How To Stop Your Caravan Swaying - Video

1. What causes caravan sway?

This article is the second in a series. If you have not read How To Choose The Right Weight Distribution Hitch, start there first, as correct weight distribution solves many sway problems.

If you are already using a suitably rated weight distribution hitch, the caravan is loaded correctly and it still sways, keep working through the checks below. A caravan or trailer that is prone to sway is dangerous and should be corrected before the next trip.

Watch the video above for a clear example of how poor weight distribution can lead to loss of control.

Sway can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Poor weight distribution or too much weight behind the caravan axle.
• Incorrect or uneven tyre pressure.
• Towing too fast for the conditions.
• Driving downhill too fast.
• Suspension wear, damage or poor setup.
• Side wind, bow wave or slipstream from large vehicles.
• Water tanks, toolboxes, bikes or other heavy items mounted too far rearward.
• A tow vehicle and caravan combination that is badly matched for weight, length or stability.

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2. What to do if sway starts

There are ways to reduce sway once it has started, but they will not always work if speed, road conditions, load position and surrounding traffic are against the driver. Treat sway as a warning sign, not just an uncomfortable towing habit.

• Hold the steering wheel steady and avoid sharp steering corrections.
• Do not brake the tow vehicle hard unless you must avoid an immediate collision.
• If your brake controller allows it, manually apply the trailer brakes to help pull the caravan straight.
• Ease off the accelerator and let the speed come down gradually.
• If you are going downhill, slow down early and use a lower gear before speed builds up.
• Pull over when safe and check loading, tyres, hitch setup and anything that may have shifted.

If sway keeps happening, do not keep driving and hope a sway control device will hide the problem. Find and fix the cause first.

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3. Check loading and setup first

Sway control products can help, but they are not a substitute for a correctly loaded caravan and a suitable tow vehicle. Start with the basics before fitting extra hardware.

• Keep heavy items low and close to the caravan axle where practical.
• Avoid loading heavy gear at the very rear of the caravan.
• Remember that water is heavy: 1 litre is about 1 kg. A rear-mounted water tank can change the balance noticeably when full.
• Check that tyre pressures match the load and are even side to side.
• Check suspension, wheel bearings, coupling condition and the tow vehicle rear suspension.
• Make sure the loaded caravan and tow vehicle are within their rated limits.

Large trucks can also unsettle a caravan as they pass. Give yourself room, keep your speed sensible, and be ready for the bow wave and slipstream from heavy vehicles.

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4. Friction sway control

Friction sway controls are available from Reese and EAZ Lift. Because the mounting and hardware differ, match the sway control to the hitch system you are using.

These attach to the hitch and the side of the caravan or trailer A-frame. They cannot be used with mechanical override brakes because they restrict movement between the tow hitch and the trailer, which can reduce the effectiveness of override brakes.

A friction sway control uses a flat steel bar sliding between friction pads, similar to brake pads. The pads can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance. As the caravan starts to move side to side, the bar has to slide through the pads, slowing the movement before sway can build.

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5. Reese Dual Cam sway control

The Reese Dual Cam sway control is made for Reese hitches that have the cam profile at the end of the spring bars. It works by encouraging each cam to centre itself in the profile of the spring bars. It is called Dual Cam because there is one cam on each side of the A-frame.

Once installed, there is no extra adjustment required each time you hook up. These are well suited to heavier ball weights because they keep trying to hold the caravan or trailer directly behind the tow vehicle.

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6. AL-KO AKS coupling

The AL-KO AKS system is not an add-on friction arm. It is built into the coupling. Most couplings are designed to allow free rotation around the tow ball or hitch pin. The AKS coupling clamps over a special tow ball with enough pressure to reduce the ease of rotation.

If a normal tow ball was used this way, cornering could try to turn the tow ball and loosen the nut. The AKS tow ball uses a retention plate to stop the ball rotating, which helps prevent it becoming loose.

These systems are only suitable for caravans up to the rated limit of the coupling. Check the current product specifications and your caravan's loaded weight before choosing a coupling or sway control system.