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Yaw, more commonly known as sway in the RV industry, is a bad word for
trailer owners. The definition of yaw or trailer sway is a side-to-side
fishtailing movement. Nothing will ruin the way you feel about camping
faster than the first time you encounter this unpleasant situation.
Sway becomes an automatic factor with travel trailers and pop-ups
simply because of how the trailer is hitched to the tow vehicle. It
creates a pendulum affect. Some of the causes for trailer sway are:
--First and foremost poor trailer design contributes to trailer sway.
When there is too much weight behind the trailers axles causing the
tongue weight to be less than 10% of the trailers weight it has a
natural tendency to sway.
--Incorrect tire inflation.
--Improper weight distribution hitch adjustments.
--No sway control on the trailer.
--Crosswinds
--A transfer truck passing from the rear of the trailer.
--Descending inclines.
--Towing speeds and hitch weight.
--Tow vehicle not properly matched for the trailer.
--Improper loading, overloading and poor weight distribution.
Knowing how to react when a trailer begins to sway can be the
difference between your safety and disaster. To learn more about
controlling trailer sway check out my “Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing DVD” and e-book.
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