What Could Cause Sway on Trailer After Pulling it Out of Storage

Question:

I have a 34foot Heartland Trail Runner 29MSB travel trailer with a GRVW of 9000#. I pull the camper with a 2016 F150, which the truck pulls the camper no problem. I bought the camper brand new and never had any issues with trailer sway until this year 2021. Since I have gotten the camper out of storage this year I have had issues with trailer sway since. I still have the original tires on the camper. I have always checked the air pressure every time I pull the unit to make sure it is at the correct PSI. Also the camper is stored in my shed when we are not camping. Can old tires cause trailer sway and if so is it due to the side walls of the tire getting weak.

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wouldn't say it's impossible for trailer tire age to cause sway like you described but I also wouldn't say it's likely. Did anything change on your truck? Different tire? Lift kit? Suspension changes in any way?

If the trailer is sitting level and has tongue weight between 10 and 15 percent of the total trailer weight you shouldn't be having sway like this. Also check to make sure the trailer suspension isn't broken. Sometimes broken or worn out springs/components will cause sway.

expert reply by: Jameson C