For technical support, please click here. Trailer sway can happen in a matter of seconds, catching even a professional driver off-guard, and can be very dangerous if not handled properly.
Preventing trailer sway from occurring in the first place is the best way to avoid causing an accident. To understand how to prevent trailer sway, which is commonly referred to as 'fishtailing', it is important to understand the potential root causes. Unlike a semi-trailer that latches onto the fifth wheel of a truck, a full trailer will sway when exposed to a force such as high crosswinds that causes it to move from side to side.
If wind conditions worsen quickly, a trailer can suddenly and unexpectedly begin to sway. It becomes challenging for a driver to regain control of the vehicle once the trailer starts to sway. A random gust of wind is not the only cause for a trailer to sway. A passing tractor-trailer in the hammer lane can create a tailwind that sends a sudden and intense gust toward the back and sides of a driver's pulled trailer. Factors that also contribute to trailer sway include highway infrastructure, uneven road conditions, and the potholes that everyone has encountered while driving.
To mitigate trailer sway incidents, included are 6 tips that a professional driver can use to prevent this from happening while operating a vehicle combination. Ensure that your trailer is loaded to the appropriate weight and is properly balanced to reduce trailer sway. This will help reduce oversteering in the towed vehicle.
Generally, the more weight that is loaded toward the back of the trailer, the easier it will be for the trailer to sway. All trailers manufactured to pull a load will have a maximum weight rating. If you exceed these maximum weight limits, it will increase the likelihood of trailer sway.
Therefore, a professional driver must always pay attention to the overall maximum trailer weight, along with tongue weight limits, towing vehicle payload, and tow ratings.
While a truck with a long wheelbase will not completely resist trailer sway, it will help your vehicle resist the effects. With more distance between the tow vehicle's wheels, it can better counteract the swaying motion of the trailer.
A truck and trailer equipped with rear dual wheels may also be more resistant to swaying due to added traction from the extra wheels on both vehicles.
In this case, the vehicle will likely come with a hitch, trailer wiring, and upgraded transmission cooling. The vehicle should also come from the factory with more durable batteries, alternators, and brakes designed to pull a full trailer.
A driver should avoid slamming on the brakes, letting off the throttle suddenly, or overcorrecting the steering. If you can apply the trailer brakes separately, do this immediately as that will drag the trailer back into line. Steer gently against the motion of the trailer. As you slow down, the trailer will stop swinging so violently. The risk of you losing control will depend on the overall weight of the trailer in relation to the towing vehicle. A light trailer will have less impact on how the towing vehicle moves, and vice versa.
There are special towing hitches with more friction that can help reduce the risk of trailer sway. If you are doing everything right but your trailer is still swaying then you need to get it checked out as there may be an underlying problem. 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. Here are the reasons why your trailer may sway and steps that you should take to prevent it. Uneven weight distribution is a significant cause of trailer swaying. 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. Improper use and driving may worsen trailer swaying for trailers that are not well-designed.
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