How to Handle Sway When Hauling

No matter what trailer you haul, you’ve got to be able to and a certain amount of sway. You’ve probably felt that tugging weight of sway if you have spent any time hauling trailers. When you get caught off guard, that can lead to an accident. Anyone from a new trailer hauler to a seasoned expert needs to be ready to handle hauling sway when it becomes an issue. 

What is Happening When a Trailer Sways?

When a trailer sways, a common term for this is “fishtailling.” The circumstances are simple enough. You’re towing your trailer. A strong gust of wind or poor conditions under the tires makes the trailer sway from side to side (like the tail of a fish). If the sway gathers too much momentum, you could flip or go off road, both of which are bad. Collisions are possible, too. No matter how skilled of a driver you are, you could encounter sway, so let’s talk about how to deal with it. 

What to Do When Your Trailer Sways

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can minimize trailer sway through proper loading of your trailer. Check the max weight rating and stay inside it. Keep tongue weight and overall trailer weight in mind, too. Don’t make sudden jerks on the wheel while you drive. Keep your motions controlled. Avoid hard braking, overcorrections with steering, and sudden moves in general. Leave about twice or three times as much room to brake. 

Use a Weight Distribution Hitch 

Even if you do everything right, environmental factors like road conditions and wind can cause trailer sway. If you use a weight distribution hitch, you can keep sway under control. Check out weight distribution hitches here. 

Safety First! Ask The Trailer Parts Questions ABout Sway

We want you to have the best possible experience with your trailer. We want you to prevent sway as much as possible and handle it like a champ if it does come up. Here at the Trailer Parts Outlet, we are committed to offering you the best possible, most reliable gear for your trailer needs. Please browse our website for trailers, plans and parts and don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions about which gear you need, or how to use it.