Controlling travel trailer sway can help reduce the chances of a dangerous situation. When you reach a certain speed while towing a travel trailer, the side-to-side movement known as swaying can occur. Constant and persistent swaying can lead to whipping, which is a violent and uncontrollable sway. Here at Chesapeake RV Solutions, we created the following guide to explain what causes travel trailer swaying, how to prevent it, and a safe way to control your vehicle and travel trailer when swaying occurs. If you have any questions on sway control, stop in at our dealership in Chesapeake, Virginia. We also serve the Virginia Beach and Suffolk, Virginia, areas.

What Can Cause a Travel Trailer to Sway?

Many things cause a travel trailer to sway, but the main contributor is wind. A travel trailer has a higher profile than most vehicles, and it is often between 8–13 feet tall. This height creates a pull-and-push vortex. Very little can be done about the wind, but we will discuss how to handle a travel trailer when it sways. Another thing that gets overlooked is the alignment of tires. If the travel trailer tires are not perfectly straight, sway can occur.

Another culprit that causes swaying is improper weight distribution. If there is an improper weight distribution on the towing vehicle and tongue weight, it could sway. You don’t want to pull too much weight on one side of the travel trailer; instead, make sure that you distribute it evenly.

How to Control a Swaying Travel Trailer

If you begin to feel your travel trailer swaying, immediately ease up on the gas throttle. You should slow your vehicle and travel trailer down to maintain a safe speed. To do this, go about 10 miles below the rate of speed you were traveling when the swaying initially occurred. Be sure that you do not apply your brakes or speed up because this may create more of a swaying problem and could make you lose control. Firmly hold your steering wheel to prevent over-steering and help you control the swaying. You’ll want to pull over when possible to reload the heavier portion of your cargo in the front.

How Stabilizers Can Help

Stabilizers help to distribute the weight of an RV evenly by utilizing the RV's weight to generate stability. A dual camp sway control system is ideal for large travel trailers. It attaches near the hitch and hooks onto either side of the trailer, which allows the cams to prevent swaying. It will unlock on its own when the trailer needs to turn.

Now you know about what causes swaying, ways to help prevent it, and how to keep control when it does. If you have further questions on sway control or are considering purchasing an RV or need accessories for one you already have, stop in at our dealership in Chesapeake, Virginia. We also serve the Virginia Beach and Suffolk, Virginia, areas.