Trailer Sway: What is it? And How Can You Prevent It?

There is a certain level of additional skill and care that goes into driving once you have a trailer hooked to your vehicle. For many who have the experience behind them, pulling a trailer will feel like second nature, but for many, especially those who are new or have minimal experience, paying attention to your trailer will require some extra care to ensure the safety of you, your vehicle, and those around you.

One of the main concerns that can appear when navigating the streets with a trailer is trailer sway, and if this is something you’re experiencing, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a common issue with trailer users, and thankfully, that means there are ways to handle it.

At Big Man Trailer Co, we offer a wide selection of quality galvanised trailers for Australian drivers. Naturally, that means we get asked a lot of questions by new trailer owners about how to best use their new investment. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the big questions we receive and the steps you can take to take the stress out of your journeys. So, what is trailer sway, and how can you prevent it as a trailer owner?

So, What is Trailer Sway?

It’s a situation that would give any driver anxiety: You’re on the road, pulling your trailer, and suddenly you start to notice that your trailer is swaying back and forth dangerously. This can get worse over time, leading to a fishtail effect, and poses a considerable concern to both you and those around you. This is what we refer to as “trailer sway”, and it’s more common than you may initially think.

What Causes Trailer Sway?

The sway of the trailer can be a natural result of how a trailer is connected to a vehicle. After all, your trailer is experiencing any and all movements that your vehicle is experiencing, but unlike your vehicle, it doesn’t have the same navigation control when shifting and turning. So, if a trailer gets knocked to the side and swerves back to correct itself into place, it can lead to a compounding movement that gets more intense.

With that said, the main cause isn’t often how you’re driving but what you’re driving through. Some of the more common causes of trailer sway include:

• Strong gusts of wind
• Uneven roads and surfaces
• Icy roads
• Downhill areas
• Sudden knocks or debris

That’s not to say that you have no control over trailer sway, however, as there are several things that need to be considered when driving with a trailer to avoid causing trailer sway. For example, excessive or sudden changes in speed can jostle the trailer in a way that leads to swaying as the trailer fails to turn to smooth movements. The same can also be said for sharp turns, which can cause skidding and other dangers too if the trailer’s weight and size aren’t accounted for.

What Can You Do To Prevent Trailer Swaying?

When driving, remember to take your trailer into account regarding how it will be impacted by the movements of your vehicle. This means making sure that you are easing into turns, stops, and changes in speed more than you may otherwise need to. Additionally, it’s important that you consider how your trailer is packed prior to driving.

A significant difference in weight from side to side of your trailer will increase the chances that your trailer will move to a certain side as you drive. This also goes for tying down your items correctly, as shifting items within your trailer can lead to more force being put into turns and movements than expected.

Finally, ensure that you are paying attention to your vehicle’s maximum towing weight and the intended towing weight of your trailer itself. Excessive weight can lead to a pendulum effect while moving, as well as several other concerns that pose a danger to you and your fellow drivers.

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Safe driving is an absolutely essential, especially when you’re pulling a trailer. By ensuring that your trailer has been packed with maneuvering in mind and by driving carefully to prevent sudden shifts that could impact trailer sway, you should be ready to go.

Want to learn more about trailer safety? Want to find out more trailer tips and tricks from a professional in the field? Stay up-to-date with the Big Man Trailer Co trailer blog for more news, information, and manufacturer’s tips!