Controlling Sway Stresses Trailer Frame?
Let's say I have a travel trailer with a BAD sway problem. Rather than fix the problem, I decide to "fix" the problem with a Propride or Hensley. Even though the trailer is now "fine," underneath a...
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I find it necessary to disagree with that statement. I had just such a trailer!
It was home-made, and improperly built. I tried a couple of times to load that thing so that it would not sway. Nothing I could do worked. It would begin to oscillate side to side in ever increasing arcs. Luckily, I managed to slow down and get the rotten thing under control every time (it did not have brakes). I had to use it for two trips, and then I sold it. I advised the buyer that it absolutely had to be rebuilt before taking it over 40 MPH! I hope he did!
IMO, a properly built, properly loaded trailer, with the proper tires inflated to the proper pressure, should not sway. If it does, find out why, and FIX IT!
Then, and only then, if it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling to have it, get the sway control gadget.
As for stress on the trailer frame, of course it does. Anytime metal flexes, it causes stress. It is just the nature of the stuff!
It was home-made, and improperly built. I tried a couple of times to load that thing so that it would not sway. Nothing I could do worked. It would begin to oscillate side to side in ever increasing arcs. Luckily, I managed to slow down and get the rotten thing under control every time (it did not have brakes). I had to use it for two trips, and then I sold it. I advised the buyer that it absolutely had to be rebuilt before taking it over 40 MPH! I hope he did!
IMO, a properly built, properly loaded trailer, with the proper tires inflated to the proper pressure, should not sway. If it does, find out why, and FIX IT!
Then, and only then, if it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling to have it, get the sway control gadget.
As for stress on the trailer frame, of course it does. Anytime metal flexes, it causes stress. It is just the nature of the stuff!
