Solution for Sway with 900 Pound Utility Trailer After Switching to New Truck

Question:

Just recently bought a 2010 Ram and Im having a lot of problems with trailer sway it doesnt matter if the trailer is empty or loaded. Is a utility trailer only weights about 900lbs empty, it can be moved by hand. Ive pulled the trailer with Ford, Toyota and Tahoe and never had problems with sway. As soon as I hit 45-50 mph the trailers starts swaying in this this 2010 Ram 1500. I already tried leveling the trailer with the truck and even put a lot of weight towards the front and still have the sway problem.

asked by: Edgar

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have done just about everything on the trailer to try and reduce the sway you're experiencing when towing with your new 2010 Ram 1500. Adding tongue weight to the trailer and making sure it is level when hooked up are a couple things we usually recommend trying but you have already done this without success.

I am not exactly sure why the sway issues only began when switching to the Ram. I'm wondering if maybe it is just a coincidence that the issues began with the new truck and that there is actually a mechanical problem on the trailer, specifically with hubs. I recommend checking your hub assemblies for a bad bearing or anything else that needs to be replaced. It's possible that when you reach 45-50 mph the affected hub really starts to wobble which is what is causing the sway.

If everything looks good then another option is to add a friction sway bar like the Reese # 83660. This sway bar will essentially stiffen the coupling between your Ram and the utility trailer to keep it in line during travel. It will simply attach to the side of the trailer tongue with the included hardware. You will just need to add a sway-control bracket like the 2 inch # RP26003 or the 1-1/4 inch # RP26005 that will attach to the ball mount on your Ram.

I have attached a short video demonstration and the written instructions that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R