Preventing Trailer Sway: How Sway Control Bars Help

Mainline Truck Team • April 13, 2023

Trailer sway can be a terrifying experience for any driver hauling a trailer behind their truck. It's a common problem that can occur when a trailer begins to sway back and forth uncontrollably. Sway can be caused by a variety of factors such as wind, passing vehicles, or sudden lane changes. Let’s explore what causes sway, how to prevent it, and how weight distribution systems and sway control bars can help with trailer sway control.


What Causes Sway?


Trailer sway is caused by a combination of factors, including the weight distribution of the trailer, wind, speed, and the type of road surface. When the trailer's weight is not evenly distributed, it can cause the trailer to sway back and forth, making it difficult to control. Wind gusts can also play a significant role in causing trailer sway. The faster you drive, the more susceptible your trailer is to sway. The type of road surface can also cause sway, as rough roads can make it difficult to control the trailer.


How Can I Prevent Sway?


Preventing trailer sway starts with proper loading and weight distribution. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed in the trailer and that the tongue weight is between 10-15% of the trailer's weight. You should also make sure the load is properly secured and that you're not exceeding the trailer's weight capacity.


Another way to prevent sway is to reduce your speed. The faster you go, the more likely your trailer is to sway. Slow down, especially when driving in high winds or on rough roads. It's also important to avoid sudden lane changes or sharp turns, as these can cause the trailer to sway.


How Do Weight Distribution Systems and Sway Control Bars Help?


Weight distribution systems and sway control bars can help prevent trailer sway by redistributing the weight of the trailer and providing additional stability.


A weight distribution system uses spring bars to transfer the weight of the trailer from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle and the axles of the trailer. This helps to balance the weight and reduce the amount of sway.


Sway control bars
, also known as anti-sway bars, attach to the trailer's frame and the tow vehicle's hitch. They work by applying resistance to the trailer's movements, reducing sway.


Schedule a Service at Mainline RV & Truck Service for Trailer Sway Control Solutions


If you're looking for reliable and effective solutions to prevent trailer sway, Mainline RV & Truck Service has got you covered. We offer a wide range of high-quality products that can help improve the safety and stability of your towing experience.


Mainline RV & Truck Service
also offers sway control bars from trusted brands. These anti-sway bars attach to your trailer's frame and hitch, providing additional stability and reducing the amount of sway. They come in a range of sizes and capacities, so you can find the right one for your trailer.


Get in touch
with us to schedule a service today.

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