Triple Towed Boat Trailer Sways at Speeds Above 50 MPH
Question:
I want to pull my 18 ft aluminum boat behind my 14 ft bumper pull camper. I have installed a 2inch receiver on the camper to facilitate this. Upon test drive, it worked great up to 50 mph and then the boat started to sway, BAD. Do you have any suggestions for me, thank you.
asked by: Don E
Expert Reply:
Boat trailers are notorious for swaying because most boats carry all the weight at the rear with the motor, gas tanks, battery, etc. Here are several things you can do.
Adding weight to the front of the boat should provide fairly dramatic improvement. Any heavier gear you're carrying in the tow vehicle that you can move to the trailer, do so.
You'll also want to make sure the trailer's being towed level. If it's more than 2 or so inches high or low at the tongue, it can contribute to trailer sway. Get a ball mount with the proper rise or drop. The trailer tongue doesn't need to be dead level but within an inch plus or minus is ideal.
Inspect the wheels, tires and suspension. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. You should check the air pressure when the tires are cold. Closely examine the trailer's springs. Check for a bent axle or wheel. If you put the trailer up on jack stands and spin each wheel by hand, it'll be immediately evident if it's bent. Are the tires wearing unevenly? If so, it could indicate a bent axle.
These are the most common causes of speed-dependent trailer sway.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Reese
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