What Will Actually Help Persistent Trailer Sway When Towing

Question:

I tow a Sportsman 245 travel trailer with a gross weight of #7000. My truck is a 2020 F150 4x4 3.5 eco boost. It is super cab with 5-1/2’bed. I am using a chain style weight distribution hitch. My big problem is sway. It can be horrible at times. I am thinking of going to a Curt tru-track WDH. Would the Timbren system also help with sway? Or do I need both?

asked by: John J

Expert Reply:

The biggest causes of persistent trailer sway are improper trailer loading where there isn't enough tongue weight relative to total trailer weight (it needs to be 10-15 percent of total weight) and/or the trailer not sitting level when towing. If the nose of the trailer is up high this very easily causes sway. First thing I would try is see if you can move any weight forward in your trailer and also verify your trailer is sitting level. I attached a help article on picking out a correct ball mount to allow a trailer to sit level as well.

They type of sway you have cannot be fixed with a different weight distribution system or suspension enhancement. Those things will help sway that starts from high winds or passing semis but will not really affect persistent sway.

expert reply by: Jameson C