How to Address Sway in Seadoo Trailer Towed by 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a seadoo challenger that i pull behind my fifth wheel. I have had friends behind tell me it sways a little back and forth which is more than i want it to. Any suggestions on how to make this stop. Thanks

asked by: Hunter M

Expert Reply:

When towing a trailer with a trailer sway is more likely than when that second trailer (the Seadoo) is hitched directly to a tow vehicle. This happens because at the rear of a 5th wheel there will be more lateral motion than at the back of a tow vehicle. The trailer will typically have a longer distance from the rear axle to the hitch than the tow vehicle will and this longer distance is what contributes to the sway in the second trailer. Also, since your Seadoo trailer weighs a whole lot less than the 5th wheel it will tend to be pushed around a fair bit by the far heavier trailer.

The best way to mitigate this issue is to ensure that the Seadoo trailer is in good shape. By this I mean that you'll want to ensure that trailer's axle is square (relative to the frame) and that its suspension is in good order (no broken or deteriorated leaf springs). Also make certain that the tires on it are inflated properly to their maximum psi pressure shown on the sidewalls and that they do not have uneven tread wear.

There really is no "bolt on" type of remedy for this particular circumstance.

expert reply by: Adam R