How to Fix a Travel Trailer's Sway if you Already Have a Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control

Question:

I have a 2011 Tahoe 4x4 with a 5.3 and tow package. I will be towing a 19 foot single axle travel trailer. I have an equil-i-zer 4 point sway control hitch, both the Tahoe and the trailer sit level. However, I experienced some trailer sway coming home from the dealer. Both the Tahoe and trailer are new to me, but towing is not. Chevrolet recommend 32psi but which is what was the pressure while I brought the trailer home. The tires max cold is 44. I intend to increase the tire pressure to 40 the next time I tow. I have used many of your products through the years. What other suggestions would you have?

asked by: Rob

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of other things you can do for your travel trailer in addition to a weight distribution hitch to help with sway.

One thing is improving the suspension on the trailer or even your vehicle (like the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs, part # F4186, that you referenced). Using air springs or sway bars on the trailer or your vehicle is a great way to fight against sway. If you'd like to take this route, let me know what your trailer is and I'll help you find those enhancements.

However, what I'm going to recommend is an electronic sway control. This will address the heart of the issue.

Looking at the Tuson Electronic Sway Controller for Electric Trailer Brakes, part # 335TSC-1000, you can see that the focus of the controller is on the trailer's sway. The unit attaches in line with your trailer and detects sway when it starts. Then, it applies the brakes in the best calculated way (using a proprietary algorithm) to eliminate that sway before it becomes a problem (within milliseconds!).

I've linked to a video review of this controller for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G