How to Prevent Trailer Sway on a 26 ft 2011 Starcraft Autumn Ridge Towed by a 2011 F-150 Ecoboost

Question:

I recently purchased a 2011 Starcraft Autumn Ridge - 26ft travel trailer and took it out on its maiden voyage. The trailer sways terribly even at low speeds and one of the service guys I brought it in as soon as I returned even said it was not handling well. There was quite a bit of wind, however, other vehicles trailers seemed to be whizzing by me with no problem. I reduced my speed to 50 mph even though the limit was 65 mph I have a 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost truck that is the tow vehicle. What do you suggest might be the cause of this severe wandering? The service guy said it seemed to want to wander even in a slow curve.

asked by: Karen B

Expert Reply:

Many times adjusting the way that the trailer is loaded can help minimize trailer sway. Try loading the trailer so that more weight is toward the front of the trailer, and see if this helps. Too much weight in the back of the trailer and a light tongue weight will cause the trailer to sway. You will also want to make sure that your trailer is as close to level as possible.

If your trailer is loaded properly and you are towing it level, then I would recommend is adding a weight distribution system and sway control if you do not already have them. A weight distribution system should be used any time the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the vehicles weight and, after some research, your trailer could weigh more than your 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost when fully loaded.

If you are using sway control, keep in mind that 2 sway controls are recommended for any trailers that are 26 ft or longer and/or for trailers that weigh over 6,000 lbs. We offer many weight distribution systems that include sway controls for you to look at. I have attached a link to all of our weight distribution systems with sway control.

The best way to determine which weight distribution system is best for your set up is to know the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow. Once you have your tongue weight, you should choose a weight distribution system that has a tongue weight range that encompasses your trailers tongue weight.

I have attached two articles on weight distribution and tongue weight for you to review. If you can tell me the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow, then I can make a weight distribution system recommendation for you.

expert reply by: John H