How to Reduce Trailer Sway When Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 10/15/2018 | Published 10/13/2018

Question:

I hav 04 Ram 2500 4x4 with Air Lift air bags and haul heavy 5th wheel camper do u hav something to fix axle whip

asked by: Darren C

Expert Reply:

I believe you are referring to your 5th wheel trailer swaying by the "axle whip" term you were using.

If you have electric brakes then we do have the electric sway control unit # 335TSC-1000 from Tuson which is compatible with trailer that have up to 4 axles. Aside from this there isn't really anything you can add to your 5th wheel trailer to reduce the sway but I do have some pointers that you can follow.

Start off by making sure your 5th wheel trailer is evenly loaded side-to-side and that you have a pin weight (sometimes called tongue weight) is about 20% of the weight of the loaded trailer. If you are unsure of your pin weight then you can find it by going to a commercial scale and weighing your pickup without the trailer connected. Then connected your trailer and weigh your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 only. This will let you know how much pin weight you have.

If all of that looks good then you can also reduce your speed on the highway and make sure that your trailer tires are filled to the psi on the sidewall. Make sure your suspension is in good working order too.

The other thing you can check is that you 5th wheel trailer is actually level as well because this can affect trailer sway. Attached is a picture showing the distances that we recommend maintaining between your 5th wheel trailer and your pickup when leveling it.

expert reply by: Jon G