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How To Prevent Your Travel Trailer From Tipping Over

Jun. 27 2024 Ownership Tips By Broadmoor RV

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Travel trailers are some of the most popular towable RVs on the market, which is partially due to them offering a very stable towing experience. However, travel trailers are still vulnerable to tipping if pushed beyond their limits. This guide from Broadmoor RV has a list of tips to help travel trailer owners avoid tipping their campers. 

Travel Trailer Tipping Risk Factors

The best way to prevent your travel trailer from tipping over is to understand the risks factors involved. Once you understand these factors, you can take steps to avoid tipping. 

Issue 1 - Trailer Sway

The Cause: 

  • Improper weight distribution, unsafe driving behaviors, or a broken hitch can cause a travel trailer to sway as it is towed. 

How To Prevent: 

  • Practice safe towing strategies like using proper weight distribution and exercising caution while operating the tow vehicle.
  • Inspect your hitch before each usage. 

Issue 2 - Tire Blow Out

The Cause:

  • Tires that are overinflated, underinflated, or just in poor condition are more likely to blow out while on the road. 

How To Prevent:

  • Inspect your travel trailer’s tires before each trip and perform maintenance when needed. 

Issue 3 - A Sudden Stop

The Cause: 

  • Not giving yourself enough time to slow down/stop while towing your travel trailer. 

How To Prevent:

  • Practice braking with your travel trailer hitched up and loader in a safe place like an empty lot.
  • Give yourself extra following distance while towing. Avoid slamming on the brakes.

Issue 4 - Taking A Corner Too Fast

The Cause:

  • Failing to slow down in order to exercise a smoother turn. 

How To Prevent:

  • Start slowing down before you actually start making the turn. 

Issue 5 - Ice Patch

The Cause:

  • Cold conditions result in icy, slippery terrain.

How To Prevent:

  • Avoid traveling during/after bad weather if possible. 
  • If you have no choice but to tow your travel trailer in icy conditions, be safe and go slower than you normally would. 

Issue 6 - Excessive Wind

The Cause:

  • Winds of 55 MPH or more can cause your travel trailer to tip.

How To Prevent:

  • Check the weather forecast and avoid traveling on windy days. Be ready to pull over if conditions get too bad. 

Shop travel trailers at Broadmoor RV in Tri-Cities, Washington. We also offer RV parts, servicing, and consignment. We are proud to serve the Washington state area, including communities like Seattle and Spokane, Washington, so come visit us soon!