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What You Need To Know About Correcting Trailer Sway

A swaying trailer can cause a scare to motorists and pedestrians alike. It is a situation that can result in a severe accident if it is not controlled correctly. According to statistics, swaying is one of the leading causes of accidents in this class of vehicles. It is because of this fact that you need to know how to reduce the probability of sways. As a motorist, knowing a few things about correcting trailer sway can go a long way in saving lives and property. You do not have to be an expert to know that many situations can lead to swaying. However, as long as you take precautions, your safety will be guaranteed.

How weight distribution can lead to swaying

Imbalanced weight distribution is one of the reasons trailers sway. Sometimes, the loading crew may not notice that there is more weight to one side than the other. The result is that the entire vehicle will lose balance. Several methods can be used to control this problem when correcting trailer sway. For instance, experts recommend the use of weight distribution systems when the weight of the load is more than half that of the vehicle. If you are wondering where you can get the systems for controlling trailer sway, they come in various types.

How a bad braking system can lead to sway

Braking systems have also been known to cause sway in trailers. When you brake suddenly, the force is applied to the caravan from various angles. Therefore, if it does not apply evenly, you can expect it to sway. The best way of correcting trailer sway in such a situation is by finding the right braking system for your vehicle. You should also check various aspects of the system, including the trailer brake controller to ensure that they are all working properly.

Various types of sway control systems

To increase your safety when driving trailers, you may want to invest in various trailer sway prevention methods. A simple system can be installed on the vehicle to ensure that it is more stable. When you contact a motor vehicle technician for such solutions, you will notice that there are electronic sway controllers, among other options. You should also find the right support systems, including towing services, when you notice that you can no longer go on with the vehicle without correcting trailer sway.

Choosing the right sway control system

Correcting trailer sway also involves choosing the right trailer sway control systems. A sway control hitch may prevent most of the accidents that arise from this problem. When you decide to install such controls, you should look for the ones that have been designed specifically for your vehicle. You will notice that vehicles that carry more loads will require stronger controls than those that carry fewer loads. You should also look for controls that are adjustable so that you can set them according to the weight on the trailer.

Towing and safety

When a trailer has sway, you have to find a way to tow it to safety. Remember that it is not only about correcting trailer sway; it is also about moving the vehicle to a safer place. When you know how to tow safely, you help in preventing many problems on the roads. Towing should not be a big problem regardless of where you live. Even when you experience the sway on the major highways, there will always be companies that you can contact for help. You will notice that these companies have their contacts readily available both on and offline.

When you understand the basics about correcting trailer sway, you will always be confident when loading and driving your trucks. You will notice that with better controls, you have fewer things to worry about. You should not forget to find the right company for correcting the sways because you need an assurance of quality. They should use high-quality products from trusted manufacturers to ensure that the problem is eliminated. It is all about finding the best control systems for your trailers.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

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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.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.