Recommendation To Reduce 5th Wheel Trailer Sway

Updated 06/02/2017 | Published 06/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5115)

$1099.00

RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit - Heavy Duty

(597)

$589.00

Question:

I have a 33ft rock wood ultra lite camper being pulled by a 2016 f-350 fx4 using the companion hitch. My question is when I pulled it this last week the trailer was swaying a lot. I have not had this issue in previous 5th wheels. The companion has 3 different heights and two different angles. I have it on the middle height and furthest from can. My truck has had the front end leveled. What can I do to prevent the sway, change positions, height etc, was really scary pulling.

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

If you are not pulling the trailer level, I recommend making that adjustment. This may mean adjusting your king pin on your 33 foot Rockwood Ultra Lite Camper or adjusting the height on your Companion 5th wheel hitch # BWRVK3500-5W. It would definitely be worth moving the angle closer to your cab because that will put a little more weigh over your axle in your 2016 Ford F-350. Having the tongue too high can cause the trailer to move and sway, but you may also want to consider using rear suspension enhancement on your truck to give additional stability for your trailer.

For your rear suspension, I recommend using the RoadActive Suspension Kit # RAS3611-SHD. This system improves stability, handling and control. This mechanically active system eliminates axle wrap and wheel hop. This will reduce some of the sway and body roll in your truck and ultimately in your trailer and will also reduce your fatigue when driving. Once installed there is no adjustment needed.

The only other recommendation I can make is to ensure that you are balancing your cargo within the trailer and putting more weight toward the tongue and over the axle.

expert reply by: Jason S