Eliminating Trailer Sway from Haulmark 28 Foot Thrifty Hauler Cargo Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are many things that can cause trailer sway, but going to a tire with a higher load range wouldn't have any bearing on trailer sway, assuming that your current tires aren't being overloaded.

Are the tires you have on there now wearing normally? If not, the suspension on your trailer could be worn or damaged or the axle or spindles bent which could certainly cause handling problems.

Have you tried moving more weight to the front of the trailer? Doing so will frequently reduce trailer sway. The trailer's tongue weight should be between 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. If the trailer is rear-heavy with not enough tongue weight, it can cause the trailer to sway.

The best way to reduce sway is to use a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control component. Equal-I-zer offers some great systems that are very effective yet mechanically simple and easy to use. An 8500 lb loaded weight trailer would likely have a tongue weight ranging between 850-1275 lbs. To choose the correct weight distribution system, it's imperative that you identify the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight (which also includes the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the tow vehicle, behind the rear axle). I've linked you to an FAQ article that explains how to do this.

If you identify your tongue weight as being above 1000 lbs, I'd recommend the Equal-I-zer # EQ37140ET which is compatible with trailer tongue weights ranging from 1000-1400 lbs. If the tongue weight is below 1000 lbs, use the # EQ37120ET which is rated for trailers with an 800-1200 lb tongue weight. Both systems include the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball and the weight distributing shank, but a thin walled 1-7/8 inch socket is recommended for installing the trailer ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

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