Keep Your Vehicle & Trailer in Line with Sway Control
Towing a trailer will automatically impact your vehicle's handling. Adding weight and volume naturally changes your vehicle's balance, which can result in what we call "trailer sway." This occurs when the trailer moves from side to side, triggered by outside factors like crosswinds, uneven roads, poor tire pressure, construction or sudden maneuvers.
When trailer sway becomes severe, it can lead to dangerous situations. Trailer sway makes it challenging to control the vehicle and puts everyone on the road at risk. Fortunately, a sway control unit can help keep your vehicle and trailer aligned, enhancing safety and stability.
What Is Sway Control?
A sway control unit is designed to keep your trailer in line with your vehicle. It works by using friction to resist the pivotal moment that causes the trailer to sway in the first place. It reduces the back-and-forth motion that can occur while towing, helping the trailer follow the path of your vehicle without veering.
Friction-based systems are most effective for smaller to medium-sized trailers, such as travel trailers, small boats, and utility trailers. Here at Southside Hitch, we offer two types of sway control kits from trusted brands. These kits are compatible with a variety of weight distribution hitches. Typically attached between the trailer frame and the hitch, the kit will apply pressure to counteract sway.
Our sway control kits include everything needed for installation, including a sway bar, ball, ball plate and necessary hardware. Our team of experts can help you install the unit at our shop or give you professional tips to do it yourself at home.
Why You Need Sway Control
When towing, the trailer's weight places extra strain on your vehicle, affecting how it maneuvers and responds to steering, braking and accelerating. Sway control helps maintain stability by reducing the risk of the trailer swinging unpredictably. This safety feature is particularly useful for:
- Strong winds: One sudden burst of wind can push your trailer side-to-side. Sway control minimizes the trailer's reaction, keeping it in line with your vehicle.
- Sudden maneuvers: Whether you need to swerve to avoid an obstacle, pass by a large semi-truck or need to change lanes quickly, sway control can help prevent the trailer from swaying too aggressively, improving overall handling.
- Uneven Roads: Rough or uneven surfaces can destabilize the trailer. This often occurs on roads undergoing heavy construction or those that have recently experienced damage and severe weather. If you travel down country roads more often, you'll also be more exposed to uneven gravel and potholes. A sway control system reduces the impact, helping to keep the trailer steady.
Investing in Sway Control for Safety
Sway control is more than an accessory--it's an essential tool for safe towing. A sway control kit reduces the risk of accidents caused by trailer sway, keeping you, your passengers and other drivers on the road safer. It also enhances comfort and confidence while towing, as you won't have to constantly adjust for trailer movement.
Regarding towing, stability is key, and sway control can make all the difference. Whether you're hauling a small boat, an RV, or a large trailer with livestock, Southside Hitch can provide you with trusted sway control kits to fit your vehicle and towing needs. Invest in sway control for a safer, smoother towing experience. Protect your investment (and others on the road) on every journey you take.