Could New Tires on Tow Vehicle Cause Trailer to Sway

Published 10/16/2018

Question:

We have the Eaz-Lift Weight Distro and Sway system. Weve towed two travel trailers with this system and same tow vehicle with no problems. We put on new tires BFG LT KO2, 10 ply on tow vehicle - these tires have a much thicker tread compared to our last tires passenger rated. We towed travel trailer for the first time with new tires and swayed all over the place. We lowered the tire air pressure and didnt notice much of a difference. We posted some questions on our travel trailer model FB page and heard from many others that have no problems towing with these same tires, also on half-ton trucks and similar travel trailers. Normally we have three links hanging on the chain which was fine before the new tires, we experimented yesterday with four links hanging thinking that we needed more tension and didnt notice much of a difference. Could the new tires, with stiffer side walls have brought the tongue up slightly higher to cause that much sway? Maybe we should try two links hanging which will lower the tongue a full chain length from what we would normally have it set - thoughts?

asked by: KAT

Expert Reply:

The amount of spring bar tension you use should be based on the instructions for setting up the weight distribution system. We don't carry the EAZ systems but you'll need to follow the setup instructions for the system you have. Normall sway is due to not enough tongue weight on the trailer. Have you tried moving cargo forward in the trailer? If the tread of the tires are very tall it's possible you'll experience the tread basically folding over to either side when towing due to the extra weight. I experienced this in a buddy's truck after he put new tires on it and went to tow his boat trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C