Is My Generator On Tongue Of The Trailer Causing Sway at High Speeds

Question:

I have a 2018 Jayco that weighs about 5400lbs. I am pulling it with a 2002 Yukon. I just bought a hitch for it from you. I took it out for a test pull today at around 50mph or so, I started to get a bad sway. When I slow down, the sway goes away. I also have a generator mounted on the tongue. It ways about 100lbs. I do not have a sway bar. Could the generator be the problem?

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

If the weight of the trailer is not properly distributed then you may have issues with sway on the road. Your tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer. If the 100 lb generator is causing the the tongue weight to be over 15% of your loaded weight then you may be experiencing sway. You also want to make sure you are not exceeding the gross weight rating of the trailer itself. If you are overloaded you be experiencing sway because of that. I suggest weighing the tongue weight with a tongue weight scale like etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044 which will give you an accurate measurement of tongue weight. If the tongue weight is over 15% of the loaded weight then you would want to move the generator if you can.

If you cannot move the generator you may consider adding Curt Friction Sway Control part # 17200 to your setup to help with the sway.

expert reply by: Heather A