Sway Control Guide — Trailer Sway Prevention on PickRV

Side wind: a 30+ mph crosswind acting on the trailer's flat side creates a lateral force that the tow vehicle must counter via steering input.

Passing tractor-trailers: the air pressure differential as a tractor-trailer passes pushes the trailer first toward the truck, then away. This is the most-common sway-onset scenario.

Downhill speed: gravity-driven speed beyond 60 mph amplifies sway tendencies. Most towable trailers should not exceed 60-65 mph on a long downhill.

Cargo loading too far behind the axles: removes weight from the tongue and amplifies sway. Heavy gear should sit between or in front of the trailer's axles.

Friction-bar sway control (Reese Dual Cam, Husky Centerline) uses a friction-loaded bar between the tow vehicle and trailer to resist lateral movement.

Adjustable friction — set higher for heavier trailers, lower for lighter.

Most-common entry-level sway control. Works well below 6,000 lbs trailer GVWR.

Cam-action sway control (Equal-i-zer brand, Pro-Series Equalizer) uses internal cam mechanisms in the weight-distribution hitch to resist sway.

Higher-end option. Built into the WDH; doesn't require a separate friction bar.

Best practice for trailers over 6,000 lbs GVWR.

Do NOT steer to correct sway. Steering input amplifies sway.

Do NOT brake the tow vehicle hard. This pushes the trailer forward and worsens sway.

DO apply trailer brakes only — most brake controllers have a thumb-lever for renter-applied trailer braking. Trailer brakes pull the trailer straight from the rear.

DO ease off the throttle gradually. Reduce combined speed below 50 mph.

Pre-trip inspection: host verifies WDH adjustment, sway control engagement, and cargo loading.

Driving briefing: host covers sway awareness and the trailer-brake-only response to sway onset.

Cargo placement guidance: heavy gear between or in front of the trailer's axles.

Speed discipline: tow ratings assume 60-65 mph. Higher speed compounds every sway factor.