B
B - 15
TOWING
Controlling Sway or Fishtailing
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces. It
is common for travel trailers to sway in response to strong winds or crosswinds or
when passed by or passing a semi-tractor and trailer or driving downhill.
WARNING: Excessive sway or fishtailing of your travel trailer can lead
to the rollover of the trailer and tow vehicle. Serious injury or death can occur. It is
important that you read and understand the information in this section.
Sway or fishtailing of your recreation vehicle can be controlled and is primarily
impacted by four factors:
· Equipment
· Tongue weight
· Driving
· Corrective measures
Equipment – When hitched together, the trailer and the tow vehicle must be level.
The tires of both the trailer and tow vehicle should be in good condition and inflated
to the pressure recommended as noted on the exterior of the trailer and in the
owner’s manuals of the trailer and tow vehicle.
Your trailer brakes should work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes.
Never use your tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Your
brake controller must be set up according to the manufacturer’s specifications to
ensure proper synchronization between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Additionally,
you may have to make small adjustments occasionally to accommodate changing
loads and driving conditions.
Also, we recommend a friction sway damper or hitch with built-in sway control be
provided for your unit. Please consult your dealer regarding this equipment, as the
RV manufacturer does not provide sway control devices.
Tongue weight
– The tongue weight should be between 10% to 15% of the total
travel trailer weight. See specification section of this manual regarding the proper
weight distribution of your recreation vehicle.
Driving – This is the most important component. The tendency for the vehicle to
sway increases with speed therefore, obey all speed limits and reduce speed during
inclement weather or windy conditions.
Corrective measures – If sway occurs the following techniques should be used:
1. Slow down immediately, remove your foot from the accelerator. Avoid using
the tow vehicle brakes unless there is a danger of collision. Reduce speed gradu-
ally whenever possible. If you can do so safely, use the brake hand controller
(independent of the tow vehicle brakes) to gently and progressively apply the trailer
brakes. This will help to keep the vehicles aligned. Practice using the brake hand
controller on a deserted parking lot. Don’t wait until an emergency occurs before
using it. Location of the brake hand controller is important and should be made easily
accessible.
2. Steer as little as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle. Because of
natural reaction lag time, quick steering movements to counter trailer sway will actu-
ally cause increased sway and loss of control. Keep both hands on the wheel. Hold
the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained.
3. Do not jam on the brakes or attempt to press on the accelerator to speed your way
out of the fishtailing. Both actions make the situation worse and could cause severe
injury or death.
4. Once the swaying is under control, stop as soon as possible. Check tire pres-
sures, cargo weight distribution and look for any signs of mechanical failure. Travel
at reduced speeds that permit full control until the problem can be identified and
corrected.
