Toy Hauler Sway Control Tips
With the weather getting warmer, this is the perfect time to take your toy hauler out with the family and your favorite powersports vehicles for fun and thrilling camping experiences. However, these large recreational vehicles are vulnerable to strong winds and the drag other motorists on the road can cause, which can lead to sway. Swaying is a hazardous situation that can lead to accidents, and learning how to avoid it can save lives. We want to make sure you’re as safe as possible, so we’ve put together some of our best tips to help you prevent your toy hauler from swaying.
Weight Distribution and Balance
One of the simplest ways to prevent sway is to make sure you’re following good towing practices. Firstly, no part of your towing unit should be overloaded, which includes your tow vehicle, toy hauler, and hitch. Check and compare limits with your owner’s manuals and make sure you’re not in danger of putting too much strain on your vehicles. To make sure you’re following these regulations, consider stopping by the closest weigh station after loading your camper. This will let you know if you’re in the clear or need to make some adjustments.
Poor weight distribution can create an even bigger sway risk, and that’s especially true with a toy hauler. If it’s incorrectly loaded, even a slight wind can cause your rig to fishtail. Your powersports vehicles should be evenly distributed in the garage area because uneven weight distribution can lead to tire blowouts.
Friction Sway Control Device
A good way to stop sway is to install a friction sway control device near the hitch to counteract sway as it starts to happen. You can invest in different devices depending on the size of your toy hauler, so take the time to research your options to ensure you’re getting what you need.
Winds and Drafts
Crosswinds are one of the most common causes of toy hauler sway and these can come from the natural gusts around your vehicle, or it can be the draft of passing cars. Either way, they can make your camper unstable. If you feel you’re starting to get pushed around, keep driving straight and do your best to guide your towing unit down the middle of the lane.
If you’re planning to travel through an area that’s received a high wind advisory, consider avoiding that scenario by choosing an alternate route for the day or pulling off until the storm passes. If there’s an unexpected wind storm, consider pulling off the road and waiting it out.
Keeping sway under control isn’t just about protecting you and your family, it’s also about protecting other commuters. That’s why it’s important to take sway safety and other safe driving practices so seriously. If you need additional advice, or if you’re still looking for the perfect toy hauler for your family, stop by White Sands RV in Summerdale, AL, and let our experienced staff know how we can help you. We proudly serve all those in Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.