Tips on Reducing Trailer Sway When Dual-Cam Sway Control is Not Enough

Question:

I have the dual cam system, and still get alot of sway from side winds. i have to keep the truck under 60 mph to feel alittle safe. I would like to find out how to solve this issue, because i do not like pulling the trailer as it is. Thanks.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

Your first line of defense against trailer sway is proper loading of the trailer. You may have to move weight forward or backward to get the trailer loaded just right. This will help to reduce sway. Heavy items should be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle. The load should be balanced side-to-side and firmly secured to prevent shifting.

Tongue weight should be about 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Too low a percentage of tongue weight will often produce a tendency to sway. Excess weight on the tongue can also lead to sway and damage hitch and/or tow vehicle. Make sure the dual-cam system is properly set up according to the installation details linked for reference.

You will also want to make sure that you have a weight distribution system that is rated properly for your trailer. The system you use should have a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight of the trailer, ready to tow, plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the vehicle. If the system is rated too low or too high it will be ineffective. i have included a link to our weight distribution and sway control FAQ for you.

You can also check to make sure the trailer tires are properly inflated and are not worn. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the trailer tire. I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you as well.

expert reply by: Michael H