Preventing Trailer Sway: Essential Tips for Safe Towing
Trailer sway is a serious safety concern that can lead to dangerous situations on the road. At Futura Trailers, we prioritize your safety and want to ensure you have the knowledge to prevent trailer sway before it occurs.
Understanding Trailer Sway
Trailer sway, also known as "fishtailing," occurs when your trailer begins to move from side to side behind your tow vehicle. This can be caused by various factors, including:
- Improper weight distribution
- Strong crosswinds
- Excessive speed
- Sudden steering movements
- Passing large vehicles
The Importance of Proper Weight Distribution
One of the most critical factors in preventing trailer sway is ensuring proper weight distribution. The hitch should bear 10-15% of the trailer's total weight. This is known as the tongue weight.
Achieving Optimal Weight Distribution
To achieve the ideal tongue weight:
1. Use a weigh-safe drop hitch: Install this on your tow vehicle to accurately measure tongue weight.
2. Adjust car position: You may need to position the car so it overhangs the front of the deck cross rail.
3. Fine-tune placement: Adjust the car's position (forward or backward) until you see 10-15% of the trailer's gross laden weight (approximately 350-550 pounds) on the hitch.
4. Consider reverse loading: For rear-engine models, loading the car backwards might help achieve the desired weight distribution.
Note: Installing a Rock Guard may limit how far forward the car can be positioned over the front deck cross rail.
Additional Tips to Prevent Trailer Sway
1. Maintain appropriate speed: Reduce speed, especially when driving downhill or in windy conditions.
2. Regular maintenance: Ensure your trailer's tires are properly inflated and all components are in good working order.
3. Be weather-aware: Check weather forecasts for strong winds and adjust your travel plans if necessary.
4. Use sway control devices: Consider installing a weight distribution hitch with sway control for added stability. Futura trailers are designed not to require sway control devices, if the vehicle is loaded correctly and other tips above are followed the Futura Trailer should not sway.
Following these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of trailer sway and ensure a safer towing experience. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to trailer sway. If you experience sway while driving, gradually reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering movements.
For more information on safe towing practices or to explore our range of car trailers designed with stability in mind, visit futuratrailers.com or contact our expert team.