How to Correct Fishtailing and Sway When Towing on Highway

Updated 06/23/2020 | Published 06/20/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle

(1188)

$355.18

etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity

(804)

$219.10

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(821)

$918.84

Question:

I just put air lift 5000s on my 2015 tundra. I pull a 30ft camper and im experiencing alot of fish tailing traveling the interstate. Can you give me any advice on how much pressure to run or any other suggestions?

asked by: Larry D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Air bags such as the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs # AL88299 are a great option for helping reduce sway but won't be enough to control it at highway speeds. The best way to do this by far is a weight distribution with sway control.

In order to do this though you do need to get the right system, which means you have to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded trailer plus whatever is behind the rear axle of your Tundra. The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example, if your TTW was 1,200 lbs you would want the Equal-i-zer # EQ37140ET, which is for TTW between 1,000 lbs and 1,400 lbs. If you let me know what your TTW is I would be happy to make a recommendation for you so you can get the correct system. I've also added some links to help articles which I recommend checking out.

expert reply by: Kyle S