TRAILER SWAY AND TRAILER SWAY CONTROL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Trailer sway can be dangerous for drivers towing large loads. Unfortunately, high winds, gusts from passing big rigs or an unbalanced load can all cause your trailer to sway into another lane or the ditch. So how can you avoid the risks? Follow these tips to reduce trailer sway and make your towing experience a safe one.

Preventing trailer sway

Trailer sway demands that you make constant steering adjustments. This can be exhausting and stressful. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent trailer sway.

• Watch the weather. You may want to avoid towing a heavy load if the weather forecast calls for high winds

• Balance your load. Distribute the weight of your load evenly, from side to side and from front to back. No more than 60 per cent of your weight should be in the rear of the trailer, with the remaining 40 per cent in the front.

• Check your tires. Air pressure in all your tires should be even. Tires with low pressure on one side will cause your trailer to sway.

• Adjust your hitch. Installing a weight distribution system or sway control bar to your trailer hitch configuration will decrease the amount of sway you experience.

Weight distribution systems

A weight distribution system shifts weight from the hitch at the towing vehicle’s rear to the front. Spring bars attached to the hitch and tongue distribute the load evenly between the tow vehicle’s axles. You’ll have more steering control and a smoother ride because proper weight is distributed to the front tires.

You should use a weight distribution system when the weight of the trailer is at least 50 per cent as heavy as the towing vehicle, or if the rear of your truck sags when the trailer is hitched up.

Sway control bars

Sway control bars attach to your trailer’s tongue and use a secondary ball-mount on the towing vehicle. It uses friction to brace the hitch system and holds the trailer in a straight configuration with your truck.

Sway control bars are effective, easy to install and less expensive than weight distribution systems, although you need to disengage or remove the bar to make sharp turns. You can use a sway control bar on its own, or with a weight distribution system to maximize stability and control.

Trailer hitch and towing experts in The GTA

At Hitch City, our experienced staff can help you with all your towing needs. Besides towing hitches and truck accessories, we also carry a large selection of bike carriers and sports racks. Contact us today to receive personalized assistance or find out which of our three locations in the Greater Toronto Area is near.