rocking is because of the surface you are parked on. It doesn’t take much for an RV to rock around, and having your rig parked on anything other than flat, level asphalt or cement can leave much to be desired. [11]

Why does my camper shake so much?

You may be asking yourself, why is my travel trailer shaking? The answer could be many reasons, including that you aren’t parked on a level surface, your trailer is unevenly weighted, you may need wheel chocks and stabilizers, or there are simply people walking around inside the travel trailer! [12]

Related posts:

• Are Travel Trailers Worth The Money
• How to Repair Travel Trailer Underbelly
• What is a Travel Trailer GVWR
• Where to Buy Camper in Ireland

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What are Trailer Sway Bars and are They Necessary?

If you’ve recently purchased a new travel trailer then you more than likely have heard about trailer sway bars and all the benefits they provide.

But what are trailer sway bars and are they even necessary ?

Trailer sway bars are bars that attach to and provide an additional connection point between the tow hitch and the tongue of the trailer that reduces and dampens trailer sway through friction.  

There’s a lot more to know about trailer sway bars though than just their basic purpose.  So if you’re thinking about purchasing trailer sway bars or want a more in-depth explanation about how they work, keep reading.  

In-Depth Explanation on How Trailer Sway Bars Work

Why Does My Travel Trailer Sway?

The hitch point between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer is essentially one big hinge allowing the truck and trailer to move independently from one another. 

This hinge point between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer is important because it allows the rig to turn easier and adjust for elevation differences between the tow vehicle and the trailer on uneven terrain. 

However, this hinge point can also cause trailer instability and trailer sway.  

Trailer sway is caused when untended outside forces act on the hinge point between the tow vehicle and the trailer, causing the trailer to sway back and forth.

Which can lead to a challenging tow or even an accident if the trailer sway becomes out of control. 

The four main outside forces that cause a travel trailer to sway include wind, crosswinds from passing vehicles, improperly aligned tires on the travel trailer, and improper weight distribution between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer.  

Why Every Travel Trailer Should Be Equipped with Trailer Sway Bars

While you can technically pull a travel trailer without sway bars, in our opinion you should always have trailer sway bars equipped to help provide the easiest and safest tow possible. 

This is because sway bars do a great job of dampening and even eliminating unintended sway in the trailer by creating a more rigid hitch point between the tow vehicle and travel trailer. 

Creating a much safer and more manageable towing experience no matter the outside forces you might encounter while towing such as high winds or crosswinds from passing vehicles.

Trailer Sway Bar Installation

While there can be differences in the way you install a sway bar to your trailer depending on the type and brand of the sway bar, this video as well as these step-by-step directions should give you a good general idea of how to install a sway bar to your trailer.  

• Mount the sway control ball to the hitch. 
• Attach the trailer tongue ball plate using the included bolts by drilling and screwing the plate to the trailer tongue.  (Before drilling, make sure there are no electrical or gas lines in your way, and if the tongue ball plate requires any welding make sure a qualified welding professional completes the welds.)
•  Apply a small amount of grease to both sway control balls. 
• Attach and secure the socket of the sway bar over the sway control ball on the hitch.
• Adjust and attach the body of the sway control arm to the sway control ball on the tongue ball plate.
• Tighten the sway bar control as recommended by the manufacturer.  
• Once installed, make sure the trailer sway bar has free range of motion and does not make contact with either the bumper or the trailer frame and ensure it does not become fully compressed by slowly backing the trailer into a jackknife position on either side. 

Do You Need One or Two Sway Bars on the Trailer?

For most travel trailers, one sway bar is usually enough as one sway bar is intended for travel trailers that are less than 6,000 pounds and less than 26 feet long.  

If however, you have a larger travel trailer that is over 6,000 pounds or longer than 26 feet, you should install a trailer sway bar to both sides of your trailer to prevent unwanted sway on your trailer.  

What’s the Difference Between Trailer Sway Bars and a Weight Distribution Hitch?

It’s not uncommon for beginning RVers to be confused about the differences between a trailer sway bar and a weight-distribution hitch and sometimes even think they are the same thing. 

But while they can be sold together as a set, a trailer sway bar and a weight-distribution hitch are two separate pieces of equipment that are designed to do very different things. 

Trailer Sway Bar

A trailer sway bar such as this popular one on Amazon by Reese is a device that helps to prevent the trailer from swaying back and forth while going down the road by adding an additional connection point or arm between the tow hitch and the trailer tongue, by using friction to make the hinge point between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer stiffer.

While a trailer sway bar can be a part of an overall tow system that might include a sway bar as well as weight-distribution hitch they are also sold separately like the one above.  

Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight-distribution hitch like this popular one on Amazon by Curt that also has a sway bar built-in, is a device that helps to move some of the tongue weight of the trailer to the front axle of the tow vehicle using downward pressure and leverage.  

The reason you would use a weight-distribution hitch to move some of the trailer tongue weight from the hitch point to the tow vehicle’s front axle is to prevent sag at the hitch point between the tow vehicle and the trailer and to help keep the tow vehicle level.

This helps to prevent the front wheels of the tow vehicle from lifting up which can lead to poor steering and stopping power.   

Do Fifth Wheels Sway or Need Trailer Sway Bars?

While it’s possible for a fifth to sway during extremely windy conditions, in general, fifth wheels do not sway or need trailer sway bars as other travel trailers do.  

This is because the trailer hitch point on a fifth wheel is brought forward over the rear axle of the tow vehicle instead of behind it, allowing the tow vehicle and fifth wheel to act more like a signal vehicle as opposed to separate ones.  

Because of this many RVers find fifth wheels more stable and in general easier to tow compared to standard travel trailers once they get used to the fifth wheel’s larger size.  

Want to know how the “80 Rule for Towing” influences max towing capacity, if so, check out our article “ How the 80 Rule for Towing Affects Max Tow Capacity “.

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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