Preventing Swaying and Tipping in Your RV
Campers and trailers have definitely evolved over the years, and manufacturers have paid extra attention to preventing the swaying and tipping that was characteristic of older RVs. While it is almost impossible to prevent a travel trailer from swaying at all, there are steps that you can take to lessen the likelihood of your trailer swaying or tipping. At Happy Camper RV Sales in Boise, Garden City and Nampa, we serve Meridian, Idaho, and love helping our customers get into the RVs of their dreams.
What Causes Trailer Sway?
Trailer sway is often caused by heavy winds, uneven weight and balance distribution and loose hitches. Huge gusts of wind or wake turbulence from large semi-trucks can push your trailer from side to side, causing it to lose traction. Simply having it hitched to your towing vehicle is enough to cause sway---the hitch only serves as a connector and doesn't provide much stability. Finally, overloading the trailer on one side or another can result in an imbalance and a sway. The key is balancing the trailer so that the weight is balanced on both sides.
How to Prevent Sway
The best way to prevent sway is to use the manufacturer's suggested settings for towing. Use the right gear and make sure that you are using a vehicle that can accommodate your trailer's weight. Watch your speed. The faster you drive, the more likely your trailer will sway. Driving at too high a rate of speed can even cause you to tip over.
Avoid sudden maneuvers and avoid sudden braking. When going up hills or steep grades, adjust your gears as not to put too much pressure on your tires, which can lead to a blowout. Consider investing in a friction-based hitch that will control sway while still allowing you to be able to turn easily. Weight distribution hitches will help you to balance the weight evenly on your axels, helping to prevent you from swaying and tipping.
If Your Trailer Starts to Sway
While you can do everything in your power to prevent swaying, there are times when even the best prevention can't stop it from happening. If you find your trailer swaying, there are a few things you can do to get it under control. First, take your foot off the gas. Don't step on the brake and simply let the vehicles coast until you get them under control.
If the sway is caused by a large passing vehicle, keep both hands on the steering wheel to try to brace your vehicle against the wake. Finally, when you get parked, check to ensure your hitch is properly positioned.
When it comes to getting the right vehicle for your needs, Happy Camper RV in Boise, Garden City and Nampa are committed to serving your needs. We serve all of Meridian, Idaho, and can help you find the right RV for your next trip. Stop in for a test drive today.