Still Experiencing Sway on Trailer with Two Sway Control Bars Installed
Question:
Hi, I use two sway control bars and tighten them so theyre snug, but still experience some sway from passing 18-wheelers and also when winds are about 25mph. The latter I guess Ill deal with, but the question is what more should I be thinking about to eliminate sway? I dont want to tighten the handles any more that I do now because Im afraid Ill break them. Any thoughts? Thanks,
asked by: Tim R
Expert Reply:
Since the proper adjustments seem to have been made on the two sway bars you already have installed, I recommend simply checking the tongue weight of your trailer. Typically, a trailer's tongue weight should be about 10-15% of its total weight. If you find that you are on the low end or under the 10%, it's possible that this is what is causing your sway issues. Not enough weight distributed on the trailer tongue can certainly lead to sway, especially when passing large trucks or in windy conditions.
If this is the case, you can try moving any gear you have stored in the trailer toward the front to help distribute the weight evenly. You can use a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 for simple and accurate readings.
If the tongue weight is not an issue or you cannot move any cargo to remedy this, then adding a complete weight distribution system with integrated sway control will be your best option. When choosing a weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added weight coming from behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You will want this number to fall somewhere near the middle of the weight capacity range on the system that you choose.
I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of weight distribution systems for you to look through as well as a helpful article on the subject.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
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