Question Was Asked By - Mark

What Do I Need to Stop Excessive Trailer Sway on a 4,500 Pound Trailer Behind a 1994 Chevy Suburban

Question:

I just purchased a new Fleetwood tent trailer with a tandem axle. The trailer is 16 and weighs approx. 4,400lbs. I pull it with a 1994 Suburban. Im having problems with swaying anytime I reach 60 to 65 mph. I purchased a sway bar which makes some difference but not enough. I emptied the holding tanks eliminated any weight in the rear of the trailer but still have the problem. My Suburban does have some play in the steering column is it possible my front end of the Suburban is the problem? The tires on the Suburban are less than 6 months old.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

It sounds as if you have already taken care of a few issues that can cause excessive trailer sway. Eliminating some of the weight on the rear of the trailer can certainly help. You will also want to make sure your trailer is as level as possible when towing. Move as much weight as possible forward of the trailer axles. The ideal weight distribution would be 60 percent on the front, and 40 percent on the rear. If all this is taken care of, and you still experience trailer sway, you will have to get a more aggressive sway control system.

Having a weight distribution system can also help improve the steering, braking, and handling performance of your vehicle by distributing some of the tongue weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle, evening out your ride height. It sounds as if your trailer has a tongue weight somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 lbs. For a trailer such as yours, I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Hitch, part # RP66072. This system combines a weight distribution system with the most aggressive anti-sway system offered. The Dual Cam High Performance Sway Control system will stop trailer sway before it can occur.

expert reply by: Mike

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