Trailer sway is a scary situation for an RV owner! The towable unit begins to move uncontrollably and can lead to an accident. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the chances of trailer sway occurring, which we discuss below.
If you have any questions or want to shop RVs for sale, contact the experts at Broadmoor RV. Our dealership is based in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and we also serve those in Spokane and Seattle.
Inspect Your Tow Vehicle And Trailer
The first step is making sure your tow vehicle and RV are ready for a safe ride. Small maintenance issues can greatly contribute to trailer sway risk, which is why a pre-trip inspection is crucial. Look over everything from the tire air pressure to the brakes. Make sure everything is operational before you hit the road.
Pack Your Trailer Strategically
Cargo placed in the wrong place can also contribute to trailer sway. Try to keep weight evenly distributed from front to back and from left to right.
Don’t forget to tie down any loose items. Otherwise, they can move about during transport and undo your careful weight placement.
Finally, be sure to stay within weight limitations. Overloading your tow vehicle and/or your RV is dangerous – and can also contribute to trailer sway. Those limitations are there to protect yourself, your rigs, and others on the road. Stay within them to help promote a safe towing experience.
Consider Upgrading Your RV
If you travel often, think about getting a friction sway control device. As the name implies, it’s a great help in preventing trailer sway.
This RV accessory places resistance on the trailer and the tow vehicle. In return, the effect of wind gusts and sharp turns are reduced and trailer sway is prevented. This upgrade is best for RVs with a low tongue weight percentage. Trailers with a higher tongue weight may need a friction sway control device placed on both sides of the hitch.
Be Strategic With Windy Conditions
Wind is a massive cause of trailer sway. Whenever possible, try to prevent traveling on an exceptionally windy day.
Of course, that’s not always a possibility. If you have to travel on a windy day, focus on driving as steady as you can. Limit sudden braking or sharp turning. Try to decrease your speed slowly and drive in a straight line as much as possible. If the wind gets bad enough, use your best judgement about pulling over to wait it out.
Looking to explore RVs for sale? Check out the selection at Broadmoor RV. Our experts can discuss the various models and the financing options, helping to make everything easier for you. Reach out or stop by our dealership in the Tri-Cities, Washington. We are also proud to serve those in Spokane and Seattle, Washington.
